FY 2026 Youth Ambassadors Programs
Can you apply?
This grant is for nonprofits, educational institutions, and international exchange organizations that can implement youth leadership programs across multiple regions. Applicants must be able to facilitate three-week exchanges involving youth and adult mentors from select countries in Sub-Saharan Africa, East Asia and Pacific, Europe and Eurasia, Middle East and North Africa, South Central Asia, and the Western Hemisphere, plus U.S. participants. Programs must focus on youth leadership development with creative application of AI concepts, and participants must implement follow-on projects in their home communities. Eligible applicants should demonstrate experience managing international exchanges and youth programs.
This grant is for nonprofits, educational institutions, and international exchange organizations that can implement youth leadership programs across multiple regions. Applicants must be able to facilitate three-week exchanges involving youth and adult mentors from select countries in Sub-Saharan Africa, East Asia and Pacific, Europe and Eurasia, Middle East and North Africa, South Central Asia, and the Western Hemisphere, plus U.S. participants. Programs must focus on youth leadership development with creative application of AI concepts, and participants must implement follow-on projects in their home communities. Eligible applicants should demonstrate experience managing international exchanges and youth programs.
Program description
The Office of Citizen Exchanges, Youth Programs Division of the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) is pleased to announce an open competition for the FY 2026 Youth Ambassadors program. Proposals may be submitted to implement one, or more, of eight program options outlined in this solicitation. A different proposal must be submitted for each program option, if applying for more than one. You must clearly identify which program option a proposal is for, early in the Executive Summary of the proposal. The Youth Ambassadors program provides groups of youth and adult mentor (select programs) participants from select countries in the regions of Sub-Saharan Africa (AF), East Asia and Pacific (EAP), Europe and Eurasia (EUR), Middle East and North Africa (NEA), South Central Asia (SCA), the Western Hemisphere (WHA), and the United States of America (USA) , with a three-week exchange focusing on youth leadership. In addition to participants travelling internationally, exchanges will include U.S. youth and adult mentors participating as peers in U.S. based exchanges. As applicants explore the main theme of leadership, they are encouraged to showcase creative and transformative application of AI concepts, resources, strategies, and tools. Program participants will apply knowledge gained on the program to implement follow-on projects in their home communities.
Please see the Notice of Funding Opportunity for additional information.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
Demographic focus
Details
This grant is for nonprofits, educational institutions, and international exchange organizations that can implement youth leadership programs across multiple regions. Applicants must be able to facilitate three-week exchanges involving youth and adult mentors from select countries in Sub-Saharan Africa, East Asia and Pacific, Europe and Eurasia, Middle East and North Africa, South Central Asia, and the Western Hemisphere, plus U.S. participants. Programs must focus on youth leadership development with creative application of AI concepts, and participants must implement follow-on projects in their home communities. Eligible applicants should demonstrate experience managing international exchanges and youth programs.
How to apply
Application links
Required documents
- Notice of Funding Opportunity (full details)
- Executive Summary (with clear program option identification)
- Project Narrative
- Budget and Budget Narrative
- Organizational Capability Statement
- International Partner Letters of Commitment
- Participant Selection and Support Plan
- Follow-on Project Implementation Plan
Program contact
- 👤 Bureau Of Educational and Cultural Affairs
- 📧 SarsourAA@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 Youth Ambassadors Program?
Nonprofits, educational institutions, and exchange organizations with experience managing international youth programs can apply. You must be able to implement three-week exchanges involving multiple countries and regions.
What regions are included in this program?
The program covers Sub-Saharan Africa, East Asia and Pacific, Europe and Eurasia, Middle East and North Africa, South Central Asia, the Western Hemisphere, and the United States. Some program options may focus on specific regions.
What is the focus of the program?
Programs center on youth leadership development with creative application of AI concepts and tools. Participants should implement follow-on projects in their home communities after the exchange.
What is the funding range for this grant?
Awards typically range from $300,000 to $2,100,000. Total available funding is $7,954,000 across all awards in this competition.
Is cost sharing required?
No, cost sharing is not required for this grant. However, demonstrating organizational capacity and partner commitment strengthens competitiveness.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Identify clearly which program option your proposal targets in the Executive Summary; do not submit a single proposal covering multiple options.
- Emphasize creative and transformative uses of AI in the leadership curriculum and participant learning.
- Demonstrate strong relationships with international partners in your target regions and proven capacity to manage complex logistics.
- Show how participants will apply knowledge through concrete follow-on projects in their home communities after returning.
- Build a detailed budget that accounts for international travel, accommodations, mentorship, and program administration across multiple countries.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Proposals that fail to clearly identify the specific program option early in the Executive Summary often face delays or rejection. Many applicants underestimate the complexity of coordinating international exchanges across multiple regions and lack demonstrated partnerships. Insufficient detail on how participants will implement follow-on projects in their communities weakens the competitive case.
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