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) | September 14, 2026 (Intergovernmental Review)
Funding Amounts: Estimated total funding: $10,193,170; 2–4 awards; typical award: $2,550,000–$5,100,000 over 36 months
Summary: Supports projects that advance modern foreign language training and area studies for U.S. teachers and prospective teachers through international exchange and study.
Key Information: No cost sharing or indirect costs allowed; open licensing of grant deliverables required.
Description
The U.S. Department of Education, in partnership with the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs at the U.S. Department of State, invites applications for the Mutual Educational and Cultural Exchange (MECE) Program (Assistance Listing 84.021C). The program aims to promote, improve, and develop the study of modern foreign languages and area studies in U.S. schools, colleges, and universities by supporting international exchange opportunities for teachers and prospective teachers. MECE provides funding for visits and study abroad, as well as for bringing foreign teachers to the U.S. to participate in language training and area studies activities.
Projects must address two absolute priorities: (1) modern foreign language training and area studies for teachers and prospective teachers, and (2) promoting patriotic education as defined in the program notice. There is also a competitive preference priority for projects endorsed by a Governor for implementation.
