FY 2026 Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study (YES)

The FY26 Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study (YES) Program, funded by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA), supports international and domestic high school student exchanges that aim to build global understanding and foster leadership. The program is grounded in the Mutual Educational and Cultural Exchange Act of 1961 and seeks to cultivate future leaders who understand and advocate for U.S. values such as civic engagement, entrepreneurship, and democratic principles. This cooperative agreement supports both inbound and optional outbound youth exchange activities between the United States and strategically important partner countries. The YES Program will bring up to 270 international high school students to the United States for an academic semester during January–June 2027. These students will live with U.S. host families, attend accredited high schools, participate in enhancement activities focused on “American Excellence,” and engage in community service. The overarching goals include strengthening U.S. diplomatic ties, showcasing American culture and innovation, and fostering mutual respect and cooperation among future global leaders. Organizations applying must propose a minimum of 130 inbound participants and can opt to include an outbound YES Abroad component supporting up to 30 American students studying overseas during the same period. The total anticipated funding is approximately $10 million for a 15-month period of performance, with one award expected. Allowable expenses include participant stipends, school-related costs, travel, insurance, staff salaries, monitoring activities, and cultural programming. For the optional outbound component, costs such as host family stipends, language training, orientation, and emergency expenses are included. The program requires applicants to demonstrate at least four years of experience in international exchange programming and compliance with U.S. Department of State J-1 visa regulations for the inbound cohort. Eligible applicants include U.S.-based nonprofit organizations and public or private educational institutions. Only one proposal per organization will be considered. Cost sharing is encouraged but not mandatory, and there is no required match amount. Sub-awards are permitted and encouraged for regional coverage, with the primary recipient responsible for oversight and compliance. All sub-recipients must have demonstrated experience in youth exchanges in their designated regions. A detailed plan for sub-awardee support and participant monitoring must be included in the proposal. Applications are due by May 26, 2026, at 11:59 PM Eastern Time and must be submitted through Grants.gov. Required documents include the SF-424 forms, a proposal narrative, budget details, and letters of commitment for sub-award partners. The award is expected to be issued by June 20, 2026, with programming activities beginning soon after. A detailed program timetable outlines key milestones such as recruitment, placement, orientation, travel, and participant support. Proposals will be evaluated on criteria such as program planning, institutional capacity, cost-effectiveness, monitoring and evaluation, and alignment with ECA’s goals. Applicants must submit performance monitoring plans aligned with the ECA’s Monitoring Data for ECA (MODE) Framework and report data through the MyGrants system. Awardees will collect participant demographic and outcome data, support virtual program alternatives if required, and ensure compliance with anti-discrimination, anti-trafficking, and data transparency regulations. Substantial ECA involvement is expected throughout the program, including approval of recruitment guidelines, event agendas, enhancement activities, and public materials. Communication, branding, and alignment with the upcoming Semiquincentennial celebration may also be integrated with ECA oversight.

Clearly articulate monitoring and evaluation plan per MODE; show experience with youth exchange; include oversight plan for sub-awardees.