FY 2026 Study of the U.S. Institutes Madeleine K. Albright Young Women Leaders Program

The Study of the U.S. Institutes Madeleine K. Albright Young Women Leaders Program is administered by the U.S. Department of State through its Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, specifically the Office of Academic Exchange Programs. This program operates under the authority of the Fulbright-Hays Act, which seeks to increase mutual understanding between the people of the United States and those of other nations. The initiative reflects the Department’s broader mission to foster educational exchange, strengthen diplomatic relationships, and promote democratic values and leadership development among emerging global leaders. The purpose of this funding opportunity is to support the design and implementation of four intensive academic exchange institutes that will take place in the United States. These institutes are targeted toward foreign undergraduate students aged 18 to 25 and are structured to deepen participants’ understanding of American society, institutions, and innovation. The program is organized around two central thematic tracks: Economic Prosperity and Growth, and Governance and Security. Each theme is designed to expose participants to U.S. practices, policies, and leadership models through academic coursework, site visits, and experiential learning. Funding for this opportunity is provided through a cooperative agreement with an anticipated total award of approximately 1,500,000 dollars. The award will support all aspects of program design, management, and execution, including oversight of subawards to academic institutions that will host the institutes. The program includes four cohorts of approximately 20 participants each, for a total of about 80 participants. Each institute consists of a four-week academic residency at a U.S. institution and a one-week field experience in a different U.S. region. Allowable uses of funds include participant travel, housing, program administration, curriculum delivery, health coverage, and alumni follow-on activities. There is no required cost share, although applicants are encouraged to provide additional support. Eligible applicants include U.S.-based nonprofit organizations, including civil society organizations and think tanks, as well as public and private institutions of higher education. Applicants must demonstrate at least four years of experience managing international exchange programs due to the scale of the award. Additional eligibility requirements include registration in SAM.gov with a valid Unique Entity Identifier and compliance with all proposal submission requirements. Only one application per organization will be considered, and proposals must include required forms such as the SF-424, budget documents, and a detailed narrative. The application process requires submission through Grants.gov by June 26, 2026 at 11:59 PM Eastern Time. Applicants must prepare a comprehensive proposal outlining program design, staffing, logistical planning, monitoring and evaluation strategies, and budget justification. Evaluation criteria include program quality, institutional capacity, cost-effectiveness, follow-on activities, and the strength of the monitoring and evaluation plan. The Department of State will conduct a multi-stage review process, including technical eligibility screening, panel review, and final approval by the Assistant Secretary. The anticipated award date is September 2026, with a performance period of approximately 24 months. Program implementation is expected to begin in summer 2027, with exchanges occurring between June and August of that year. The cooperative agreement structure means that the Department of State will maintain substantial involvement in program oversight, including participant selection and approval of public materials. While this is a single-cycle funding opportunity, there is potential for renewal for an additional year based on performance and funding availability. For inquiries, applicants may contact the program officer at the Department of State via email or phone as provided in the solicitation.

Ensure strong demonstration of international exchange experience; align program design closely with stated themes; provide detailed monitoring and evaluation framework; emphasize cost effectiveness and follow-on engagement plans