FY 2026 Study of the U.S. Institutes Madeleine K. Albright Young Women Leaders Program
Can you apply?
This grant is for U.S. educational institutions interested in hosting international exchange programs for young women leaders. Eligible applicants typically include colleges, universities, and nonprofit organizations with capacity to design and deliver academic programming. The program targets four cohorts of approximately 20 foreign undergraduate students (ages 18-25) for a five-week summer institute. Institutions must be able to provide four-week academic residency and one-week integrated field experience focused on Economic Prosperity and Growth or Governance and Security themes.
This grant is for U.S. educational institutions interested in hosting international exchange programs for young women leaders. Eligible applicants typically include colleges, universities, and nonprofit organizations with capacity to design and deliver academic programming. The program targets four cohorts of approximately 20 foreign undergraduate students (ages 18-25) for a five-week summer institute. Institutions must be able to provide four-week academic residency and one-week integrated field experience focused on Economic Prosperity and Growth or Governance and Security themes.
Program description
The Office of Academic Exchange Programs, ECA, invites proposal submissions for the design and implementation of the FY 2026 Study of the U.S. Institutes Madeleine K. Albright Young Women Leaders Program (Albright SUSIs). The four Albright SUSIs will take place over five weeks in summer 2027. The Albright SUSIs will focus on one of two themes: 1) Economic Prosperity and Growth (two SUSIs) and 2) Governance and Security (two SUSIs). See details in section C. Program Description of the Notice of Funding Opportunity.
The Albright SUSIs include four cohorts of approximately 20 foreign undergraduate students (men and women), between the ages of 18 and 25 (approximately 80 participants total).
The Albright SUSIs will include an approximately four-week academic 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 Albright SUSI should highlight American success and innovation in the themes outlined above. The program should include opportunities for continued follow-on engagement once participants return home.
Please see the Notice of Funding Opportunity for additional information.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
Demographic focus
Details
This grant is for U.S. educational institutions interested in hosting international exchange programs for young women leaders. Eligible applicants typically include colleges, universities, and nonprofit organizations with capacity to design and deliver academic programming. The program targets four cohorts of approximately 20 foreign undergraduate students (ages 18-25) for a five-week summer institute. Institutions must be able to provide four-week academic residency and one-week integrated field experience focused on Economic Prosperity and Growth or Governance and Security themes.
How to apply
Application links
Required documents
- Notice of Funding Opportunity (full announcement with detailed requirements)
- Project narrative addressing program design and implementation
- Budget and budget narrative
- Organizational capacity documentation
- CV/credentials of key personnel
- Letters of institutional support and commitment
Program contact
- 👤 Bureau Of Educational and Cultural Affairs
- 📧 OmarshahSL@state.gov
- 📞 202-890-9795
Funding track record
Recent awards under CFDA 19.009 from the last 3 years — real organizations that won funding through this same program.
Top 10 Largest Recent Awards
-
$50,850,000
-
$38,718,862
-
$18,128,129
-
$17,885,000
-
$16,599,995
-
$10,000,000
-
$9,000,000
-
$8,990,000
-
$8,990,000
-
$8,990,000
Source: USAspending.gov — federal spending transparency. Data covers last 3 years.
Funding history
Annual funding for this program — Federal obligations (CFDA 19.009). How funding has trended year over year.
| 2024 | $58,261,585 | |
| 2025 | $58,261,585 | |
| 2026 est. | $58,261,585 |
FAQ
Who can apply for this grant?
U.S. educational institutions, colleges, universities, and qualified nonprofits can apply. Your organization must demonstrate capacity to host and manage international student cohorts for a five-week summer program.
When is the deadline?
The deadline is June 26, 2026. This is a fixed deadline, so early submission is recommended.
What activities are supported?
Funding supports designing and implementing a four-week academic residency plus one-week field experience. Programs must focus on Economic Prosperity and Growth or Governance and Security themes.
What is the funding level?
Awards are fixed at $1,500,000 per cooperative agreement. This covers program design, implementation, staffing, and participant support for approximately 80 international students.
Can we run this program at our institution?
Your institution must have appropriate facilities, faculty expertise, and experience with international student programs. Review the Notice of Funding Opportunity for specific capacity requirements.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Emphasize your institution's track record with international exchange programs and student support services. Strong past experience increases competitiveness.
- Design two distinct program tracks aligned with the specified themes: Economic Prosperity and Growth or Governance and Security. Clarity on your focus is essential.
- Plan robust follow-on engagement mechanisms for participants after they return home. Sustainability of relationships is a priority for the program.
- Secure faculty and staff with genuine expertise in your chosen theme and experience mentoring international young professionals. Quality instructors matter.
- Coordinate early with your institution's international office, housing, and administrative services to demonstrate feasibility of hosting and supporting 20 students simultaneously.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Weak follow-on engagement plans—applicants often underestimate the importance of sustained connection with program alumni. Unclear theme alignment—failing to sharply define how your program exemplifies Economic Prosperity and Growth or Governance and Security. Insufficient institutional capacity documentation—not demonstrating adequate housing, faculty, and support systems for international students.
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