The U.S. State Department launched a new grant competition Tuesday to help build partnerships between U.S. and Mexican universities.

The Mary Street Jenkins Foundation competition is the newest state department Innovation Fund grant. It’s part of the 100,000 Strong In the Americas public-private partnership with nonprofits Partners of the Americas and NAFSA: Association of International Educators.

The award is meant to help U.S. and Mexican higher education institutions provide more opportunities for student exchange and training programs in the social sciences and humanities.

“Es una maravilla,” said Sergio Espinosa. “It’s a marvel.”

He’s the director of international affairs in the Sonoran Education Ministry.

He says Sonoran universities are already working with institutions in Arizona and New Mexico. And the grant “comes at a good time,” because if Sonora or Arizona universities win the financial support, it could help spur long-term success for ongoing projects like dual-degrees programs in the U.S. and Mexico.

Proposals for the grant are being accepted now until Jan. 31 at 100,00 Strong In The Americas. The fund will award up to eight $25,000 awards.