FY 2025 Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study (YES) Program: Placement Components

The document outlines the Performance Monitoring Plan (PMP) for applicants involved in the U.S. Department of State’s Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) programming. It provides a detailed framework for collecting and analyzing data to measure various outcomes related to participant experiences and program effectiveness. The PMP utilizes the Monitoring Data for ECA (MODE) Framework, which includes prescribed indicators and survey questions that applicants must consider when developing their performance monitoring strategies. Applicants are guided to input specific program information, select relevant indicators from the MODE framework, and set targets for each indicator. Key elements of the PMP include definitions of performance indicators, data sources, target populations, and required survey questions, with an emphasis on demographic disaggregation for effective analysis. By measuring factors such as participant perceptions, cultural exchanges, volunteering efforts, and confidence in civic engagement, the PMP aims to assess the impact of ECA programs. The document serves as a comprehensive guide to ensure consistency and relevance in data collection across funded programs, ultimately aiding the ECA in its mission to foster mutual understanding and collaboration through international exchanges. This planning tool is fundamental for applicants to align their efforts with government objectives and stakeholder expectations.

The document outlines the Performance Monitoring Plan (PMP) for applicants involved in the U.S. Department of State’s Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) programming. It provides a detailed framework for collecting and analyzing data to measure various outcomes related to participant experiences and program effectiveness. The PMP utilizes the Monitoring Data for ECA (MODE) Framework, which includes prescribed indicators and survey questions that applicants must consider when developing their performance monitoring strategies. Applicants are guided to input specific program information, select relevant indicators from the MODE framework, and set targets for each indicator. Key elements of the PMP include definitions of performance indicators, data sources, target populations, and required survey questions, with an emphasis on demographic disaggregation for effective analysis. By measuring factors such as participant perceptions, cultural exchanges, volunteering efforts, and confidence in civic engagement, the PMP aims to assess the impact of ECA programs. The document serves as a comprehensive guide to ensure consistency and relevance in data collection across funded programs, ultimately aiding the ECA in its mission to foster mutual understanding and collaboration through international exchanges. This planning tool is fundamental for applicants to align their efforts with government objectives and stakeholder expectations.

The U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) has announced the FY 2025 Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study (YES) Program: Placement Components, with an application deadline of August 15, 2025. The program seeks to award 6-8 cooperative agreements totaling approximately $21.7 million, anticipated to support the placement of about 450 international students in U.S. host families and schools for the academic year 2026-27. Eligible applicants include U.S. non-profit organizations and educational institutions that demonstrate at least four years of experience in international exchanges. The YES Program aims to promote U.S. national security by fostering mutual understanding between American and emerging leaders from strategically significant countries. Participants, aged 15 to 18.5, will engage in community service, cultural activities, and develop leadership skills throughout their 10-11 month stay. Proposals must include comprehensive plans for recruitment, monitoring participants, and conducting trainings for host families. Organizations are encouraged to cluster placements to enhance community engagement. Compliance with program regulations and the successful management of funding and reports will be critical for awarded recipients.