FY 2026 Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study (YES)

The Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) invite proposals for a cooperative agreement to implement the FY 2026 Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study (YES) high school exchange program, hereafter referred to as the YES program. Participants will be on program from approximately January to June 2027. The program requires the following elements:

·      Manage overseas operations, recruit and select inbound participants, arrange travel, and oversee database and website management for all inbound participants, as well as coordinate the overall program.

·      Manage host family and school placements for inbound foreign participants in the United States, organize “American Excellence” enhancement activities, and provide ongoing monitoring and support.

Although not required, applicants have the option to also propose a YES Abroad outbound component, recruiting, placing, and monitoring up to 30 American students who will attend high school and live with host families overseas.

     The YES program advances U.S. interests by cultivating a network of young leaders who understand and support U.S. principles and priorities, with a focus on entrepreneurship, innovation, civic engagement, and leadership. The program equips American youth participants with language skills and cross-cultural competencies essential for success in international business, diplomacy, and security. By fostering connections among young people from the United States and key countries, the program supports the National Security Strategy’s focus on expanding alliances to secure American interests and counter adversarial influence. 

Key Activities:

• Up to 270 foreign high school participants will study in the U.S. for an academic semester.
• All participants live with host families, attend high school, perform community service, and participate in American Excellence enhancement activities.

ECA expects to issue one award.  Please see announcement for additional information.