Simpler Grants.gov #DFOP0018281

Cooperative Agreement for FY 2026 Tech Youth Program Implementation

The U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) is seeking proposals for the FY 2026 Tech Youth Program, a cooperative agreement to implement a three-week, U.S.-based youth exchange focused on technology, leadership, and entrepreneurship for high school students. - Government Buyer: - U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA), Office of Citizen Exchanges - OEMs and Vendors: - No specific Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) or commercial vendors are named, as this is a program implementation grant for nonprofits and educational institutions - Products/Services Requested: - Design and delivery of a three-week U.S.-based youth exchange for approximately 96 high school students (72 international, 24 U.S.) - Focus on technical, leadership, and entrepreneurial skills in emerging technologies (AI, robotics, quantum computing) - Activities include: pre-exchange virtual sessions, technology camp, job shadowing, site visits to U.S. companies, mentorships, meetings with industry leaders, intensive coursework, hands-on training, post-exchange alumni engagement, and capstone projects addressing real-world economic and business challenges - Performance monitoring and reporting using the MODE Framework, including demographic, skills, and alumni engagement data - Unique or Notable Requirements: - Eligible applicants must be U.S. nonprofit organizations or educational institutions with at least four years of experience in international exchanges - Compliance with detailed NOFO and Proposal Submission Instructions - Collection and reporting of performance data at multiple intervals post-program (up to 10 years) - Program must include both pre- and post-exchange activities, and support for alumni engagement - Approximately $1,100,000 available for a 15-month period, with potential for renewal for two additional years

Description

The Office of Citizen Exchanges of the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) announces an open competition for proposals to implement the FY 2026 Tech Youth program. This new three-week, U.S.-based youth exchange aims to equip young innovators with technical, leadership, and entrepreneurial skills to succeed in emerging industries. Participants will engage in job shadowing, site visits to U.S. companies, meetings with industry leaders, and intensive coursework and hands-on training. The program supports approximately 96 participants, including 72 English-speaking international high school students and 24 U.S. high school students, through pre-exchange activities, the exchange itself in summer 2027, post-exchange alumni engagement, and capstone projects addressing real-world economic and business challenges.

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