FY 2026 J. Christopher Stevens Virtual Exchange Initiative (JCSVEI) Program
This grant funds two cooperative agreements for virtual exchange programs connecting young leaders in the U.S. and MENA to promote peace, economic opportunity, and U.S. values in honor of Ambassador J. Christopher Stevens.
Funder: Bureau Of Educational and Cultural Affairs
Due Dates: May 29, 2026: Full application deadline (applications due by 11:59 p.m. Eastern, Washington, D.C. time)
Funding Amounts: Two awards of approximately $5,000,000 each; total available funding $10,000,000; up to 36 months duration.
Summary: Supports large-scale virtual exchanges connecting young leaders in the Middle East and North Africa with U.S. peers to advance U.S. foreign policy priorities through innovation, technology, and civic engagement.
Key Information: Applicants may submit for one or both program options; each application evaluated independently.
Description
This funding opportunity supports the design, administration, and implementation of the J. Christopher Stevens Virtual Exchange Initiative (JCSVEI), honoring Ambassador Stevens' legacy by advancing U.S. foreign policy priorities through large-scale, American-led virtual exchanges. The program aims to connect young leaders from the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) with peers in the United States, focusing on science, technology, entrepreneurship, digital media, and civic engagement. There are two distinct program options: (1) the core JCSVEI and (2) Digital Leaders for Peace and Economic Opportunity, which offers a more intensive, multi-stage leadership pathway for young professionals.
Key activities include interactive digital programming, collaborative projects, hackathons, virtual internships, and an Alumni Leadership Academy. The goal is to foster mutual understanding, promote American values and innovation, and build sustained networks that support economic opportunity, job creation, and regional stability.
