FY26 TechYouth NOFO.pdf

U.S. Department of State

Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO)

FY 2026 Tech Youth Program Funding Opportunity Number: DFOP0018281

Application Deadline: July 6, 2026

A. Basic Information B. Eligibility C. Program Description D. Application Contents and Format E. Submission Requirements and Deadlines F. Application Review Information G. Award Notices H. Post-Award Requirements and Administration I. Other Information

A. Basic Information

1. Overview.

Funding Opportunity Title FY 2026 Tech Youth Program Funding Opportunity Number DFOP0018281 Announcement Type New Cooperative Agreement Deadline for Applications July 6, 2026, 11:59pm Eastern (Washington

D.C. time) Assistance Listing Number 19.415 Length of Performance Period 15 months Number of Awards Anticipated One award Award Amount Approximately $1,100,000, pending the availability of funds Total Available Funding Approximately $1,100,000, pending the availability of funds Type of Funding FY 2026 Educational and Cultural Exchange

Programs (ECE) Funds Funding Instrument Type Cooperative Agreement

Anticipated Award Date September 15, 2026

This notice is subject to availability of funding. Issuance of the NOFO does not constitute an award commitment on the part of the Government.

ECA reserves the right to reduce, revise, or increase proposal budgets in accordance with the needs of the program and the availability of funds.

Pending satisfactory implementation of this program and the availability of funds in subsequent fiscal years, it is ECA’s intent to renew this award for two additional, consecutive fiscal years, before openly competing it again.

2. Executive Summary.

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.

B. Eligibility

1. Eligible Applicants.

The following organizations are eligible to apply:

• U.S. Not-for-profit organizations, including think tanks and civil society/non-governmental organizations

• U.S. Not-for-profit public and private educational institutions

Please see the Proposal Submission Instructions (PSI) for additional information.

2. Cost Sharing.

There is no minimum or maximum percentage of cost sharing required for this program.

3. Other Eligibility Requirements.

a) All organizations must have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) issued via SAM.gov as well as a valid registration in SAM.gov. Please see Section E.

Submission Requirements and Deadlines for more information.

b) ECA’s Grant Guidelines require that organizations demonstrate at least four years of experience in conducting international exchanges to be eligible for awards exceeding $130,000 in ECA funding. As noted in Section A. Basic Information, ECA anticipates issuing one award, for approximately $1,100,000. Therefore, organizations must demonstrate four years of experience in conducting international exchanges in your proposal to be eligible to apply under this competition.

c) All proposals must comply with the requirements stated in the NOFO and the PSI; not doing so may result in your proposal being declared technically ineligible and given no further consideration in the review process.

d) All proposals must contain a SF-424, executive summary, proposal narrative, budget (SF-424A), detailed line-item budget, and budget narrative.

e) Only one proposal will be considered by ECA from each applicant organization. In cases where more than one submission from an applicant appears in grants.gov, ECA will only consider the submission made closest in time to the NOFO deadline; that submission would constitute the one and only proposal ECA would review from that applicant. Please note:

Applicant organizations are defined by their legal name, and EIN number as stated on their completed SF-424 and additional supporting documentation outlined in the PSI document.

f) Applicants who are current recipients of awards directly from ECA should make sure the application discusses one or more award that will be open with ECA at the start of the anticipated period of performance for this NOFO.

Applicants who do not have current awards directly with ECA, please review the information in the PSI, section D, with additional information that must be provided in your application for it to be eligible.

C. Program Description

1. Authority.

Overall grant making authority for this program is contained in the Mutual Educational and Cultural Exchange Act of 1961, Public Law 87-256, as amended, also known as the Fulbright-Hays Act. The purpose of the Act is "to enable the

Government of the United States to increase mutual understanding between the people of the United States and the people of other countries...; to strengthen the ties which unite us with other nations by demonstrating the educational and cultural interests, developments, and achievements of the people of the United States and other nations...and thus to assist in the development of friendly, sympathetic and peaceful relations between the United States and the other countries of the world."

The funding authority for the program above is provided through legislation.

2. Purpose.

The Tech Youth program will equip young innovators with the skills and knowledge to succeed in emerging industries and to lead technology collaboration between the United States and partner countries worldwide. American participants will acquire advanced technical and leadership skills while gaining global perspectives and international networks that strengthen U.S. competitiveness and reinforce American leadership in strategic technology sectors. International participants will learn about U.S. innovation, entrepreneurship, and business practices, positioning them as future long-term partners for U.S. technology, trade, and investment. By fostering technological innovation, and entrepreneurial mindsets, Tech Youth will advance U.S. foreign policy priorities and cultivate young leaders who will drive economic and technological progress aligned with U.S. interests.

To achieve these outcomes, Tech Youth will showcase American leadership in technological innovation, prioritize U.S. private sector engagement, and introduce STEM careers through immersive activities such as job shadowing, site visits to U.S. companies, meetings with industry leaders, and hands-on training. During the exchange, participants will explore U.S. advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) and other emerging technologies across sectors such as advanced manufacturing, biotechnology, cybersecurity, e-commerce, energy, robotics, and quantum computing. They will gain practical perspectives on technological problem-solving and innovation, deepen their understanding of the U.S. tech industry and business practices, and form lasting professional relationships with U.S. counterparts.

Participants also will develop an understanding and appreciation of American culture and history through engagement with American communities, homestays with American families, and cultural activities. Engaging young people at a formative age builds a pipeline of globally aware technology leaders equipped to advance international collaboration and address future real-world challenges.

Upon returning home, participants will design and implement capstone projects in their communities that apply the technical skills, leadership abilities, and problem-solving approaches acquired during the exchange. These participant-driven initiatives will expand program impact, promote continued engagement with U.S.

technologies and partners, and strengthen business, educational, and research ties between the United States and participating countries, thereby advancing long-term U.S. strategic and economic interests.

3. Program Specific Guidelines.

The program goals are to:

1) Advance U.S. economic interests and workforce competitiveness by equipping American and international youth with technical and entrepreneurial capabilities, and by building a global network of young leaders who actively support U.S. businesses, products, and commercial partnerships.

2) Showcase U.S. technological leadership by demonstrating U.S. excellence and innovation in cutting-edge technologies and innovation, encouraging international young leaders to choose the United States as their preferred partner for future technology research collaboration, investment, and commercial engagement.

3) Build strategic international partnerships by creating lasting networks between emerging innovators and industry leaders. Through these networks, American youth will gain new global perspectives and problem-solving skills, while international youth will learn how U.S. technologies and standards can position their nations to expand partnerships with the United States.

4) Promote America by deepening participants’ understanding and appreciation of U.S. culture, history, and founding principles, including free expression and speech, citizen participation in government, and rule of law; instilling pride and patriotism in American youth; and inspiring all participants to continue learning about these topics and to share their exchange experiences with their home communities.

The objectives of the program:

1) Participants will achieve documented growth in five key workforce competency areas - technical skills (e.g., AI fundamentals, coding, robotics), leadership, teamwork, creative problem-solving, and communication, as measured through pre/post skills assessments and project evaluations.

2) Participants will build and sustain relationships with U.S. peers, host families, industry professionals, and mentors through virtual and/or in-person means post-program.

3) Participants will complete a capstone project in their home communities within six months of program completion, applying technical skills and approaches learned during the exchange, utilizing U.S. technology platforms where feasible, and presenting their exchange experience to their communities to promote America.

4) International participants will share their U.S. experiences with their home communities through presentations, social media, media interviews, or other venues within a year of completing the program, promoting American culture, collaborative activities, and future partnership opportunities with the United States.

Regions and Countries/Territories: The Tech Youth program is a global initiative that engages participants from the United States and select countries worldwide. ECA anticipates that approximately two countries per region will participate in the program. The Department of State regions can be found at https://www.state.gov/countries-and-areas-list.

ECA, in consultation with regional bureaus, will identify and select participating countries of strategic importance to the Administration, based on regional priorities and operational considerations. ECA will communicate country selections to the award recipient in the fall before the summer program.

Note: ECA reserves the right to adjust program configurations, budgets, participant numbers, and participating countries based on program needs, funding availability, and evolving U.S. foreign policy priorities. ECA may also modify the list of participating countries or regions if unexpected situations prevent a partner country from participating or if alternative countries better align with current Department priorities. Any changes may require award amendments.

Participants: ECA anticipates that the award will support approximately 96 American and international participants.

With the support of the award recipient, participating embassies will lead the competitive recruitment of eligible, English-speaking international participants for the program. The award recipient will receive all applications, pre-screen program applicants for eligibility and application quality, and prepare semi-finalist lists for embassy review and candidate interviews.

U.S. embassies will interview semi-finalists and submit their selections to ECA for approval. Once approved, ECA will share finalist lists with the award recipient.

The award recipient will also conduct national outreach and competitive merit-based selection of approximately 24 American youth participants from across the

United States to join the international participants in planned activities throughout the entire program. Proposals should include a clear plan to demonstrate impact on U.S. youth and communities, in addition to overseas communities. ECA must approve all U.S. participant selections before participants are notified of their status.

Ideal participants for this program will:

• Be between the ages of 15 and 18 years.

• Be current residents of participating countries or territories.

• Have a strong interest in, and general understanding of, global issues and key technology topics, including artificial intelligence (AI) and its real-world applications, and other emerging technologies.

• Have demonstrated leadership potential through academic excellence, community involvement, and extracurricular activities.

• Be motivated to strengthen their youth leadership, entrepreneurial, and problem-solving skills.

• Be proficient in English to actively participate in all exchange activities and understand technical vocabulary and concepts.

• Demonstrate intent to pursue further studies and/or careers in technology fields.

• Be committed to completing a capstone project and remain engaged with the

ECA alumni community after the exchange.

Program Design Applicants should propose one exchange that will support approximately 96 competitively selected participants in three weeks of U.S.-based activities as well as pre- and post-exchange components.

The overall program design should prioritize AI education and literacy, as well as leadership and entrepreneurial skills development. Participants will engage in the study and in-depth exploration of key STEM topics through the lens of emerging technologies. Topics may include advanced manufacturing, biotechnology, cybersecurity, e-commerce, energy exploration, quantum computing, robotics, space technologies, among others. The program should also include activities that showcase American entrepreneurial spirit and U.S. advancements in technology across various sectors, particularly as they relate to AI.

By equipping participants with AI literacy, the program enables young leaders to design AI-based solutions to both community and global challenges. Participants will also be able to navigate digital spaces safely and leverage digital platforms to exercise free speech through open debate, constructive dialogue, and the free exchange of ideas.

Proposals should include detailed descriptions of all proposed activities. Applicants are encouraged to propose innovative approaches that incorporate the program components outlined in this solicitation and may include additional activities that advance the program's stated goals and objectives. Topics and themes selected for activities should aim to promote and advance current U.S. foreign policy priorities related to youth workforce development and technological advancement.

Applicants should propose pre- and post-exchange components that complement and enhance the skills development and learning gained during the in-person exchange.

Proposals should identify specific exchange dates, but the exact timing may be altered through the mutual agreement of ECA and the award recipient. The award recipient must consult with ECA and the participating U.S. embassies before confirming the specific dates of the exchange during the planning phase of the program.

Details on specific program components can be found below, with additional information provided under Recipient Responsibilities.

Key program Components:

Pre-exchange Virtual Activities Proposals should include substantive pre-exchange virtual activities that prepare participants for active engagement in the U.S.-based exchange and build cohesion among participants. These activities should include sessions that introduce participants to program themes, online safety, and foundational AI concepts and tools, including the role of AI in emerging industries and to personalize learning.

ECA encourages applicants to partner with U.S. AI platforms to support these preparatory activities when possible.

U.S. Exchange The format of the U.S. exchange must be age-appropriate and interactive, designed to build participants’ knowledge and technical skills while strengthening their leadership, civic, and entrepreneurial abilities. The format should enable participants to explore program themes in creative and practical ways. Applicants are encouraged to be innovative and adaptable in designing activities that meet program goals while maximizing cost-effectiveness and efficiency. All program components also should be designed to be flexible and responsive to evolving U.S.

foreign policies priorities.

While the program experience is intended to be intensive and immersive, daily activities should conclude at reasonable hours. It is important that the high school aged participants be provided with ample opportunity within the schedule for downtime to reflect on program lessons and experiences, to connect with family and friends back home, and to spend unstructured time with Tech Youth peers to form meaningful and lasting friendships that will continue after the program.

Proposals should describe a plan to divide the full delegation of participants into smaller cohorts, when and where logical, to ensure that all participants actively take part in all exchange activities and that program staff can adequately monitor the safety and well-being of the participants.

a) Technology Camp: The three-week, U.S.-based exchange should feature an academically rigorous technology camp designed specifically for Tech Youth participants. Technology camp key objectives include developing participant technical skills and inspiring their deeper engagement and long-term interest in artificial intelligence by demonstrating its everyday applications and how it can be used to personalize learning. The camp should also provide opportunities for participants to explore how individuals can use digital technologies constructively and safely for open debate and the exchange of information and ideas, and to learn how freedom of speech and expression in the United States drives American innovation and prosperity.

Note: Participants may have varying levels of technology and STEM experience. Applicants therefore should design camp activities that develop and strengthen skills for all competency levels.

b) Job Shadowing, Mentorships, and Career Readiness: The program prioritizes robust U.S. business engagement by integrating substantive job shadowing, mentorships, and site visits that give participants deeper insight into STEM careers, U.S. business practices, and U.S. innovation and technological advances, while helping them build professional networks they can draw on as their careers develop.

Proposals that clearly promote U.S. business engagement and foster public– private partnerships will be most competitive, particularly those that: (1) connect the program with local businesses and industry leaders for site visits; (2) identify corporate partners for job shadowing; and (3) secure expert speakers for trainings, workshops, or events.

c) Other exchange activities: To provide a well-rounded experience, the program should include additional activities that support program themes and advance the program’s stated goals. These include cultural and recreational activities that introduce participants to U.S. culture, history, and founding principles (individual liberties such as freedom of speech), and U.S. community activities that further build leadership skills and allow for direct engagement with Americans.

The program also should afford participants opportunities throughout the duration of the exchange to engage in small group work to design and develop capstone projects that are relevant to the field and their home communities and will produce tangible, presentable outcomes.

Organizational Capacity: Proposals should demonstrate strong organizational capacity to implement a program of this nature, focusing on three core competencies: (1) a track record in conducting leadership- and technology-focused programs; (2) expertise in implementing substantive, age-appropriate activities for secondary school youth; and (3) experience managing complex, multi-phase, global programs and maintaining engagement with participants following the U.S.-based exchange.

Applicants may propose U.S.-based partners to assist with program implementation, such as delivery of the technology camp or specialized training components.

Proposals should include letters of commitment or support from partner organizations and a brief description of any previous cooperative activities, along with relevant information on partners’ mission, activities, and accomplishments.

Applicants should clearly outline the roles and responsibilities of all partner organizations in program logistics, management, and oversight.

Applicants are strongly encouraged to secure private sector support, where possible.

Private sector funds and in-kind contributions may support activities such as additional visits to U.S. technology companies, increased participation of American students in program activities, or expanded offerings during the technology camp.

Partner Organizations and/or Affiliates: While not required, applicants are strongly encouraged to identify partner(s) in participating regions/countries (e.g., branch offices, non-governmental organizations, alumni, or other affiliates/consultants) to assist with in-country implementation, including internal travel logistics, disbursement of travel allowances, pre-departure orientations, and follow-on activities. This capacity may take the form of a branch office of the U.S.

applicant organization, a non-governmental partner, or other entities with demonstrated experience implementing educational exchanges. Individuals from ECA’s exchange alumni network also may serve as in-country partners.

The award recipient must have systems in place to assist participants with pre-departure arrangements, including coordinating travel and lodging for visa interviews, conducting pre-departure orientations, managing international departures, and disbursing funds for domestic expenses (e.g., travel to the capital city, passport fees, travel allowances). The award recipient will be responsible, both programmatically and financially, for all partner activities under the cooperative agreement. All applicants should identify proposed in-country partner(s), describe each partner’s responsibilities and qualifications, and provide signed letters of commitment, where applicable. The award recipient (and its partners) must be able to manage program activities in partner countries with minimal reliance on U.S.

embassy staff.

U.S. Embassy-Specific Involvement: In collaboration with the U.S. award recipient and ECA, participating U.S. embassies will: 1) take the lead on participant recruitment and selection, utilizing materials provided by the award recipient.

Applicants should outline in their proposals how they will support U.S. embassies in these efforts, including responding to applicant inquiries and hosting information sessions to encourage applications from the posts’ target demographics; 2) interview semi-finalists after the award recipient’s initial applicant screening and nominate Tech Youth finalists and alternates (for ECA approval); 3) facilitate visa appointments, pre-departure briefings, and alumni engagement. The costs associated with these activities should be covered through the award; 4) participate in planned alumni activities, as feasible; 5) conduct post-exchange debriefs with participants to learn about their experiences and impressions; and 6) assist in integrating Tech Youth alumni into the broader ECA alumni network in their home countries to the greatest extent possible.

Note: Once a cooperative agreement is awarded and countries are selected for the year, the recipient must consult regularly with embassies to implement the project and coordinate participants’ international and domestic travel needs. All program materials, promotional items, and application forms are subject to ECA approval before dissemination to the public.

4. Recipient Responsibilities.

The responsibilities of the award recipient are as follows.

1) Recruitment and Selection – Proposals must include a detailed description of the proposed plans/processes to accomplish all elements outlined below, as well as a sample application form in the appendices.

a) Prepare recruitment materials including applications, flyers, frequently asked questions, information session presentations, online application portal, social media posts, and a workplan/timeline to support the participating embassies’ recruitment of qualified participants. The award recipient will work with ECA to finalize the materials before disseminating them to embassies.

b) Develop an online application form, in consultation with ECA, for the merit-based open competition for both international and American participants to be utilized during program outreach and participant recruitment. ECA must approve the application form prior to it going live. Additionally, the award recipient must house the application form and subsequent program applicant data on a secure, private, password-protected platform or website that is accessible only to the award recipient, participating embassies, and ECA.

c) Conduct and manage open recruitment and competitive, merit-based selection of a secondary school youth from the United States, in close consultation with ECA.

d) Consult with ECA to establish a mutually agreeable recruitment and selection timeline, incorporating time for outreach to prospective applicants, initial screening of applicants, the preparation of semi-finalist lists for the embassies’ review, and candidate interviews by embassy staff.

e) Develop a screening process and manage the initial screening of program applicants by performing a technical review of all applications received for eligibility and completeness. The award recipient should use a transparent process, with a consistent scoring mechanism and clearly identified evaluation criteria for assessing applications. Review criteria should be developed in close consultation with ECA and participating embassies.

f) Provide each embassy (copying ECA) with a list of semi-finalists by the agreed upon deadline (determined after the award has been made) to be interviewed by embassy staff. Any notes or recommendations from the initial screening should be shared with the embassies to aid them in their selection of participants that would be a good fit for the proposed U.S.-based exchange. The award recipient may serve in an advisory role to participating embassies, as needed/requested, during the selection process.

Please note - U.S. embassies will interview candidates and make final selections, which will be sent to ECA for approval in the form of ranked nominations. Once approved, ECA will notify the award recipient of the final, approved selections.

2) Preparation

a) Pre-departure Orientations (PDOs):

o In consultation with ECA, design pre-departure orientation materials for participants and their parents/guardians prior to exchange. Materials should cover key topics, including program objectives, themes, expectations, intercultural training, preparation for homestays, and important information on travel arrangements and other logistics. PDO materials for international participants must include a general political, historical, educational, and cultural introduction to the United States.

PDO materials for American participants must include general introductions to the home countries and cultures of the international participants.

o In collaboration with ECA, coordinate with all participants before the program to provide program information and pre-departure materials, and to gather information about their specific interests. Note: All participants must be made fully aware that the program is funded by the U.S.

Department of State and supported by the U.S. Government (ECA and participant embassies).

b) Collect medical information from all participants and ensure that each participant has submitted the necessary health documents for the program.

c) Enroll international participants in the Bureau’s Accident and Sickness Program for Exchanges (ASPE) health benefits plan for the duration of the exchange and assist with claims as necessary. ECA can provide training for this task, if necessary.

d) Prepare emergency contact information/cards for all participants.

Participants must receive cards prior to traveling to the site of program activity in the United States.

e) Participant Travel Arrangements:

o For the international participants, facilitate the passport and J-1 visa application process, in collaboration with ECA and embassies prior to travel to the United States. This includes coordinating, and budgeting for travel for visa interviews. When possible, J-1 vias should be applied for approximately 90 days prior to travel to the United States. All international participants will travel on a U.S. Government designation for the J Exchange Visitor Program with ECA as the sponsor.

o Identify an individual to serve as Alternate Responsible Officer to issue DS-2019 forms. ECA can provide training for that individual, if necessary.

o Facilitate, and budget for, the identification needs of American participants. This includes coordinating and budgeting for TSA approved identification for domestic participants.

o Arrange and manage all round-trip international (complying with the Fly

America Act) travel arrangements for international participants. ECA and U.S. embassies must be provided the opportunity to review international flight itineraries. ECA will approve all international itineraries prior to purchase to ensure cost effectiveness.

o Manage/arrange in-country domestic travel for all participants (including American participants). Related in-country expenses (for international participants) may include passport fees, participant travel allowances, inter-country travel to the capital city for visa interview, and lodging and meals for pre-departure orientations, as needed. The proposal should detail a plan for providing funds to participants to cover their required pre-program costs.

f) Flight Chaperones:

o Identify and arrange for adult flight chaperones (at least 25 years of age) to accompany participants who are minors on international (transatlantic) flights to and from the United States, in close consultation with ECA and U.S. embassies, to ensure participant safety and ease parental concerns.

Once participants arrive in the United States, award recipient staff will meet and supervise them for the duration of the exchange.

o To the greatest extent possible, select flight chaperones from among ECA program alumni to strengthen the ECA alumni network. Chaperones should be competitively selected through a brief application and interview process. When ECA alumni are not available, chaperones may include award recipient staff, local NGO staff, educators, or consultants. Selected chaperones must commit in writing to fulfilling travel-related responsibilities and serving as mentors or resources to participants following the exchange.

o Ensure that flight chaperones participate in part or all PDOs with participants to prepare for assisting participants and to allow parents or guardians to meet them. Once approved by ECA and U.S. embassies, the award recipient should introduce chaperones to participants and parents or guardians in advance of travel. While flight chaperones will not have a role in the U.S.-based exchange, applicants are encouraged to provide opportunities for them to participate in orientation or closing workshop events when feasible.

o Manage and arrange all round-trip international travel (in compliance with the Fly America Act) and any necessary U.S. domestic travel for approved flight chaperones, including lodging and per diem for the appropriate number of days in the United States (typically two days). Proposals should include a cost-effective plan for identifying flight chaperones, coordinating their travel, and budgeting for all related expenses. ECA and U.S. embassies may assist in facilitating connections with ECA alumni, as needed.

g) Arrange for U.S. ground transportation, group meals, and the disbursement of pocket money.

h) Hire and train staff, as needed, to accompany participants during the exchange period. Criminal background checks, including a search of the Department of Justice’s National Sex Offender Public Registry, must be conducted for all program staff and for new staff prior to hiring.

i) Orient staff and those participating from the U.S. host communities, including host families, to the goals of the program.

j) Housing Accommodations:

o Arrange housing for participants in dormitories, hotels, homestays, or a combination thereof, and ensure appropriate staffing to monitor these arrangements throughout the exchange. To maximize interaction with American peers, international participants should be paired with American roommates in all housing accommodations to the greatest extent possible.

Applicants must also explain how they will provide supervision of participants when they are not in homestays.

o Incorporate homestays with American families for a portion of the program to provide participants with insight into everyday life in the host community, increase exposure to American culture, and foster lasting relationships. American participants should be placed in homestays with their international peers whenever possible. Applicants should maximize homestay opportunities within the overall program design.

o Carefully recruit, screen, and select host families for homestay opportunities through a comprehensive process that includes home visits to meet all household members and ensure a comfortable, nurturing environment. Host families must receive an orientation prior to the arrival of exchange participants covering program goals, participation parameters, duties, obligations, and cultural differences.

o Conduct criminal background checks for all host family members and other individuals residing in the home who are 18 years of age or older, including a search of the Department of Justice’s National Sex Offender Public Registry. Host families must also demonstrate adequate financial and personal resources and sufficient time to spend with participants.

Proposals must include a clear and detailed host family recruitment, screening, and selection plan.

o Ensure participants have appropriate accommodations within host family homes. Participants should have private space; while they may share a room with someone of similar age and the same sex, each participant must have their own bed. Participants may be placed with host families individually or in pairs.

o Monitor all housing arrangements throughout the exchange to ensure the health, safety, and well-being of participants.

k) Design and conduct pre-exchange virtual activities that prepare participants for active engagement in the U.S.-based exchange and build cohesion among participants.

3) Exchange Activities

a) Design, plan, and implement a substantive and interactive exchange in the United States designed to develop the youth participants’ knowledge and skill base in the field of technology, including AI foundational concepts and ways AI can provide creative solutions and efficient solutions to real world challenges. The exchange must include a technology camp component and a short trip to Washington, D.C. Exchange activities must include creative and interactive activities, practical experiences, and other hands-on opportunities that provide a substantive experience on the program themes and achieve program objectives outlined in the NOFO. The program should be somewhat flexible, as the proposed exchange dates may be adjusted once the award has been made due to the number of participating countries and varying academic calendars.

b) Conduct a welcome orientation for all participants at the start of the exchange to review program goals, objectives, and expectations. The welcome orientation should include a general political, historical, educational, and cultural introduction to their host communities, and practical and administrative information. During this orientation award recipients must ensure that participants are in possession of the printed emergency contact card.

c) Arrange appropriate community, cultural, and social activities that build participant leadership skills and deepen their understanding of U.S. history, culture, and founding principles, such as American individual liberties.

d) Identify, arrange, and manage substantive job shadowing opportunities for participants.

e) Facilitate the creation of structured mentorships for participants that begin before (or during) the U.S.-based exchange and continue once the participants return home. Mentors may include American job shadow hosts, alumni of ECA-funded professional programs who are now university graduates, among others.

f) Plan a short, substantive visit to Washington, D.C. at the conclusion of the program. The proposal should detail plans for the Washington, D.C. visit which should include:

o a visit to the U.S. Department of State where participants will debrief

Department representatives on their exchange experiences and individual or team projects.

o a closing session to summarize exchange activities, prepare participants for their return home, and present opportunities for alumni engagement.

o cultural activities that showcase American civic history.

g) Develop, and implement, a comprehensive plan to monitor the participants’ safety and well-being during the exchange.

4) Participant Monitoring:

Develop and implement a detailed plan to monitor participants’ well-being, safety, and security during all stages of the program. The award recipient must conduct daily monitoring of participants while on exchange and create opportunities for participants to share concerns or potential issues so they can be addressed promptly. Program staff should take appropriate steps to prevent or address misunderstandings or adjustment issues and assist youth with cultural adaptation, provide societal context to enhance learning, and counsel participants as needed. A competitive monitoring plan should include the following:

o Information provided in pre-departure materials on safety and avenues for participants to communicate concerns to program staff. Participants must also receive emergency contact information or cards prior to their travel.

o An age-appropriate staff supervision plan to ensure participants are safe and properly supervised while participating in program activities and when staying in hotels and/or dormitories.

o Screening of host families, as outlined above.

o Monitoring and support of participants while they are in homestays.

o A comprehensive emergency response plan, including procedures for responding to health, safety, or security concerns. The award recipient must immediately inform ECA and relevant U.S. embassies of any significant health or safety issues affecting program participants. Regardless of the situation, the award recipient must notify ECA immediately.

o Criminal background checks for all program staff, including a search of the Department of Justice’s National Sex Offender Public Registry.

o Inclusion of a detailed participant monitoring and supervision plan in the proposal submission.

5) Follow-on Activities and Alumni Engagement o Plan, organize, and manage follow-on activities and alumni engagement in participants’ home countries in close collaboration with ECA, overseas partner(s) (if applicable), and participating U.S. embassies (advisory role).

o The award recipient should support participants in brainstorming, planning, and developing capstone projects that address program themes and local needs. Projects should incorporate technical skills and innovative approaches learned during the exchange and utilize U.S. AI applications or technology platforms where/if feasible. Applicants should include a clear plan for ongoing mentoring and support upon participants’ return home. Follow-on activities may include virtual components to address connectivity limitations.

o Assist alumni in sharing their experiences with their communities through presentations, articles, digital media content, or other appropriate formats.

o Connect newly returned program alumni with alumni of other ECA and U.S.

Government-sponsored programs in coordination with participating U.S.

embassy alumni coordinators (where applicable) and ECA’s alumni team.

These connections should help participants reintegrate into their home communities and strengthen the alumni network.

o Communicate and consult with ECA and participating embassies prior to organizing in-person or virtual alumni events to account for local cultural, political, or security considerations, and provide opportunities for participation when feasible.

o Keep ECA and embassies informed of plans for and progress on participants’ capstone projects and other activities.

o Provide detailed summaries of alumni activities or events to ECA and posts within two weeks of the event. Summaries should include who, what, where, when, and why, and highlight specific outcomes and notable successes.

o Propose strategies to engage all U.S. program alumni post-exchange to foster a strong network that supports participants in their educational and professional advancement.

o Incorporate ECA alumni initiatives, including the International Exchange Alumni website (alumni.state.gov), the Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund (AEIF) grants, and other U.S. Department of State alumni opportunities.

o Ensure all alumni programs strengthen a sense of affinity with the U.S.

government and follow ECA communications guidance for crediting the U.S.

Department of State.

o Ensure all alumni contact information gathered on behalf of the program is made available to the Department of State. Please refer to the PSI for additional guidance.

o Include a detailed plan for follow-on activities, project action planning, and participant support tailored to high school students that demonstrates how the program will achieve its objectives.

6) Performance Monitoring and Evaluation:

Design a Performance Monitoring Plan (PMP) that outlines plans to track progress towards the proposed program’s goals and objectives through indicators and corresponding data collection questions. Please see section 6. Program Performance Monitoring and Evaluation of the NOFO for more information.

7) Communication:

a) Prepare and share program and alumni highlights and success stories by email in a timely fashion with ECA and relevant U.S. embassies while participants are in the United States and post-exchange.

b) Present a communications plan for keeping ECA and posts informed of program progress, including programmatic and/or participant concerns/issues, as well as alumni activities and success stories.

c) Coordinate digital engagement for the program in coordination with ECA and posts in accordance with ECA’s communications and social media guidelines to ensure media is appropriate for the program’s level of sensitivity and maintains the online security of those involved.

8) Administrative

a) Work in consultation with the ECA and participating U.S. embassies on the program implementation, providing timely progress reports to ECA and posts, and complying with financial and program reporting requirements and ECA directives.

b) Manage all financial aspects of the program, including stipend disbursements to the participants, and management and oversight of sub-award relationships with U.S. and overseas partner organizations, as applicable.

c) Participate in regular program reviews with ECA to assess program implementation and identify matters of concern and improvement. The award recipient should provide ECA brief, monthly email updates (at minimum) outlining general programmatic activities conducted during the past month and anticipated programmatic activities to be conducted the following month.

d) Provide all printed or web-based program materials, including applications, program-wide communications with post, and publicity materials to ECA for approval. Note: All materials and correspondence related to the program will acknowledge this as a program of the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs of the U.S. Department of State. ECA will retain copyright use of and be allowed to distribute materials related to this program as it sees fit.

e) Accommodate ECA site visit requests.

f) Recipients will send at least one organization representative (and not more than two) to attend the in-person, two-day ECA Youth Programs annual meeting in Washington, D.C., typically held in January or February every year.

g) Submit proposed changes to staffing plans and/or key personnel to the ECA program and grants officers for approval.

h) Respond fully and promptly to requests for program information from the ECA program office.

i) Inform, and consult with, ECA about any program or participant problems, emergencies, or other issues, as well as the progress of necessary corrective action.

5. Goals and Objectives.

The program design and implementation must advance American foreign policy objectives and fully integrate the program goals and objectives listed under section

3. Program Specific Guidelines of this solicitation.

6. Program Performance Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E).

Distinct from grants or cooperative agreement monitoring and participant monitoring, performance monitoring is designed to assess progress against a program’s goals and objectives. A performance monitoring framework is vital to tracking the direction, pace, and magnitude of change that result from ECA programs.

ECA created the Monitoring Data for ECA (MODE) Framework to measure the performance of ECA programs. The MODE Framework provides standard indicators and corresponding survey questions to ensure consistent measures across all ECA programs. More resources and guidance documents on the MODE Framework are available online at: https://www.state.gov/eca-monitoring-evaluation-learning-and-innovation-meli-unit/.

The proposal must include the MODE Framework objectives and indicators listed below (note that, because not all MODE objectives and indicators are relevant for a program, the numbering below will not be sequential). In addition to the ECA-required objectives and indicators, applicants may also select additional MODE Framework indicators (see the Indicator Book on the MODE Framework website), or design custom objectives and indicators that are specific to the proposed program and this proposal.

https://www.state.gov/eca-monitoring-evaluation-learning-and-innovation-meli-unit/

Demographic Questions as outlined in the Indicator Book on page v and Performance Monitoring Plan (PMP) (See the MODE Resource Guide -https://app.box.com/s/qjo8icwj46tc8h1i1qtg80zl7ibwgtua – found on our website https://www.state.gov/eca-monitoring-evaluation-learning-and-innovation-meli-unit/)

• Objective 1: Advance participant and beneficiary cross-cultural competence and global perspective o Sub-Objective 1.1: Promote cultural exchanges and enhance understanding between participants and their host communities E1.1.01: Percent of participants reporting that their program experience offered opportunities to engage with other cultures E1.1.04: Percent of foreign participants with more favorable opinions of the United States Government (core indicator) E1.1.09: Percent of participants who traveled abroad for the first time because of their program (core indicator) E1.1.10: Percent of foreign participants who traveled to the United

States for the first time during their program (core indicator) E1.1.17: Percent of foreign participants with more favorable opinions of the American people (core indicator) E1.1.18: Percent of foreign participants indicating an increase in understanding of United States culture and values (core indicator) E1.1.19: Percent of foreign participants agreeing with statements in support of democratic values (core indicator)

• Objective 2: Increase the impact that participants and alumni have on their communities / countries o Sub-Objective 2.2: Foster participants’ belief that civic engagement benefits communities/countries E2.2.01: Percent of participants who have more confidence in their ability to have an impact in their home country (core indicator)

• Objective 3: Strengthen engagement among participants, alumni, beneficiaries, and institutions E3.0.02: Percent of foreign participants who report increasing their network of Americans (core indicator) E3.0.07: Percent of participants who identify as a Department of State program…