FY 2026 Young Leaders of the Americas Initiative (YLAI)
Description
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) seeks proposals for a cooperative agreement to design, implement, and oversee the FY 2026 Young Leaders of the Americas Initiative (YLAI) Fellowship Program. YLAI advances U.S. economic interests and leadership by fostering business partnerships between emerging entrepreneurs from the Western Hemisphere and U.S. companies. The program combines in-person and technology-driven engagement, an active alumni network, and ongoing collaboration with U.S. embassies to promote U.S. commercial priorities, create new opportunities for American companies in key markets, and increase public awareness of American business leadership. YLAI directly supports U.S. national security and the Administration’s foreign policy objectives by strengthening commercial ties, expanding U.S. exports, and promoting American values of entrepreneurship, free enterprise, and innovation throughout the Western Hemisphere.
The FY 2026 program will bring approximately 250 participants from the Caribbean and Latin America for a five to six-week fellowship, including orientation, tailored U.S. business placements, entrepreneurial training, a closing event, and post-program alumni activities. Approximately 100 U.S. participants will travel overseas to support Fellows’ action plans and develop networks that support American economic growth.
Please see the announcement for additional information.
Agency: Bureau Of Educational and Cultural Affairs
CFDA: 19.415
Eligible Applicants: Please see full announcement.
Applicant Types: Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education; Others (see text field entitled "Additional Information on Eligibility" for clarification); Public and State controlled institutions of higher education; Private institutions of higher education
Cost Sharing: No
More Info: Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs Organizational Funding Opportunities — https://www.state.gov/eca-grant-opportunities/
Contact: Bureau Of Educational and Cultural Affairs
Email: Woodst@state.gov
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About This Opportunity
This is a grants contract in the education and training, information and communication technology and rural development sectors, with a focus on Higher Education, Network Infrastructure, Cooperatives and Scholarships. Located in United States, North America, this opportunity is open to firms and consortiums, with an estimated budget of USD 7.9 million. Proposals must be submitted before June 5, 2026.
Published through Grants.gov, a national government procurement portal. Public procurement tenders follow the country's national bidding regulations and may have specific eligibility and documentation requirements for grants in the education and training sector. Grant applications generally require a detailed project proposal, a clear results framework, and evidence of the applicant's capacity to deliver the proposed activities. Interested parties should review the full documentation on the original source before submitting their proposal.