EducationUSA Opportunity Funds Program 2026

The EducationUSA Opportunity Funds Program administered by the U.S. Department of State through the U.S. Embassy in Zambia is a federal funding opportunity designed to expand access to U.S. higher education for academically qualified but financially disadvantaged Zambian students. The Public Diplomacy Section of the Embassy seeks a qualified organization to implement the administrative components of this initiative, which forms part of the broader EducationUSA global network. This program supports U.S. foreign policy, economic, and strategic priorities by fostering educational exchange, strengthening bilateral ties, and developing future leaders with U.S. academic experience. The primary purpose of this grant is to manage and disburse financial support to selected students participating in the Opportunity Funds program. While the U.S. Embassy retains responsibility for identifying and selecting participants, the awardee organization will facilitate payments and logistics associated with application and enrollment processes. These include standardized testing fees, university application fees, visa and SEVIS fees, and travel-related expenses. The program targets high-achieving individuals from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership potential, and commitment to fields such as STEM, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and other innovation-driven disciplines. Funding is provided through a cooperative agreement, indicating substantial involvement by the U.S. Embassy in program implementation. The total available funding is $28,000, with one anticipated award and a performance period of approximately 12 months or until funds are expended. Allowable costs include administrative coordination, payment facilitation, and logistical support for program participants. Explicit restrictions prohibit the use of funds for construction, direct social services, political activities, religious programming, fundraising, lobbying, or commercial ventures. Cost sharing is not required for this opportunity. Eligible applicants include not-for-profit organizations, civil society organizations, and public or private educational institutions with legal registration and operational presence in Zambia. Applicants must demonstrate capacity to manage U.S. or international grants and provide documentation such as organizational structure, references, and past performance records. Additionally, organizations must obtain a Unique Entity Identifier and maintain active registration in SAM.gov. Individuals are not eligible to apply. The application process requires submission of standard federal forms including SF-424, SF-424A, and SF-424B, along with a detailed proposal narrative not exceeding six pages. The proposal must outline organizational background, program design, objectives, timeline, personnel, partnerships, and a monitoring and evaluation plan. A detailed budget and justification narrative must also be included, specifying anticipated costs across defined categories such as personnel, travel, and supplies. Supporting documents include resumes of key personnel, proof of registration, and letters of support from partners. Applications must be submitted via email to the designated Embassy address by July 10, 2026 at 12:00 PM Central Africa Time. The review process evaluates proposals based on program quality, organizational capacity, feasibility, budget justification, monitoring and evaluation, and sustainability. Applicants can expect notification within approximately 120 days following the submission deadline. Successful applicants will enter into a cooperative agreement with defined reporting requirements, including quarterly program and financial reports, as well as final reports upon project completion. Overall, the EducationUSA Opportunity Funds Program plays a critical role in enabling talented Zambian students to access U.S. higher education while advancing U.S. strategic interests. By lowering financial barriers and facilitating application processes, the program ensures that merit-based candidates can compete for admission to U.S. institutions. The selected grantee will serve as a key administrative partner, ensuring efficient fund distribution and logistical coordination to support student success and long-term bilateral engagement.

Ensure strong alignment with U.S. foreign policy priorities and clearly defined measurable objectives with detailed budget justification