FY 2026 Tech Youth Program
Can you apply?
This grant is for organizations that support technology education and digital skills for youth. Eligible applicants typically include 501(c)(3) nonprofits, educational institutions, and community organizations focused on STEM or tech workforce development. The program supports activities like coding bootcamps, tech skills training, mentorship programs, and digital literacy initiatives for youth. Geographic scope includes the United States, though the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs may prioritize underserved or rural communities.
This grant is for organizations that support technology education and digital skills for youth. Eligible applicants typically include 501(c)(3) nonprofits, educational institutions, and community organizations focused on STEM or tech workforce development. The program supports activities like coding bootcamps, tech skills training, mentorship programs, and digital literacy initiatives for youth. Geographic scope includes the United States, though the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs may prioritize underserved or rural communities.
Program description
The Office of Citizen Exchanges of the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) is pleased to announce an open competition for proposals to implement the FY 2026 Tech Youth program. Tech Youth is a new three-week, U.S.-based youth exchange that will equip young innovators with essential technical, leadership, and entrepreneurial skills to lead effectively and succeed in emerging industries. Participants will gain hands-on experience through job shadowing, site visits to U.S. companies, meetings with industry leaders, and intensive coursework and hands-on training. The program advances U.S. efforts to secure technological advantage over strategic competitors.
The program will support approximately 96 American and international participants from select countries worldwide (approximately 72 English-speaking international high school students and 24 U.S. high school students) in pre-exchange activities, the three-week U.S.-based exchange (to be conducted in summer 2027), post-exchange alumni engagement, and implementation of required capstone projects that address real-world economic and business challenges.
Please see the Notice of Funding Opportunity for additional information.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
- 501(c)(3) Public Charity
- Community College
- Nonprofits
- Private University
- Public K-12 School
- Public University
Demographic focus
Details
This grant is for organizations that support technology education and digital skills for youth. Eligible applicants typically include 501(c)(3) nonprofits, educational institutions, and community organizations focused on STEM or tech workforce development. The program supports activities like coding bootcamps, tech skills training, mentorship programs, and digital literacy initiatives for youth. Geographic scope includes the United States, though the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs may prioritize underserved or rural communities.
How to apply
Application links
Required documents
- SF-424 (Application for Federal Assistance)
- Project Narrative/Program Description
- Detailed Budget and Budget Narrative
- Organizational Background and Capacity Statement
- Letters of Support from Partners
- Evaluation Plan with Measurable Outcomes
Program contact
- 👤 Bureau Of Educational and Cultural Affairs
- 📧 ShieldsSD@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 is eligible to apply for this grant?
501(c)(3) nonprofits, public schools, community colleges, and community-based organizations are typically eligible. Fiscal sponsors and tribal organizations may also qualify.
What is the application deadline?
The deadline is July 6, 2026. Applications open May 7, 2026, giving you about 2 months to prepare.
What types of activities does this grant support?
Funding supports tech education programs like coding, digital skills training, career readiness, and mentorship for youth ages typically 14-24.
How competitive is this funding?
This is moderately competitive. Success depends on strong evaluation metrics, community partnerships, and evidence of youth outcomes.
What is the typical funding range?
Federal youth technology grants typically range from $50,000 to $300,000, though check the Notice of Funding Opportunity for exact amounts.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Partner with local schools or employers to strengthen your proposal and demonstrate youth employment pathways.
- Use data from past programs to show measurable outcomes like job placement rates, skill certifications, or college enrollment.
- Focus on equity: highlight how your program reaches underrepresented youth in tech, including girls, students of color, and low-income participants.
- Build evaluation plans early with clear metrics for tracking participant progress and program success.
- Demonstrate sustainability by showing how the program will continue after federal funding ends.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Applicants often lack clear metrics for measuring youth outcomes like employment or skill gains. Programs without employer partnerships or documented demand miss competitive advantage. Proposals that don't address equity gaps or serve disadvantaged youth populations are frequently rejected.
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