FY 2026 Youth Ambassadors Programs

The Youth Ambassadors Program is administered by the U.S. Department of State through its Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA), specifically the Office of Citizen Exchanges, Youth Programs Division. This federal funding opportunity supports international educational exchange initiatives designed to foster mutual understanding between the United States and other countries, in alignment with the Fulbright-Hays Act. The program emphasizes youth leadership development, cultural exchange, and long-term relationship building between global participants and American communities. It is implemented through cooperative agreements, with substantial involvement from the Department of State throughout the program lifecycle. The primary purpose of the program is to cultivate globally minded youth leaders and strengthen international partnerships that advance U.S. strategic interests. Through immersive three-week exchange programs conducted in the United States and abroad, participants engage in leadership training, community service, cultural activities, and homestays. The program integrates both international youth and U.S. participants, often alongside adult mentors, to promote peer learning and cross-cultural dialogue. Participants are expected to apply acquired skills by implementing follow-on community projects upon returning home, thereby extending the program’s impact. Funding is provided through Educational and Cultural Exchange Programs funds, with anticipated awards ranging from 300000 to 2100000 dollars and total available funding of approximately 7954000 dollars. Eight cooperative agreements are expected across multiple regional and thematic program options. Allowable costs include participant travel, staff salaries, program materials, lodging, cultural activities, and evaluation. A minimum participant support allocation of 6000 dollars is required in budgets. While cost sharing is encouraged, there is no mandated minimum or maximum match requirement. Eligibility is limited to U.S.-based nonprofit organizations, including civil society organizations and educational institutions. Applicants must demonstrate at least four years of experience conducting international exchange programs due to the size of anticipated awards. Organizations must also maintain active registration in SAM.gov and possess a Unique Entity Identifier. Applicants may submit proposals for multiple program options, but each must be submitted separately and clearly identified. Required application components include standard federal forms (SF-424 and SF-424A), a detailed proposal narrative, executive summary, and comprehensive budget documentation. The application process is conducted electronically via Grants.gov, and proposals must comply strictly with formatting and submission requirements outlined in the solicitation package. The application deadline is July 17, 2026 at 11:59 PM Eastern Time. There is no pre-application requirement such as a letter of intent. Applications are evaluated based on program quality, feasibility, organizational capacity, monitoring and evaluation plans, and cost-effectiveness. Final award decisions are made by the Assistant Secretary of ECA following panel review and risk assessment. Awards are expected to be issued around September 15, 2026, with a performance period of approximately 15 months. Programs are intended to take place primarily in calendar year 2027, with flexibility depending on regional and logistical considerations. The Department of State anticipates the possibility of renewing awards for up to two additional fiscal years, contingent upon performance and funding availability, making this a potentially recurring funding opportunity. For additional information, applicants may contact the program officer via email at SarsourAA@state.gov or by phone at 703-628-2288. The opportunity represents a significant federal investment in youth leadership and international exchange programming, with strong emphasis on measurable outcomes, alumni engagement, and long-term global impact.

Ensure strong monitoring and evaluation plan aligned with MODE framework; demonstrate prior international exchange experience; provide detailed exchange calendar and logistics; emphasize cost effectiveness and clear program outcomes