FY 2026 Young Leaders of the Americas Initiative (YLAI)
Can you apply?
This grant is for U.S.-based organizations with expertise in educational and cultural exchange programs. Applicants must be able to design and manage a fellowship program connecting Latin American and Caribbean entrepreneurs with U.S. business partners. Organizations should have experience with international program management, embassy coordination, and alumni engagement.
The program targets emerging entrepreneurs from the Western Hemisphere and U.S. companies interested in developing business partnerships. Applicants must demonstrate capacity to place approximately 250 international fellows with U.S. companies and coordinate approximately 100 U.S. participants overseas.
All activities must align with U.S. foreign policy objectives and support American commercial interests in the region.
This grant is for U.S.-based organizations with expertise in educational and cultural exchange programs. Applicants must be able to design and manage a fellowship program connecting Latin American and Caribbean entrepreneurs with U.S. business partners. Organizations should have experience with international program management, embassy coordination, and alumni engagement.
The program targets emerging entrepreneurs from the Western Hemisphere and U.S. companies interested in developing business partnerships. Applicants must demonstrate capacity to place approximately 250 international fellows with U.S. companies and coordinate approximately 100 U.S. participants overseas.
All activities must align with U.S. foreign policy objectives and support American commercial interests in the region.
Program 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.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
Demographic focus
Details
This grant is for U.S.-based organizations with expertise in educational and cultural exchange programs. Applicants must be able to design and manage a fellowship program connecting Latin American and Caribbean entrepreneurs with U.S. business partners. Organizations should have experience with international program management, embassy coordination, and alumni engagement.
The program targets emerging entrepreneurs from the Western Hemisphere and U.S. companies interested in developing business partnerships. Applicants must demonstrate capacity to place approximately 250 international fellows with U.S. companies and coordinate approximately 100 U.S. participants overseas.
All activities must align with U.S. foreign policy objectives and support American commercial interests in the region.
How to apply
Application links
Required documents
- Full application per announcement guidelines
- Project narrative and program design
- Budget and budget narrative
- Organizational qualifications and experience
- Letters of support from U.S. embassies or key partners
- Proof of nonprofit or eligible organization status
Program contact
- 👤 Bureau Of Educational and Cultural Affairs
- 📧 Woodst@state.gov
- 📞 202-890-9795
Funding track record
Recent awards under CFDA 19.415 from the last 3 years — real organizations that won funding through this same program.
Top 10 Largest Recent Awards
-
$20,570,000
-
$20,450,000
-
$19,800,000
-
$18,390,884
-
$17,980,767
-
$17,915,753
-
$17,903,753
-
$17,403,806
-
$16,896,050
-
$16,320,000
Source: USAspending.gov — federal spending transparency. Data covers last 3 years.
Funding history
Annual funding for this program — Federal obligations (CFDA 19.415). How funding has trended year over year.
| 2024 | $139,802,885 | |
| 2025 | $86,270,000 | |
| 2026 est. | $86,270,000 |
FAQ
Who can apply for the YLAI Fellowship Program cooperative agreement?
U.S.-based organizations with demonstrated expertise in educational exchange, international program management, and business partnership development. Applicants must show capacity to manage large-scale, multi-country initiatives.
What is the funding amount and timeline?
The award is $7,875,000 for FY 2026, with a deadline of June 5, 2026. No cost sharing is required.
What activities will the program fund?
The grant funds design and implementation of a five to six-week fellowship including orientation, U.S. business placements, entrepreneurial training, closing events, and alumni activities for approximately 250 participants.
How competitive is this grant?
This is a highly competitive cooperative agreement from the State Department. The $23.6M total funding pool supports multiple awards. Strong applicants demonstrate experience managing international exchange programs and building business networks.
Are there geographic restrictions?
The program serves Latin America and the Caribbean. Participants come from these regions; U.S. applicants should have relevant networks and embassy relationships.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Emphasize your organization's track record managing large international fellowship programs with multiple countries and hundreds of participants.
- Detail your existing relationships with U.S. embassies in key Latin American and Caribbean markets.
- Highlight your connections to U.S. companies interested in regional business development and exports.
- Propose clear metrics for measuring economic impact, alumni engagement, and commercial partnerships created.
- Show how your program design promotes American values like entrepreneurship while advancing State Department foreign policy goals.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Proposing a program design that doesn't clearly connect fellowship activities to measurable U.S. commercial outcomes. Failing to demonstrate strong relationships with U.S. embassies and Latin American/Caribbean business networks. Underestimating the complexity of coordinating placements, travel, and alumni engagement across multiple countries and time zones.
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