FY 2026 John McCain Study of the U.S. Institute for Student Leaders on the Rule of Law and Public Service

The U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) is inviting proposals for the FY 2026 John McCain Study of the U.S. Institute for Student Leaders on the Rule of Law and Public Service (McCain SUSI). This cooperative agreement, worth approximately $400,000, aims to provide a five-week academic exchange for about 20 foreign undergraduate students and recent graduates from military and law enforcement institutions. The program will deepen their understanding of American leadership, the rule of law, and public service through academic residency and a field experience. Eligible applicants include U.S. not-for-profit organizations and educational institutions with at least four years of international exchange experience. The application deadline is May 11, 2026, and submissions must be made through Grants.gov. The selected recipient will be responsible for program design, oversight, implementation, and rigorous monitoring and evaluation using the MODE Framework.

The U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) is inviting proposals for the FY 2026 John McCain Study of the U.S. Institute for Student Leaders on the Rule of Law and Public Service (McCain SUSI). This cooperative agreement, valued at approximately $400,000, seeks a U.S. not-for-profit organization or educational institution with at least four years of international exchange experience to design and implement a five-week academic exchange program in summer 2027. The program will host approximately 20 foreign undergraduate students and recent graduates from military and law enforcement colleges, focusing on American leadership, rule of law, and public service. Key responsibilities include program planning, administration, logistical coordination, and alumni outreach, with a strong emphasis on performance monitoring and evaluation using the MODE Framework. The application deadline is May 11, 2026, and submissions must be made through Grants.gov.

The U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) is seeking proposals for the FY 2026 John McCain Study of the U.S. Institute (SUSI) for Student Leaders on the Rule of Law and Public Service. This cooperative agreement offers approximately $400,000 for an 18-24 month program, including a five-week academic exchange in summer 2027 for 20 foreign undergraduate students and recent graduates from military and law enforcement institutions. Eligible applicants are U.S. not-for-profit organizations and educational institutions with at least four years of international exchange experience. The program emphasizes American leadership, democratic values, and global stability, requiring a four-week academic residency and a one-week academic field experience, followed by alumni engagement. Proposals must include a detailed narrative, budget, and a performance monitoring and evaluation plan following the MODE Framework. Applications are due by May 11, 2026, via Grants.gov, and require SAM.gov and MyGrants registration.

The U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) invites proposals for the FY 2026 John McCain Study of the U.S. Institute (SUSI) for Student Leaders on the Rule of Law and Public Service. This cooperative agreement, with an anticipated award of $400,000, aims to provide approximately 20 foreign undergraduate students and recent graduates from military and law enforcement colleges with a deeper understanding of American leadership and democratic values. The program, lasting 18 to 24 months, includes a five-week intensive academic residency at a U.S. educational institution and a one-week academic field experience in summer 2027. Eligible applicants include U.S. not-for-profit organizations and educational institutions with at least four years of international exchange experience. The recipient will be responsible for program design, oversight, implementation, and alumni engagement, while ECA maintains substantial involvement in participant selection and program modifications. Applications are due by May 11, 2026, and must be submitted electronically through Grants.gov, adhering to strict content and format guidelines, including a detailed budget and a robust Performance Monitoring and Evaluation Plan.

The U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) announced a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for the FY 2026 John McCain Study of the U.S. Institute for Student Leaders on the Rule of Law and Public Service. This cooperative agreement, with an anticipated award of $400,000, aims to provide approximately 20 foreign undergraduate and recent graduates from military and law enforcement colleges a five-week intensive academic exchange in Summer 2027. Eligible applicants include U.S. not-for-profit organizations and educational institutions with at least four years of international exchange experience. The program includes a four-week academic residency at a U.S. institution and a one-week academic field experience, focusing on American leadership, democratic values, and global stability. Award recipients will manage planning, logistics, participant support, and alumni engagement, adhering to ECA's performance monitoring and evaluation framework. Applications are due by May 11, 2026.