[Bureau Of Educational and Cultural Affairs](https://eca.state.gov)

May 18, 2026

One award of $2,500,000 for 18–36 months (no cost sharing required)

Supports an international exchange program connecting U.S. community colleges, industry, and international leaders to advance workforce innovation in manufacturing, AI, and digital skills.

--- ## Description This program, commemorating America's 250th anniversary, aims to highlight U.S. leadership from the Industrial Revolution to the Digital Revolution by fostering partnerships between U.S. community colleges, international vocational leaders, and U.S. industry partners. The initiative seeks to address emerging labor market demands, enhance global competitiveness, and drive economic development aligned with U.S. interests. The program will begin with a summit in Washington, D.C., focusing on U.S. industrial heritage, leadership in manufacturing and AI, and the role of community colleges in workforce development. Following the summit, approximately 100 international higher education officials, commerce leaders, and policymakers—selected from countries strategically important to U.S. industry—will participate in two-week regional programs across four U.S. cities known for strong higher education-industry collaboration. Participants will engage in site visits, hands-on learning, and industry engagement to gain exposure to U.S. best practices in manufacturing and technology training. The program also includes capacity-building for U.S. community colleges, follow-on activities to sustain alumni engagement, and opportunities for reciprocal exchanges if funding allows. --- ## Due Dates - Full application deadline: May 18, 2026 (11:59 p.m. Eastern, via Grants.gov) --- ## Funding Amount - Total funding: $2,500,000 (award ceiling and floor) - Number of awards: 1 - Project duration: 18 to 36 months - No cost sharing or matching required --- ## Eligibility Eligible applicants include: - U.S. non-profit organizations (including think tanks and NGOs) - U.S. public and private educational institutions Additional requirements: - At least four years of experience conducting international exchanges for awards exceeding $130,000 - Active registration in SAM.gov and a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) - Only one proposal per applicant organization will be considered Refer to the [full NOFO](https://www.state.gov/eca-grant-opportunities/) for detailed eligibility criteria. --- ## Application Process - Applications must be submitted electronically through [Grants.gov](https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/361493) by the deadline. - Required documents: SF-424, executive summary, proposal narrative, budget (SF-424A), detailed line-item budget, and budget narrative. - Registration in SAM.gov and the Department of State’s MyGrants system is required. - For detailed instructions, see the [NOFO document](https://api.atomgrants.com/storage/v1/object/public/grants3-sources/FY26-NOFO_U.S.-LEADS.pdf) and the [ECA grant opportunities page](https://www.state.gov/eca-grant-opportunities/). --- ## Additional Information - The program must include robust monitoring and evaluation in line with ECA’s MODE Framework. - No cost sharing is required, but contributions are encouraged. - The summit should take place between December 2026 and March 2027; regional exchanges and follow-on activities should be completed within the period of performance. - All programming and communications must follow ECA branding and communications guidance. - Funding cannot be used for activities encouraging mass migration toward the U.S. southwest border or for prohibited drone systems. --- ## External Links - [ECA Grant Opportunities](https://www.state.gov/eca-grant-opportunities/) - [Full Notice of Funding Opportunity (PDF)](https://api.atomgrants.com/storage/v1/object/public/grants3-sources/FY26-NOFO_U.S.-LEADS.pdf) - [Performance Monitoring Plan (MODE Framework)](https://eca.state.gov/impact/eca-monitoring-evaluation-learning-and-innovation-meli-unit/mode-framework-eca-applicants-and) - [Apply via Grants.gov](https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/361493) --- ## Contact Information | Name | Email | Phone | |--------------|-----------------------------|----------------| | Matt Sacco | SaccoMJ@state.gov | 202-975-3074 | For technical assistance with Grants.gov: support@grants.gov or 800-518-4726 (24/7 except federal holidays). ---

FY 2026 U.S. Leadership in Education, Advanced Manufacturing, and Digital Skills (U.S. LEADS) Program

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