FY 2026 U.S. Leadership in Education, Advanced Manufacturing, and Digital Skills (U.S. LEADS) Program
This grant funds a program celebrating America's 250th anniversary by connecting U.S. community colleges and industry with international leaders to share best practices in manufacturing, AI, and digital skills through summits and exchanges.
Funder: Bureau Of Educational and Cultural Affairs
Due Dates: May 18, 2026
Funding Amounts: One award of $2,500,000 for 18–36 months (no cost sharing required)
Summary: 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.
