U.S. STEM Summer Exchange for Youth

The U.S. STEM Summer Exchange for Youth grant is funded by the U.S. Department of State through the U.S. Embassy in Santo Domingo under its Public Diplomacy programming. This initiative is designed to advance U.S. foreign policy priorities by strengthening educational and cultural ties between the United States and the Dominican Republic. The program emphasizes the role of the United States as a global leader in science, technology, engineering, and innovation while fostering meaningful engagement with Dominican youth. It is administered as a grant with limited but strategic involvement from the U.S. Embassy to ensure alignment with policy goals and effective coordination with academic stakeholders. The primary purpose of the grant is to increase awareness and participation among Dominican university students in U.S.-linked academic, exchange, and professional opportunities in STEM fields. The program targets undergraduate and graduate students between the ages of 18 and 30 who are currently enrolled in Dominican universities and pursuing STEM-related disciplines. Through immersive and interactive programming, the initiative seeks to expose participants to U.S. higher education institutions, private-sector innovation leaders, and entrepreneurship ecosystems. This includes activities such as science and technology fairs, university visits, workshops, mentorship programs, and networking events with U.S. companies and alumni. Funding under this opportunity supports public-facing activities that connect participants with U.S. institutions and resources. Allowable uses include program design and implementation, participant recruitment and management, coordination with partner organizations, and delivery of educational and professional programming. Recipients are responsible for all logistical and administrative components, including monitoring and evaluation, reporting, and compliance with federal grant requirements. Funding may not be used for construction, direct social services, political activities, or other restricted categories outlined in federal regulations. Eligibility is limited to U.S. public and private educational institutions and nonprofit organizations, including think tanks and civil society organizations. Applicants must demonstrate experience managing large-scale educational or youth-focused programming and must maintain active registration in SAM.gov with a valid Unique Entity Identifier. While cost sharing is permitted, it is not required. Individuals are not eligible to apply. The program expects recipients to collaborate closely with U.S. universities, companies, and local stakeholders to deliver impactful programming aligned with stated objectives. The application process requires submission of standard federal forms (SF-424, SF-424A, SF-424B), a detailed narrative proposal of up to 15 pages, a comprehensive budget and justification, and supporting documentation such as resumes and letters of support. Proposals must clearly outline program design, objectives, implementation timeline, monitoring and evaluation strategies, and sustainability plans. Applications are submitted electronically via email, and all materials must be in English and denominated in U.S. dollars. Applications are evaluated based on criteria including program quality and feasibility, organizational capacity, project planning, budget justification, monitoring and evaluation, and sustainability. Awards are expected to range from 30,000 to 80,000 dollars, with an estimated total program funding of 80,000 dollars. The anticipated performance period is between 12 and 24 months, with a potential project start date in mid-2027. Applicants can expect notification within approximately 120 days after the submission deadline. The application deadline is July 1, 2026, with submissions due by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time. The opportunity is not explicitly recurring, and applicants should treat this as a single-cycle funding opportunity unless otherwise announced. Questions regarding the application process may be directed to SantoDomingoGrants@state.gov or by phone at the U.S. Embassy in Santo Domingo. This grant represents a strategic effort to build long-term educational and professional linkages between Dominican youth and U.S. institutions in the STEM sector.

Ensure strong alignment with U.S. foreign policy priorities and clearly measurable outcomes; demonstrate organizational capacity and detailed implementation planning