Office of Postsecondary Education (OPE):Mutual Educational and Cultural Exchange (MECE) Program

The Mutual Educational and Cultural Exchange program is administered by the U.S. Department of Education in coordination with the U.S. Department of State. The program operates under the authority of the Mutual Educational and Cultural Exchange Act of 1961, also known as the Fulbright-Hays Act. Its overarching purpose is to strengthen international understanding by supporting educational exchange activities that enhance foreign language proficiency and cultural knowledge among educators in the United States. This initiative reflects longstanding federal priorities to improve global competency in U.S. education systems while fostering cross-cultural engagement. The primary objective of the program is to promote and develop modern foreign language training and area studies in U.S. schools, colleges, and universities. It achieves this by funding opportunities for teachers and prospective teachers to study abroad, thereby improving their language skills and understanding of foreign cultures. Additionally, the program supports visits by international educators to the United States to participate in similar training and academic exchanges. These activities are designed to build institutional capacity and improve the quality of language and cultural education domestically. Funding under this program is provided through discretionary grants, with an estimated total program funding of over ten million dollars. Individual awards are expected to range between approximately 2.55 million and 5.1 million dollars for a project period of 36 months. Funds may be used for a wide array of allowable expenses, including tuition, travel, health insurance, per diem, orientation programs, language training, and other necessary costs associated with educational exchange activities. However, indirect costs are not permitted, and all expenditures must be reasonable and necessary to achieve program objectives. Eligibility for this funding opportunity is limited to public or private nonprofit organizations, including institutions of higher education, state education agencies, and nonprofit educational organizations. Consortia of eligible entities may also apply. Applicants must demonstrate nonprofit status through appropriate documentation, such as IRS recognition or certification from a state authority. While individuals may benefit from program activities, they are not eligible to apply directly. The program also includes compliance requirements related to participant eligibility, particularly concerning federal debt obligations and certification requirements. The application process requires submission through Grants.gov and includes multiple components such as a project narrative, budget, priority narratives, letters of support, and supporting documentation. Applicants are encouraged to submit a notice of intent to apply but are not required to do so. The application deadline for the current cycle is July 15, 2026, with applications opening on June 15, 2026. Applicants must also comply with federal registration requirements, including active registrations in SAM.gov and Grants.gov. Applications are evaluated through a competitive review process based on established selection criteria, including need, significance, project design quality, resource adequacy, management plan, and evaluation strategy. Additional points may be awarded for addressing competitive preference priorities. Absolute priorities include promoting foreign language training and patriotic education. The evaluation process emphasizes measurable outcomes, dissemination of results, and the potential for long-term impact on educational practices. Award recipients are subject to reporting requirements, including annual and final performance reports detailing financial and programmatic outcomes. The program includes defined performance measures related to language proficiency improvements, curriculum integration, and outreach activities. Contact information for program inquiries includes a designated program officer with phone and email support. Overall, this program represents a significant federal investment in advancing international education and cultural exchange through structured, high-impact educational initiatives.

Align proposal clearly to absolute priorities; demonstrate measurable outcomes; ensure strong evaluation plan and dissemination strategy