FY 2026 National Security Language Initiative for Youth (NSLI-Y)

The National Security Language Initiative for Youth (NSLI-Y), funded by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA), is an international exchange program aimed at improving critical language skills among American youth aged 15 to 18. Since its inception in 2006, NSLI-Y has played a vital role in cultivating a generation of Americans proficient in languages strategically important to U.S. national security and economic competitiveness. For the FY 2026 cycle, the program will fund immersive language learning opportunities for approximately 275 American high school students through intensive overseas study programs and virtual formats in Arabic, Chinese (Mandarin), Korean, and Russian. It also continues support for a growing alumni base of over 10,000 individuals. NSLI-Y’s primary objective is to increase the number of U.S. youth fluent in critical foreign languages by facilitating deep linguistic and cultural immersion. Overseas programs will operate during summer and academic year terms and will be hosted in countries where the target languages are widely spoken, subject to U.S. State Department safety advisories and approvals. Notably, countries such as Iraq, Libya, Syria, and Russia are excluded. Each site must include classroom instruction, host family experiences, and cultural enrichment activities. Virtual programs will run for 10 weeks and target beginners, offering introductory instruction through live video sessions and online platforms. The virtual cohort will engage in cultural components and receive structured progress evaluations. Eligible applicants include U.S.-based nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) status and public or private educational institutions. Applicants must have at least four years of experience conducting international exchanges and be capable of managing the program's administrative and on-the-ground support functions, including emergency protocols, orientation programming, language proficiency testing, and engagement with local U.S. diplomatic missions. Only one application per organization is allowed. There is no cost-sharing requirement, but applicants are encouraged to include cost-share contributions where feasible. The total funding available for this opportunity is $5,000,000, and ECA anticipates making one cooperative agreement award. Applications must be submitted electronically through Grants.gov by May 1, 2026, at 11:59 PM Eastern Time. Required components include SF-424 forms, a proposal narrative, budget documentation, and documentation of institutional qualifications. The expected award date is July 1, 2026, with a performance period of 30 to 33 months. ECA reserves the right to renew the award for two additional years, subject to performance and availability of funding. Evaluation criteria include program design, institutional capacity, monitoring and evaluation plans, cost-effectiveness, and potential for long-term impact. A significant emphasis is placed on participant safety, language acquisition, and cultural immersion. The award recipient must adhere to federal regulations, including J-1 visa requirements, and follow all ECA branding, performance monitoring, and reporting guidelines. Additionally, recipients are required to register in MyGrants and comply with anti-discrimination, anti-trafficking, and drone restrictions as specified in the notice. Program contacts include Kaveri Advani ([email protected]) at the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. The full Notice of Funding Opportunity and detailed application instructions are available via Grants.gov and the ECA funding portal.

Highlight four-year international exchange experience and adhere strictly to application formatting and eligibility rules.