FY 2025 Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study (YES) Program: Placement Components

The FY 2025 Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study (YES) Program: Placement Components is a federally funded grant initiative managed by the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA). This cooperative agreement opportunity aims to support U.S.-based nonprofit and educational organizations in facilitating the placement and support of international high school students who come to the U.S. under the YES program. Since its inception, the YES program has enabled over 15,500 students from countries of strategic interest to live and study in the U.S., primarily in small or rural communities, thereby strengthening cultural ties and promoting mutual understanding. The program is authorized under the Mutual Educational and Cultural Exchange Act of 1961 and implemented through cooperative agreements. The core objective of the YES program is to foster cross-cultural exchange and leadership development by bringing approximately 450 students annually from countries across Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and Southeast Europe to live with volunteer American host families and attend high school in the U.S. The YES Placement Component supports the placement and monitoring of these students, while a separate Overseas Component handles recruitment and pre-departure preparations. The funding provided under this notice will cover one base year (academic year 2026–2027) and two non-competitive continuation years (academic years 2027–2028 and 2028–2029), subject to funding availability and satisfactory performance. The total estimated funding for this NOFO is $21,726,750, with awards ranging from a minimum of $250,000 per year to a maximum of approximately $7,242,250 per year. ECA anticipates making 6 to 8 awards. Key spending areas include host family and school placement, participant orientation and monitoring, staff training, community service facilitation, and enhancement activities. Organizations must demonstrate four years of experience managing international exchanges and must be registered with SAM.gov. All awarded organizations are required to adhere to J-1 Visa regulations and support youth with disabilities through coordinated resources and accommodations. The application deadline is August 15, 2025, at 11:59 PM Eastern Time. The anticipated award start date is September 22, 2025. Applications must be submitted via Grants.gov and include a full application package: SF-424, executive summary, narrative, budget forms (SF-424A and detailed budget), and budget narrative. ECA mandates that only one application per organization be considered and stresses the importance of compliance with all submission instructions to avoid disqualification. Evaluation criteria for this opportunity include program planning, participant monitoring, cost-effectiveness, institutional capacity, and alignment with the YES program’s goals. Successful applicants are expected to cluster student placements, provide robust training to local coordinators, and document student progress comprehensively. Reporting obligations include semi-annual and final performance and financial reports submitted via MyGrants and the Payment Management System. Additional program monitoring includes site visits, database updates, and coordination with ECA’s Participant Monitoring Unit. Applicants may contact Katherine David-Fox at the U.S. Department of State (202-679-4754, david-foxko@state.gov) for any inquiries prior to the deadline. ECA emphasizes adherence to all reporting timelines and guidelines as a prerequisite for consideration of continuation funding. Further information on the YES program can be found at yesprograms.org.

Submit early via Grants.gov, follow PSI guidance, only one application per organization.