Simpler Grants.gov #DFOP0017987

Implementation of the FY 2026 Young Leaders of the Americas Initiative (YLAI) Fellowship Program

This opportunity from the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA), Global Leaders Division, seeks a partner to design, implement, and oversee the FY 2026 Young Leaders of the Americas Initiative (YLAI) Fellowship Program. - Government Buyer: - U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) - Global Leaders Division, Office of Citizen Exchanges - Program Overview: - Implement a five to six-week fellowship for approximately 250 emerging entrepreneurs (ages 25-35) from Latin America and the Caribbean - Fellowship includes orientation, tailored U.S. business placements, entrepreneurial training, a closing event in Washington, DC, and post-program alumni activities - About 100 U.S. participants will travel overseas to support fellows' action plans and develop networks - Services Requested: - Full program design and management, including recruitment, selection, orientation, business placements, training, alumni engagement, and reciprocal exchanges - Performance monitoring and reporting using the MODE Framework (demographics, cross-cultural competence, volunteering, skills development, alumni engagement) - Unique Requirements: - Applicants must demonstrate at least four years of experience conducting international exchanges for awards over $130,000 - Compliance with NOFO and Proposal Submission Instructions, including specific application documents - Data collection and reporting on program outcomes at multiple intervals post-program - No commercial OEMs or products are requested; this is a grant for programmatic services - Estimated award is approximately $7,875,000, with potential total funding up to $23,625,000 over three years - Eligible applicants: U.S. nonprofits, think tanks, civil society organizations, and public/private educational institutions - Program supports U.S. national security and foreign policy by fostering entrepreneurship, innovation, and business partnerships in the Western Hemisphere

Description

The U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) seeks proposals for a cooperative agreement to design, implement, and oversee the FY 2026 Young Leaders of the Americas Initiative (YLAI) Fellowship Program. This program fosters business partnerships between emerging entrepreneurs from the Western Hemisphere and U.S. companies, combining in-person and technology-driven engagement, an active alumni network, and collaboration with U.S. embassies. The program supports U.S. national security and foreign policy objectives by strengthening commercial ties, expanding exports, and promoting entrepreneurship and innovation. The FY 2026 program will bring approximately 250 participants from the Caribbean and Latin America for a five to six-week fellowship, including orientation, tailored U.S. business placements, entrepreneurial training, a closing event, and post-program alumni activities. Additionally, about 100 U.S. participants will travel overseas to support fellows' action plans and develop networks that support American economic growth.

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