Swarna Tamrakar

Agni Upadhayay

Nikesh Balami

Pratigya Bashyal

Gargi Nepal

Alish Gurung

Astha Chaudhary

Kabita Shrestha

Navina Gyawali

Pawan Poudel

Prakash Lamichhane

<h4><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">The </span><u style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204); background-color: transparent;"><a href="https://nusan.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Nepal–U.S. Alumni Network (NUSAN)</a></u><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;"> is a vibrant and growing community of U.S. Exchange Alumni and U.S. Graduate Alumni who have studied, trained, or participated in professional programs in the United States and returned to Nepal. These alumni bring back valuable knowledge, skills, networks, and global perspectives that contribute meaningfully to their communities and to Nepal’s broader social and economic development - </span><em style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">while also strengthening people-to-people ties between Nepal and the United States</em><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">.</span></h4><h6><br></h6><h4><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">NUSAN serves as a national platform that connects alumni across sectors, geographies, and generations. Through programs, events, and collaborative initiatives such as the Alumni Small Grants (ASG), Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund (AEIF), Entrepreneur Mela, Heritage Walk, and more, the network enables alumni to engage with one another, expand professional opportunities, and contribute collectively to positive change.</span></h4><h6><br></h6><h2><strong style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Why Life Membership Matters</strong></h2><h4><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">As a member-based organization, NUSAN relies on membership contributions as a key source of institutional support. Among the different forms of engagement, </span><strong style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Life Membership plays a critical role in ensuring the organization’s long-term sustainability, stability, and independence.</strong></h4><h6><br></h6><h4><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">As of December 2025, NUSAN is supported by 33 Life Members who have demonstrated a long-term commitment to strengthening the alumni network. Their contributions enable the Secretariat to plan beyond short-term cycles, invest in alumni engagement initiatives, expand provincial and thematic programs, and maintain strong governance and operational continuity.</span></h4><h6><br></h6><h4><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Life Membership offers U.S. Exchange and Graduate Alumni a meaningful opportunity to contribute to NUSAN’s future in a lasting way and to champion the transformation of </span><strong style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;"><em>brain drain into brain gain</em></strong><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">. It reflects not only financial support but also a shared responsibility to nurture an inclusive, active, and resilient alumni community. Becoming a Life Member is more than a one-time contribution; </span><strong style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">it is an investment in the future of NUSAN and the generations of alumni it will continue to serve</strong><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">.</span></h4><h6><br></h6><h2><strong style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Benefits of Becoming a Life Member</strong></h2><h4><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">As a </span><strong style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Life Member of the NUSAN</strong><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">, alumni play a direct role in strengthening the organization’s sustainability while gaining access to enhanced engagement and leadership opportunities. Key benefits include:</span></h4><h4>👉 <u style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Recognition and Certification</u><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">: Life Members will receive special recognition and certification during NUSAN’s Annual General Meeting (AGM), acknowledging their long-term commitment to the network.</span></h4><h4>👉 <u style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Exclusive Invitations</u><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">: Priority invitations to selected alumni engagement programs, activities, and events organized by NUSAN, including those supported by the U.S. Embassy.</span></h4><h4>👉 <u style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Expanded Networking Opportunities</u><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">: Access to national and cross-border engagement platforms such as talk sessions, seminars, workshops, and provincial programs—connecting Life Members with alumni across Nepal and internationally.</span></h4><h4>👉 <u style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Leadership and Mentorship Roles</u><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">: Opportunities to actively contribute through NUSAN’s Knowledge Series, podcasts, sub-committees, mentorship programs, and thematic initiatives.</span></h4><h4>👉 <u style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">One-Time Contribution, Lifetime Benefits</u><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">: Life Membership requires no renewal. Members pay once and enjoy lifetime access to benefits and engagement opportunities.</span></h4><h6><br></h6><h2><strong style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Life Membership Fee and Application Process</strong></h2><h3><strong style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;"><u>Membership Fee</u></strong></h3><h4><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">To become a Life Member, eligible U.S. Exchange Alumni and U.S. Graduate Alumni are required to make </span><strong style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">a one-time contribution of NPR 10,000/-</strong><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">, granting lifetime membership with no renewal requirement.</span></h4><h6><br></h6><h3><strong style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;"><u>How to Apply</u></strong></h3><h4><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Both U.S. Exchange Alumni and U.S. Graduate Alumni are eligible to become Life Members, and the process is simple:</span></h4><h4>👉 <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">New applicants can register online via the membership form: </span><u style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204); background-color: transparent;"><a href="https://nusan.org/register" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://nusan.org/register</a></u></h4><h4>👉 <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Existing members may directly contact the NUSAN Secretariat at: </span><u style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204); background-color: transparent;"><a href="mailto:info@nusan.org" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">info@nusan.org</a></u><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;"> | </span><u style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204); background-color: transparent;"><a href="mailto:membership@nusan.org" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">membership@nusan.org</a></u><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;"> | 9866840854 | 9767984188</span></h4><h6><br></h6><h2><strong style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">A Call to Strengthen NUSAN’s Future</strong></h2><h4><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">By becoming a Life Member, you help ensure that NUSAN remains a strong, independent, and sustainable platform, </span><em style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">capable of serving alumni today and for generations to come. </em><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Your contribution directly supports alumni engagement, institutional continuity, and the expansion of impactful programs across Nepal.</span></h4><h6><br></h6><h4><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">We invite you to join us in strengthening the Nepal–U.S. Alumni Network, not just as a member, but as a long-term partner in its mission and future.</span></h4>

Becoming a Life Member Today: Strengthening the Nepal–U.S. Alumni Network for Generations

<h4>The Nepal-U.S. Alumni Network (NUSAN) is delighted to announce the official inclusion of <strong>U.S. Graduate Alumni </strong>as members of our growing alumni community. This milestone, made possible through the recent amendment to the NUSAN Statute (Bidhan), marks a significant expansion of our network and reinforces our mission to strengthen connections among U.S. Government (USG) Exchange Alumni and U.S. Graduates across Nepal. With this inclusion, NUSAN is opening new doors for collaboration, mentorship, and leadership development—building bridges that foster the enduring partnership between Nepal and the United States.</h4><h6><br></h6><h3><strong>Who Are the U.S. Graduate Alumni?</strong></h3><h4>According to the <strong>NUSAN Membership &amp; Management Guidelines 2025</strong>, U.S. Graduate Alumni are individuals who have:</h4><h4>👉 Earned academic degrees from U.S. universities.</h4><h4>👉 Completed formal or informal educational programs (lasting 90 days or more) entirely in the United States, or</h4><h4>👉 Been sponsored by U.S. institutions for professional or academic development programs.</h4><h4>This recognition ensures that Nepali graduates of U.S. institutions can now formally join NUSAN’s vibrant community of leaders, innovators, and changemakers.</h4><h6><br></h6><h3><strong>Eligibility Criteria for NUSAN Membership</strong></h3><h4>To become an official NUSAN member, U.S. Graduate Alumni must:</h4><h4>👉 Be at least 18 years old and hold Nepali citizenship.</h4><h4>👉 Have completed formal or informal education programs in the United States.</h4><h4>👉 Reside in Nepal after completing their studies.</h4><h4>👉 Submit proof of education (<em>degree or certificate</em>).</h4><h4>👉 Pay the applicable membership fee based on their chosen category.</h4><h4>👉 Not hold dual citizenship or permanent residency in another country.</h4><h6><br></h6><h3><strong>Membership Categories &amp; Fees</strong></h3><h4>NUSAN offers three types of membership for U.S. Graduate Alumni:</h4><h4>👉 General Members: To become a General Member, U.S. Graduate Alumni are required to pay Rs. 900 as the membership fee and Rs. 100 as a one-time registration fee. This membership must be renewed annually with a renewal fee of Rs. 500 to maintain active status.</h4><h4>👉 Life Members: To become a Life Member, U.S. Graduate Alumni must pay a one-time membership fee of Rs. 10,000, which grants lifetime membership with no renewal required.</h4><h4>👉 Honorary Members: U.S. Graduate Alumni who hold a reputable position in society and are recommended by the Executive Committee may become Honorary Members, subject to final approval by the Annual General Meeting (AGM).</h4><h6><br></h6><h3><strong>Benefits of Membership</strong></h3><h4>By joining NUSAN, U.S. Graduate Alumni gain access to a vibrant community and valuable opportunities, including:</h4><h4>👉 Exclusive Invitations: Participation in alumni engagement events organized by NUSAN and the U.S. Embassy in Nepal.</h4><h4>👉 Professional Development: Access to workshops, training, and grant opportunities that foster leadership and career growth.</h4><h4>👉 Voting and Leadership Eligibility: After six months of membership, members can vote in NUSAN elections and stand as candidates for the Executive Committee</h4><h4>👉 Networking Opportunities: Connect with U.S. alumni across Nepal and collaborate on initiatives that strengthen U.S.–Nepal relations.</h4><h6><br></h6><h3><strong>How to Apply for Membership</strong></h3><h4>Becoming a member is simple! U.S. Graduate Alumni can register online by completing the membership form available at: <a href="https://nusan.org/register" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://nusan.org/register</a></h4><h4><em>Once registered, applications will undergo verification based on eligibility and submitted documents. Approved applicants will receive confirmation and payment instructions to complete the membership process.</em></h4><h6><br></h6><h3><strong>Join the Network</strong></h3><h4>The inclusion of U.S. Graduate Alumni into NUSAN represents a new chapter in our shared commitment to learning, leadership, and collaboration. Together, we can strengthen alumni engagement and contribute to Nepal’s social and professional growth while deepening ties with the United States. Become a member today and be part of a community that inspires change and drives impact!</h4>

Expanding Our Alumni Family: Welcoming U.S. Graduate Alumni to the Nepal-U.S. Alumni Network (NUSAN)

The [Nepal-U.S. Alumni Network (NUSAN)](https://nusan.org/) is thrilled to announce the recipients of the [Alumni Small Grant (ASG) 2025](https://nusan.org/news/call-for-alumni-small-grants-asg-2025-proposal), an exciting opportunity designed for U.S. Government (USG) Exchange Alumni to enhance their professional skills while driving meaningful impact in their communities. The ASG 2025 program supports innovative, community-driven projects aligned with the thematic areas of combating illegal immigration, creating job opportunities, and enhancing entrepreneurial skills. This year, we received **35 impressive applications** from across all seven provinces of Nepal.

After a competitive selection process, one winner from each province has been selected to receive funding for their outstanding project ideas.

##### **Meet the ASG 2025 Grant Winners by Province:**
### 📍 **Bagmati Province**
* Santona Malakar (*IVLP-2024*) and Nabina Gyawali (*UGRAD-2014/15*)
* **चुलोको युवा-उज्यालो / Chulo ko Yuwa - Ujyalo:** By providing a platform to gain the essential knowledge of culinary, the project aims to empower the youth by providing training on culinary skills to become future entrepreneurs.
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### 📍 **Gandaki Province**
* Bhawana Bhandari (*CEE-2023*) and Prakriti Dhakal (*CEE-2022*)
* **उद्यम Shala: Enhancing Entrepreneurial Acumen:** The project aims to formalize and empower youth-led e-commerce ventures through the enhancement of entrepreneurial skills and awareness on law and technology.
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### 📍 **Karnali Province**
* Susmita Giri (*IVLP-2023*)
* **Lead with Language: English for Future Entrepreneurs:** By focusing on the significance of the English language, the project aims to provide practical English language training to bachelor-level students and prepare them to confidently prepare and pitch their business content in English.
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### 📍 **Koshi Province**
* Basanta Adhikari (*IVLP-2014*)
* **Educating and Empowering Students on the Values of Entrepreneurship and Economic Freedom:** By providing a platform to learn the essential entrepreneurial skills to students from government and private schools. The project focuses on empowering and supporting the students to become economically independent.

### 📍 **Lumbini Province**
* Arnab Chaudhary (*IVLP-2024*)
* **Deukhuri Udhyami Sangam (Deukhuri Entrepreneur Conclave):** By connecting the business leaders, government, and local entrepreneurs of the community. The project aims to support the youth and local entrepreneurs to showcase their businesses and raise awareness of entrepreneurship for a sustainable livelihood.
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### 📍 **Madhesh Province**
* Asish Thakur (*SUSI-2015*)
* **Shaping Youths in Entrepreneurship:** The project aims to empower local youths by transforming traditional family pickle-making skills into a source of income. Through targeted training in packaging, branding, and market readiness, young people from the community will be equipped to turn homemade pickles into sellable, professionally presented products.
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### 📍 **Sudurpaschim Province**
* Aayush Awasthi (*EIMUN-2024*) and Lal Bahadur Kunwar (*Hubert Humphrey Fellowship 2018/19*)
* **From Local to Global: Enabling Rural Producers for E-Commerce Success:** To foster local entrepreneurial growth, the project focuses on empowering youth through digital literacy. By providing training to use online platforms, the initiative seeks to help them showcase their products and expand their businesses across the nation.
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**Congratulations to all the winners!** These projects reflect the incredible potential of alumni to lead change and foster entrepreneurship, innovation, and inclusion across Nepal.

Stay tuned as we follow their journeys and celebrate their contributions to civic and economic development.

Announcing the Winners of the Alumni Small Grant (ASG) 2025 Program!

### **About Nepal-US Alumni Network (NUSAN)**
The [Nepal-U.S. Alumni Network (NUSAN)](https://nusan.org/) unites U.S. Government (USG) Exchange Alumni from diverse backgrounds to foster collaboration, leadership, and innovation. NUSAN aims to create a positive societal impact while strengthening Nepal-U.S. relations. With continued support from the U.S. Embassy in Nepal, NUSAN actively engages in initiatives focusing on alumni networking, entrepreneurship, human trafficking, and youth empowerment.
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### **What is the Alumni Small Grant (ASG) 2025?**
The **Alumni Small Grant (ASG) 2025** offers USG Exchange Alumni in Nepal the opportunity to enhance their professional skills and support the U.S. government in addressing their current priorities and policies to combat illegal immigration, create job opportunities, and enhance entrepreneurial skills in Nepal. **The ASG should empower alumni to build a strong, active network that fosters regular engagement and meaningful collaboration. It should strengthen the relationship between alumni and the U.S. government to work together on activities that address shared goals and challenges.**

Funded by the [U.S. Embassy in Kathmandu](https://np.usembassy.gov/) and administered by NUSAN, the grant directly supports the project including innovative ideas to support the community and youth-focused projects. Selected proposals will receive guidance and mentorship from the NUSAN and U.S. Embassy Nepal teams to ensure successful implementation. 

### **Themes for ASG 2025**
##### The ASG applications must include any of these themes:
> -  **Combating Illegal Immigration:** Collaborate with community leaders, educational institutions, civil society, and local government to conduct workshops on raising awareness of illegal immigration while promoting effective strategies for prevention. Conduct research or surveys to understand the root cause of illegal immigration and develop strategies or policies to overcome it.
> -  **Creating Job Opportunities:** Enhancing youth employability through U.S.-Nepal joint initiatives that expand access to jobs. This includes leadership development, vocational training, and private-sector partnerships to connect youth to employment and self-employment opportunities.
> -  **Enhancing Entrepreneurial Skills:** Supporting local entrepreneurs by strengthening digital skills and helping them reach larger markets. Through U.S.-Nepal collaboration, create platforms for networking, financial literacy, and business development. Upskilling the digital competencies for the local entrepreneurs to showcase their ventures into the larger markets. 

### **Grant Details**
> -  **Number of Grants:** Seven (one per province).
> -  **Grant Amount:** Up to USD 1,000 (*disbursed in NPR as per the prevailing exchange rate on the contract date*).
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### **Key Timeline**
> -  **Application Opens:** April 21, 2025
> -  **Application Closes:** May 15, 2025
> -  **Selected Proposals Announcement:** May 22, 2025
> -  **Grant Performance Period:** Projects must be completed by August 30, 2025.
> -  **Narrative Report Submission:** Within 20 days after project completion.
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### **Eligibility**
#### Applicants must:
>
> - Be a USG Exchange Alumni and an active member of NUSAN.
> - Submit projects aligned with ASG 2025 themes.
> - Apply as individuals or teams (the team members must be USG Exchange Alumni).
> - Submit applications in English using the provided [Google Form](https://forms.gle/8rmLWFdL6U4ubqi97) and [budget template](https://bit.ly/asg-budget).

*Important Notes: Only Nepali citizens who are USG Exchange Alumni are eligible to submit proposals. Each applicant/team may submit only one proposal; multiple submissions will result in disqualification. Priority will be given to projects demonstrating provincial-level participation and collaboration.*
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### **Application Content**
#### Proposals must include:
> - Applicant Details
> - Project Title
> - Theme Alignment
> - Statement of Problem  (maximum 150 words)
> - Project Goal and Objectives (maximum 100 words)
> - Project Activities (maximum 300 words)
> - Sustainability Plan (maximum 200 words)
> - Project Timeline (maximum 100 words)
> - Project Budget (submitted using the ASG-2025 Budget template: [https://bit.ly/asg-budget](https://bit.ly/asg-budget))
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### **Apply Now**
To apply for the ASG 2025, please use the following Google Form: [https://forms.gle/oryX8B84zjFNmPEW7](https://forms.gle/oryX8B84zjFNmPEW7)

### **Evaluation Criteria**
NUSAN’s ASG selection team will use these criteria to evaluate all applications: Relevance to the theme; Purpose and Summary, Project Activities and Implementation Plan; Degree of Alumni Involvement; Impact of the Project; Sustainability; and Budget Narrative.

### **Contact information**
Questions about the grant application process should be directed to NUSAN at [info@nusan.org](info@nusan.org).

Call for Alumni Small Grants (ASG) 2025 Proposal

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Becoming a Life Member Today: Strengthening the Nepal–U.S. Alumni Network for Generations

Expanding Our Alumni Family: Welcoming U.S. Graduate Alumni to the Nepal-U.S. Alumni Network (NUSAN)

Announcing the Winners of the Alumni Small Grant (ASG) 2025 Program!

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