Simpler Grants.gov #DFOP0018391

Solicitation for FY 2026 Youth Ambassadors Leadership Exchange Programs

The U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA), through its Office of Citizen Exchanges, Youth Programs Division, is seeking proposals to implement the FY 2026 Youth Ambassadors Programs. - Up to eight separate regional and thematic youth leadership exchange programs are to be awarded, each requiring a distinct proposal. - Regions include Sub-Saharan Africa, East Asia and Pacific, Europe and Eurasia, Middle East and North Africa, South Central Asia, Western Hemisphere, the United States, and an On-Demand program. - Each program involves organizing three-week exchanges for youth and adult mentors, with both international and U.S. participants. - Participant numbers vary by region, ranging from 30 to 210 per program. - Programs emphasize leadership development, community engagement, and creative application of artificial intelligence (AI) concepts, resources, and tools. - All programs require follow-on projects in participants' home communities. - Applicants must be U.S. not-for-profit organizations or educational institutions with at least four years of experience in international exchanges and capacity to manage complex, multi-country programs. - Performance monitoring and reporting are required, using the MODE Framework indicators to track participant demographics, cross-cultural competence, volunteering, skills development, alumni engagement, and program outcomes. - The total available funding is approximately $7,954,000, with individual awards ranging from $300,000 to $2,100,000 and up to eight awards anticipated. - The initial period of performance is 15 months, with the possibility of renewal for two additional consecutive fiscal years. - Flexibility is required for travel dates, contingency planning for virtual or in-country programming, and specific branding requirements for certain countries (e.g., Iraq).

Description

The Office of Citizen Exchanges, Youth Programs Division of the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) announces an open competition for the FY 2026 Youth Ambassadors program. Proposals may be submitted to implement one or more of eight program options, each requiring a separate proposal. The program provides groups of youth and adult mentors from select countries across various global regions with a three-week exchange focusing on youth leadership. Exchanges include international travel and U.S.-based peer participation, encouraging creative application of AI concepts. Participants will apply knowledge gained to implement follow-on projects in their home communities.

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