The U.S. Exchange alumni network and capacity building program will equip american exchange alumni with the tools to leverage their talent, experience, and international networks in promoting american…

The U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs awarded a $1.305 million Cooperative Agreement to the International Research and Exchanges Board Inc. (IREX) under the International Exchange Alumni Programs (CFDA 19.452) to establish and operate a U.S. Exchange Alumni Network and Capacity Building Program. The agreement, effective September 30, 2025, through March 31, 2027, will equip American exchange alumni with professional development resources, networking platforms, and strategic tools to leverage their international experience and networks in advancing U.S. foreign policy interests and promoting citizen diplomacy globally.

The program will deliver comprehensive capacity-building services and professional development initiatives designed to engage the over 500,000 American alumni of U.S. government-sponsored exchange programs. IREX will coordinate alumni engagement activities, facilitate networking opportunities through digital and in-person forums, administer professional development seminars and small grants programs addressing priority foreign policy topics including economic prosperity through innovation and strengthening democratic institutions, and work collaboratively with U.S. embassies and regional State Department bureaus to ensure alignment with embassy priorities and U.S. foreign policy objectives worldwide.

The U.S. Exchange alumni network and capacity building program will equip american exchange alumni with the tools to leverage their talent, experience, and international networks in promoting american interests overseas and encouraging citizen diplomacy