FY 2026 Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study (YES)
Can you apply?
This grant is for organizations implementing the Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study (YES) program. Applicants must be able to manage overseas recruitment, inbound participant operations, host family placements, and student support in the United States. The primary component involves 270 foreign high school students studying in the U.S. for one semester. Organizations may optionally propose an outbound component for up to 30 American students. The grant requires demonstrated capacity for international exchange program management, host family coordination, and educational programming.
Program description
The Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) invite proposals for a cooperative agreement to implement the FY 2026 Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study (YES) high school exchange program, hereafter referred to as the YES program. Participants will be on program from approximately January to June 2027. The program requires the following elements:
· Manage overseas operations, recruit and select inbound participants, arrange travel, and oversee database and website management for all inbound participants, as well as coordinate the overall program.
· Manage host family and school placements for inbound foreign participants in the United States, organize “American Excellence” enhancement activities, and provide ongoing monitoring and support.
Although not required, applicants have the option to also propose a YES Abroad outbound component, recruiting, placing, and monitoring up to 30 American students who will attend high school and live with host families overseas.
The YES program advances U.S. interests by cultivating a network of young leaders who understand and support U.S. principles and priorities, with a focus on entrepreneurship, innovation, civic engagement, and leadership. The program equips American youth participants with language skills and cross-cultural competencies essential for success in international business, diplomacy, and security. By fostering connections among young people from the United States and key countries, the program supports the National Security Strategy’s focus on expanding alliances to secure American interests and counter adversarial influence.
Key Activities:
- Up to 270 foreign high school participants will study in the U.S. for an academic semester.
- All participants live with host families, attend high school, perform community service, and participate in American Excellence enhancement activities.
ECA expects to issue one award. Please see announcement for additional information.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
Demographic focus
How to apply
Application links
Key dates & requirements
Required documents
- Proposal narrative describing program management approach
- Organizational capacity statement and relevant past exchange program experience
- Host family recruitment and placement plan
- Overseas recruitment and participant selection procedures
- Detailed project timeline and budget narrative
- Evaluation plan for participant outcomes
Program contact
- 👤 Bureau Of Educational and Cultural Affairs
- 📧 David-FoxKO@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
What is the primary focus of the YES program?
The program brings approximately 270 foreign high school students to the U.S. for a semester (January-June 2027) while living with host families and attending school. It aims to build international understanding and leadership.
Who can apply for this grant?
Organizations with capacity to manage overseas operations, recruit international participants, arrange travel, and coordinate host family placements. The full announcement details specific organizational requirements.
Is there a cost-sharing requirement?
No. This is a fully-funded cooperative agreement with no required cost sharing from applicants.
Can we propose an outbound component?
Yes. While not required, applicants may propose sending up to 30 American students abroad for high school exchange.
What is the award amount?
The grant provides $10 million for FY 2026 implementation. ECA expects to issue one award.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Demonstrate proven experience managing international youth exchange programs at scale. Include past participant outcomes and placement success rates.
- Detail your overseas recruitment strategy and partner relationships in target countries. Show capacity to identify and select strong candidates.
- Provide a clear host family recruitment, vetting, and support plan. Reviewers prioritize participant safety and successful placements.
- Explain how you'll deliver "American Excellence" enhancement activities that teach entrepreneurship, innovation, and civic engagement alongside academics.
- If proposing the optional outbound component, present a realistic implementation plan showing how you'll manage 30 American students' overseas placements and monitoring.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Underestimating recruitment and host family coordination capacity. Failing to demonstrate past international exchange experience at comparable scale. Vague or generic descriptions of enhancement activities rather than specific, measurable programming tied to national priorities.
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