STEM, Education, Training

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Limiting Language
Only one proposal will be considered by ECA from each applicant organization. In cases where more than one submission from an applicant appears in grants.gov, ECA will only consider the submission made closest in time to the NOFO deadline; that submission would constitute the one and only proposal ECA would review from that applicant.

Please note: Applicant organizations are defined by their legal name, and EIN number as stated on their completed SF-424 and additional supporting documentation outlined in the PSI document.

Executive Summary
Priority Region: Indo-Pacific

The Office of Academic Exchange Programs of the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) announces an open competition for an assistance award to administer the FY 2026 U.S. South Pacific Scholarship Program (USSP). U.S. public and private non-profit organizations meeting the provisions described in Internal Revenue Code section 26 CFR 1.501(c)(3) may submit proposals to organize and carry out academic exchange program activities for up to eight participants for the USSP program (eligible nations for USSP are listed below in the Overview section).

The Office plans to issue a cooperative agreement to support up to eight participants to undertake degree studies in the United States for the FY 2026 USSP program for approximately $925,000. Working closely with Public Affairs Sections at U.S. embassies in the East Asia and Pacific (EAP) region, the award recipient will be responsible for the administration of the programs, including outreach and recruitment, convening review panels and assisting with merit-based competitive selection and nomination, placing students at appropriate U.S. institutions for academic degree study, providing orientation, enrichment activities, and pre-return activities, providing monitoring and support services, conducting on-going monitoring and evaluation, and follow-up with program alumni.

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Limiting Language
Only one proposal will be considered by ECA from each applicant organization. In cases where more than one submission from an applicant appears in grants.gov, ECA will only consider the submission made closest in time to the NOFO deadline; that submission would constitute the one and only proposal ECA would review from that applicant.

Please note: Applicant organizations are defined by their legal name, and EIN number as stated on their completed SF-424 and additional supporting documentation outlined in the PSI document.

Executive Summary 
The U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, Office of Academic Exchange Programs, Study of the U.S. Branch invites proposal submissions for one cooperative agreement to design, implement, and oversee the FY 2026 YALI Fellowship. Established in 2014 the YALI Fellowship has built and maintained a network of approximately 7,800 young African leaders across sectors crit cal to U.S. interests and foreign policy priorities in Sub-Saharan Africa.

The award recipient will be responsible for planning and administering all components and aspects of the YALI Fellowship including short-term academic residencies (“institutes”) on U.S. college and university campuses for approximately 550 Fellows, Professional Development Experiences (PDEs) for approximately 50 Fellows, a Reciprocal Exchange component that includes approximately 80 U.S. participants, and follow-on alumni activities. Under this award, the first group of
Fellows would travel to the United States for the institutes in summer 2027. The award recipient will design the Fellowship application materials, develop an outreach and recruitment plan, receive and screen applications in collaboration with the U.S. Department of State, and oversee the final Fellow selection and placement process. The recipient will recruit, select, and oversee subawards to approximately 22 U.S. educational institutions that will each implement a six-week long institute in one of three tracks: Business and Trade, Emerging Technologies, or Governance and Security.

Each institute should take place on an accredited U.S. college or university campus and provide a group of approximately 25 accomplished African innovators and professionals aged 25 to 35 with rigorous academic and practical coursework, showcasing American excellence in relevant fields. Institutes should also provide structured networking and professional opportunities for Fellows to build relationships with American businesses and industry leaders.

The PDEs are professional placements for a subset of Fellows at relevant U.S. public, private, and non-profit organizations and should take place immediately following the institutes.

The Reciprocal Exchange component should support approximately 80 U.S. citizens to travel to Sub-Saharan Africa to build upon strategic partnerships and business connections developed through the YALI Fellowship. 

ECA will award one cooperative agreement to administer all program components. The anticipated total amount of funding available for this cooperative agreement will be approximately $15,000,000, pending the availability of FY 2026 funds. Of this total amount, the recipient should be prepared to transfer approximately $250,000 to each U.S. college, university, or non-governmental organization selected to administer an Institute under sub-award agreements.

ECA welcomes applications from U.S. public and private non-profit organizations, consortia of organizations, and accredited post-secondary U.S. education institutions meeting the provisions described in Internal Revenue Code section 26 USC 501(c)(3).

Please see the Project Objectives, Goals, and Implementation (POGI) for more information.

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Limiting Language
Only one proposal will be considered by ECA from each applicant organization. In cases where more than one submission from an applicant appears in grants.gov, ECA will only consider the submission made closest in time to the NOFO deadline; that submission would constitute the one and only proposal ECA would review from that applicant.

Executive Summary 
The Office of Academic Exchange Programs of the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs announces an open competition for the administration of the FY 2026 Global Undergraduate Exchange Program (Global UGRAD). The total amount of funding for this award will be up to $4,800,000, pending the availability of FY 2026 funds.

The Global UGRAD Program places small cohorts of participants at a broad range of colleges and universities, including community colleges, land-grant institutions, rural campuses, and Senior Military Institutions, giving participants a “real American” experience in small towns and rural communities. Participants build skills in strategic U.S. priority fields such as business, entrepreneurship, semiconductors, AI, engineering, critical minerals, manufacturing, and supply chain resilience. All participants are required to study U.S. history, civic engagement, and American culture, deepening their understanding of American excellence, innovation, and culture. Funding should support approximately 160 participants, pending the availability of FY 2026 funds. Every effort should be made to maximize the number of scholarships awarded; staffing levels should be adequate to ensure that participant health and safety are prioritized.

Institutionally Coordinated // Limit: 1 Coordination Hub Proposal

This funding opportunity is being institutionally coordinated by the Office of the Chief AI Officer. Please contact Dr. David Ebert, Cheif AI and Data Science Officer at ebertd@arizona.edu. 

Limiting Langauge
Coordination Hubs are limited to one proposal per institution.

Program Synopsis
TechAccess: AI-Ready America is a national-scale initiative to accelerate Artificial Intelligence (AI) readiness and adoption across the U.S. by strengthening coordination, leveraging partnerships and resources, filling gaps, and scaling what works — so local and state priorities can lead in shaping an AI-driven economy that benefits all Americans.

Unlike initiatives centered around K – 16 education, AI-Ready America additionally reaches businesses, public-serving organizations, and individuals, among others, expanding access to AI knowledge, tools, and resources. The program also emphasizes practical implementation through hands-on assistance and workforce up-skilling, including experiential learning such as internships, project-based work, and apprenticeships, to ensure stakeholders can effectively apply and innovate with AI.

The program supports: 

1. State/Territory Coordination Hubs (Coordination Hubs) – one in every state, the District of Columbia (DC), or territory in the United States – connecting partners, strengthening planning and deployment, and rapidly scaling approaches;
2. A National Coordination Lead (National Lead) – facilitating collaboration and knowledge sharing among Coordination Hubs, coordinating priority economic sectors, and informing national AI strategies; and
3. AI-Ready Catalyst Award Competitions – a series of topic-driven competitions issued over the course of the program to pilot and scale innovative approaches that address critical national AI readiness needs.

This funding opportunity focuses on Coordination Hubs. The National Lead will be funded as an Other Transaction (OT) offered through an Other Transaction Agreement Solutions Offering. AI-Ready Catalyst Award Competitions will be announced through an NSF-approved mechanism, with proposals submitted according to the instructions provided at the time of announcement.

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Limiting Language
An organization may submit only one Planning proposal and, if awarded a Planning award, one Development proposal.

Program Overview
This program supports collaboration among K-12 educators, technologists, and researchers to develop innovative solutions to persistent challenges in learning and workforce development. These challenges are identified by K-12 students, families, and educators.

The program aims to create and scale evidence-based practices, tools, and technologies that improve learning outcomes and prepare students for a digital, Artificial Intelligence (AI)-driven future. A key focus is early exposure to AI to build curiosity, understanding, and readiness for future careers.

The program encourages partnerships across sectors - schools, universities, industry, government, and nonprofits - to co-design responsive, technology-based solutions, and includes two phases: Planning and Development. Planning proposals help teams explore one of several focus areas. Only teams awarded Planning grants may submit Development proposals, which support the growth and implementation of promising ideas.

Eligibility 
Each NSF FINDERS FOUNDRY leadership team must have at least one member from each of four stakeholder groups: (1) K-12 educators, (2) technologists, (3) researchers, and (4) parents or guardians. One of these individuals must act as the Principal Investigator (PI) through an eligible organization described above. Co-PIs and additional Senior Personnel, (sub)contractors, consultants, etc., are also allowed.

Unaffiliated individuals are not eligible to submit proposals in response to this solicitation.

There are no PI degree requirements (i.e., the PI is not required to hold a Ph.D. nor any other degree).

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Limiting Language
Only one proposal will be considered by ECA from each applicant organization. In cases where more than one submission from an applicant appears in grants.gov, ECA will only consider the submission made closest in time to the NOFO deadline; that submission would constitute the one and only proposal ECA would review from that applicant.

Executive Summary
The Office of Academic Exchange Programs of the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs of the U.S. Department of State is announcing an open competition for the FY 2027 Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program (Humphrey Fellowship). ECA is seeking proposal submissions for one cooperative agreement to design, implement, and oversee the Humphrey Fellowship.

The Humphrey Fellowship, a Fulbright exchange, advances American interests by bringing influential professionals from priority countries to the United States to build strategic partnerships that advance shared interests and support U.S. foreign policy goals. Through graduate-level study and professional experiences at U.S. host universities and organizations, Humphrey Fellows gain practical insight into howAmerican policies are developed and implemented, working alongside U.S. experts in their fields. Fellows are placed in multi-national thematic cohorts at U.S. host universities, where they gain skills to promote stability and economic growth, foster long-term cooperation with the United States on shared global challenges, and advance U.S. foreign policy interests.

The program offers two components: a longer-term fellowship of up to one academic year and a shorter-term, thematic Distinguished Humphrey FellowshipProgram (DHFP). During the academic year program, Fellows participate in non-degree study in multi-national cohorts at approximately eight host campuses across the United States. They also complete at least six weeks of a professional affiliation at a U.S.-based private sector, governmental, non-governmental, or international organization. The shorter-term DHFP program places Fellows in thematic multinational cohorts at selected host institutions and includes approximately one-week of professional experiences at U.S.-based organizations.

Through their academic and professional experiences, Fellows deepen their understanding of the United States, strengthen their expertise in fields of strategic importance, and build networks with U.S. counterparts. Upon returning home, alumni apply their experience to shape national policy, promote stability and economic growth, and foster long-term cooperation with the United States on shared global challenges, such as border security, freedom of speech, and fair trade. Humphrey Fellows and alumni serve as critical interlocutors for U.S. Missions, helping to advance bilateral relationships and achieve foreign policy goals.

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M. Arora (Community, Environment & Policy)

Limiting Language 
EPA encourages eligible applicants to form a consortium to operate this program. Eligible applicants may be a member of a consortium in more than one application. However, such applicants may not apply as the sole applicant or as the applicant for a consortium in more than one application.

Executive Summary
The National Environmental Education and Training Program is authorized under Section 5 of the National Environmental Education Act of 1990 (Public Law 101-619). The purpose of this program is to deliver environmental education (EE) training and long-term support to formal and non-formal education professionals across the U.S. in the development and delivery of environmental education and training programs and studies, bolstering their ability to effectively teach about environmental issues. Eligibility for funding is open to U.S. institutions of higher education, not-for-profit institutions as described in Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 which are exempt from taxation pursuant to provisions of section 501(a) of such Code, or a consortium of such institutions may apply to operate this program.
 

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Limiting Language
Only one proposal will be considered by ECA from each applicant organization. In cases where more than one submission from an applicant appears in grants.gov, ECA will only consider the submission made closest in time to the NOFO deadline; that submission would constitute the one and only proposal ECA would review from that applicant.

Executive Summary
Priority Region: Participants will represent priority countries from all six world regions.

The Office of Academic Exchange Programs, ECA, invites proposal submissions for the design and implementation of the John McCain Study of the U.S. Institute for Student Leaders on the Rule of Law and Public Service (McCain SUSI). The SUSI will take place over five weeks in summer 2027. See details in section C. Program Description.

The McCain SUSI is an intensive academic exchange program that provides a group of approximately 20 foreign undergraduate students and recent graduates from military and law enforcement colleges and universities with a deeper understanding of American leadership and how it has shaped global stability and security.

The McCain SUSI will include an approximately four-week academic residency at a U.S. educational institution and an approximately one-week integrated academic field experiencethat will bring participants to a U.S. region distinct from their residency location. The program should include opportunities for continued follow-on engagement once participants return home.

The award recipient will be responsible for planning, overseeing, and implementing the program. Only one proposal will be considered by ECA from each applicant organization.



 

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Limiting Language
Only one proposal will be considered by ECA from each applicant organization. In cases where more than one submission from an applicant appears in grants.gov, ECA will only consider the submission made closest in time to the NOFO deadline; that submission would constitute the one and only proposal ECA would review from that applicant.

Executive Summary
The Office of Academic Exchange Programs, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA), invites proposal submissions from U.S. public and private academic and cultural institutions, including community colleges, liberal arts colleges, and public and private universities, and other not-for-profit organizations meeting the provisions described in Internal Revenue Code section 26 USC 501(c)(3) (see section B. Eligibility) for the design and implementation of three (3) programs under the Study of the U.S. Institutes for Scholars (SUSIs for Scholars). Three SUSIs for Scholars will take place over five weeks in summer 2027. Each SUSI will focus on a specific theme: 1) Critical Minerals, 2) Digital Transformation, and 3) Economics and Business. See details in Section C. Program Description.

SUSIs for Scholars are post-graduate level seminars held at U.S. academic institutions for groups of approximately 18 foreign university faculty, researchers, and practitioners, who serve as “multipliers” for students and colleagues abroad. The program goal is to provide influential scholars and experts with content and resources that enhance teaching and research about the United States in other countries. SUSIs for Scholars also promote collaboration in research, teaching, and other activities between foreign and American scholars and practitioners.

Each of the three SUSIs for Scholars focuses on a theme or topic in U.S. studies and will include an approximately four-week intensive summer residency at a U.S. educational institution and an approximately one-week integrated academic field experience that will bring participants to a U.S. region distinct from their residency location. Each SUSI must highlight American success and innovation with regard to the SUSIs for Scholars themes. The academic residency should take place on a U.S. university or college campus and should include coursework, time for independent research, and interaction with American peers. The SUSIs for Scholars should include opportunities for continued follow-on engagement once the participants return home.

The award recipient will be responsible for planning, overseeing, and implementing the program, including administering the three SUSIs for Scholars and overseeing all subaward recipients.

Only one proposal will be considered by ECA from each applicant organization. It is ECA’s intent to award a cooperative agreement of one base year plus two renewals. Please see Section A. Basic Information above for additional details.

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Limiting Language
Only one proposal will be considered by ECA from each applicant organization. In cases where more than one submission from an applicant appears in grants.gov, ECA will only consider the submission made closest in time to the NOFO deadline; that submission would constitute the one and only proposal ECA would review from that applicant.

Executive Summary 
Priority Region: Tibetan populations in China, India, Nepal and Bhutan

The Global Leaders Division in the Office of Citizen Exchanges at the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) is seeking proposal submissions for one to two cooperative agreements to design, implement, and oversee the FY 2026 Ngawang Choephel Fellows Program. Launched in 1997, the Ngawang Choephel Fellows Program is a two-way economic exchange program designed to enhance leadership and professional skills and build lasting partnerships between emerging entrepreneurs from Tibetan communities in China, India, Nepal and Bhutan, and the United States. The defining element of the program is a minimum four-week U.S.-based exchange which will provide Fellows with opportunities to discuss and share best practices for initiating and supporting business and/or community initiatives.3

The award recipient will be responsible for planning and administering all components of the Ngawang Choephel Fellows Program. The non-U.S. Fellow component will feature a series of virtual engagement opportunities leading up to a minimum four-week U.S.-based exchange for up to 25 participants. This component will consist of professional and leadership development activities which may include, but shall not be limited to: trainings, workshops, site visits, job shadowing, team building exercises, panel discussions, case studies, resource-sharing, and networking events. The U.S. Fellows component will enable up to 10 U.S. professionals, who engaged with the non-U.S. Fellows during the course of their program, to travel to India, Nepal or Bhutan for approximately two weeks to assist the non-U.S. Fellows’ follow-on plans and conduct alumni engagement activities.

The Ngawang Choephel Fellows Program directly supports the 2025 National Security Strategy and the Administration’s foreign policy, furthering our national interests. In addition, the Program positions the United States as the partner of first choice, by demonstrating American principles of openness, transparency, commitment to freedom and innovation, and free market capitalism.