FY 2026 Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study (YES)
This grant funds the 2026 Kennedy-Lugar YES program, supporting high school exchanges for up to 270 foreign students in the U.S. and up to 30 Americans abroad, fostering leadership, cultural exchange, and U.S. interests.
Funder: Bureau Of Educational and Cultural Affairs
Due Dates: May 26, 2026
Funding Amounts: $10,000,000 (single award; 15-month period)
Summary: Cooperative agreement for administering an international high school exchange program to foster youth leadership, cross-cultural understanding, and U.S. engagement.
Key Information: Applicants must demonstrate at least four years of experience in international exchanges; only one proposal per organization is allowed.
Description
This opportunity supports the administration of a major international youth exchange program, bringing up to 270 high school students from strategically important countries to the U.S. for an academic semester (January–June 2027), with the option to send up to 30 American students abroad. The awardee will manage all aspects of participant recruitment, selection, travel, placement with host families and schools, monitoring, and program enhancement activities. The program is designed to build a network of young leaders who understand and support U.S. values, promote entrepreneurship, innovation, and civic engagement, and strengthen ties between the U.S. and participating countries.
