FY 2026 Future Leaders Exchange Global (FLEX Global)

The Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) invite proposals for cooperative agreements to implement the FY 2026 FLEX Global high school exchange program. Applicants may apply for one or both of the following program components:

·      Administrative Component: Manages overseas operations, recruitment and selection of inbound and outbound participants, travel, host family recruitment and placement for outbound participants (e.g., American students studying abroad), database and website management for all inbound and outbound participants, alumni activities for all inbound and outbound participants, program-wide events, and overall program coordination. 

·      Placement Component: Manages host family and school placement of inbound foreign participants in the U.S., regional “American Excellence” enhancement type activities, and ongoing monitoring and support.

FLEX Global builds on the 34-year legacy of the Future Leaders Exchange (FLEX) program and the 24-year legacy of the Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study (YES) program, expanding participation beyond specific world regions. The program advances U.S. interests by cultivating a network of young leaders who understand and support U.S. culture and priorities, with a focus on entrepreneurship, innovation, civic engagement, and leadership.

Key Activities:

·      Up to 1,200 foreign high school participants will study in the U.S. for an academic year.

·      Up to 150 American high school participants will study abroad for an academic year. As noted above, this element of the program will be managed entirely through the Administrative Component. Organizations applying solely for the Placement Component should not include any costs related to this activity.

·      All participants live with host families, attend high school, and engage in leadership and American Excellence enhancement activities.

ECA expects to issue one award for the Administrative Component and six to ten awards for the Placement Component. Eligible organizations may apply for one or both components but must submit a separate proposal for each component. 

The POGI document outlines the activities, roles, and responsibilities of the FLEX Global Administrative Component and Placement Component recipients.

Please see the full announcement for additional information.