FY 2025 Youth Ambassadors Europe (YA-EUR) Program

The FY 2025 Youth Ambassadors Europe (YA-EUR) Program is a new cooperative agreement opportunity issued by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA), specifically through the Office of Citizen Exchanges within the Youth Programs Division. The program is supported by FY25 Educational and Cultural Exchange (ECE) funds and is designed to promote mutual understanding and cultural exchange between the United States and Russia. The initiative is rooted in the Mutual Educational and Cultural Exchange Act of 1961, also known as the Fulbright-Hays Act, which authorizes activities that foster international understanding and peaceful relations. The core objective of the YA-EUR Program is to provide youth from Russia, aged approximately 18 to 22, with a four-week exchange experience in the United States. The program will focus on civic engagement and leadership development, especially as they intersect with science and technology. The exchange should include a wide range of interactive activities, such as workshops, teambuilding exercises, community site visits, and homestays with American families. These experiences are intended to prepare participants to become active and responsible citizens and to inspire them to implement community engagement projects upon their return home. The total anticipated funding for the program is approximately $360,000, with one award expected. The length of the performance period is 24 months, and the anticipated award date is September 15, 2025. The funding is subject to availability, and ECA reserves the right to adjust budgets based on the needs of the program. Although no cost-sharing minimum is required, cost sharing is encouraged and, if proposed, becomes binding. Organizations applying must demonstrate at least four years of experience conducting international exchanges for awards exceeding $130,000. Eligibility is limited to U.S.-based nonprofit organizations and public or private educational institutions. Applicants must be registered with SAM.gov and have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI). Only one application per organization is allowed, and proposals must include a complete application package comprising the SF-424, proposal narrative, executive summary, detailed line-item budget, SF-424A, and a budget narrative. The program must be conducted in English and should be implemented in the calendar year 2026. Proposals must identify a specific number of participants they can support with the available funding, and also outline contingency plans in the event programming with Russia becomes untenable. Program evaluation is a critical component, and applicants must incorporate ECA’s Monitoring Data for ECA (MODE) Framework in their proposals. The required indicators focus on cultural understanding, civic engagement, community impact, and professional skill development. Additionally, performance monitoring and regular reporting via the MyGrants platform are required. The selected awardee will also be responsible for issuing J-1 visa forms (DS-2019) and must adhere to all regulations governing Exchange Visitor Programs. Applications must be submitted electronically via Grants.gov by August 26, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time. Questions about the program should be directed to Gretchen Wietmarschen, Program Officer at ECA/PE/C/PY, via email at WietmarschenGM@state.gov or by phone at 202-826-4284. All promotional and application materials must be approved by both ECA and the relevant U.S. embassy. Embassy staff will also participate in the finalist selection process, and applicants must work closely with embassy personnel throughout implementation. The program aligns with the U.S. Department of State’s mission to promote democracy, human rights, and mutual understanding worldwide.

Proposals should include strong alumni engagement plans, follow MODE Framework for evaluation, and comply with PSI guidelines.