Office of Postsecondary Education (OPE): Mutual Educational and Cultural Exchange (MECE) Program Assistance Listing Number 84.021C
This grant supports programs that fund teacher exchanges and study abroad to enhance foreign language and cultural studies in U.S. schools, colleges, and universities.
Funder: Department of Education
Due Dates: July 15, 2026: Full application submission deadline | September 14, 2026: Deadline for Intergovernmental Review
Funding Amounts: Estimated total funding: $10,193,170 | Typical award: $2,550,000–$5,100,000 for a 36-month project; 2–4 awards expected
Summary: Supports projects that advance foreign language training and area studies by facilitating international exchanges for teachers and prospective teachers.
Key Information: No cost sharing/match or indirect costs allowed; all funding is frontloaded at award.
Description
This program, administered by the Department of Education in partnership with the U.S. Department of State, funds projects that promote, improve, and develop the study of modern foreign language training and area studies in U.S. schools, colleges, and universities. Grants support both outbound experiences for U.S. teachers and prospective teachers to study or train abroad, and inbound visits by international teachers to participate in language and area studies at U.S. institutions. The program aims to enhance language skills, cultural knowledge, and understanding of American civics and history through immersive educational exchanges.
