FY 2026 English Language Fellow, Specialist, and Virtual Educator Program

The English Language Fellow, Specialist, and Virtual Educator Program is administered by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA), specifically through its Office of English Language Programs (ECA/A/L). The program represents a strategic public diplomacy effort aimed at advancing U.S. interests through global English language education. Under this Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO), ECA plans to award a single cooperative agreement of approximately $14,000,000 to support the program during a 55-month performance period. The award is expected to begin on or around July 17, 2026, and is intended to fund activities through the academic years 2027–2028. The program seeks to deploy around 385 U.S. participants to educational institutions worldwide through three distinct formats: English Language Fellows, Specialists, and Virtual Educators. The ELFSVEP’s primary goal is to enhance the quality of English language instruction abroad while promoting U.S. educational values, diplomacy, and economic interests. By embedding U.S.-based TESOL (Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages) professionals in foreign institutions, the program addresses a broad set of global challenges including workforce development, vocational education, technological advancement, and national security concerns. These initiatives aim to reinforce U.S. leadership in education and diplomacy and create opportunities for long-term collaboration and mutual understanding. In doing so, the program advances American influence and encourages foreign institutions to look to the U.S. as a trusted partner in education. The cooperative agreement recipient will be responsible for managing all facets of the program. This includes strategic planning, recruitment and vetting of participants, training and orientation, participant support, financial management, and performance tracking. The recipient must support approximately 100–120 Fellows on 10-month assignments, 150–190 Specialists on short-term assignments (minimum two weeks), and 80–120 Virtual Educators for assignments lasting from three weeks to six months. Each program component has its own timeline and operational parameters. The award recipient must coordinate with U.S. embassies and foreign host institutions to match projects with participant expertise, ensure safety and compliance, and maintain high standards of quality across all activities. The NOFO outlines clear expectations for outreach and recruitment, emphasizing inclusivity and diversity. The selected recipient must design and implement user-friendly application systems and conduct targeted outreach campaigns using digital and professional networks. The recipient will also support conference participation, organize virtual events for current and prospective participants, and lead alumni engagement initiatives, which must not exceed 3% of the total program budget. Proposals must also describe how the applicant will gather, analyze, and report on program performance using the State Department’s Monitoring Data for ECA (MODE) Framework, including tracking indicators such as skill development, cultural exchange, and institutional partnerships. Eligible applicants include U.S.-based nonprofit organizations and public or private educational institutions with at least four years of experience in conducting international exchanges and a valid SAM.gov registration. Applications must be submitted through Grants.gov by April 24, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time. Only one application per organization will be reviewed. Required components include the SF-424, an executive summary, a proposal narrative, a detailed line-item budget, and a budget narrative. No pre-application (LOI, concept paper, etc.) is required. The selection process will involve a review by ECA staff and external grant panels, and evaluation criteria include program design, institutional capacity, cost-effectiveness, and performance monitoring. The program is expected to operate under substantial involvement from the Department of State, which will oversee strategic priorities, approve participant matching, and coordinate with U.S. embassies abroad. These embassies will support project proposals, manage in-country logistics, and act as the point of contact for participants. The program is recurring and is expected to be renewed for two additional fiscal years, pending successful performance and availability of funds. The ELFSVEP not only builds English capacity worldwide but also strengthens global networks that align with U.S. foreign policy goals.

Include detailed MODE Framework indicators; ensure alumni engagement is under 3% of budget; align outcomes with U.S. policy goals.