FY 2026 Strengthening Talent, Research, Innovation and Vital Engagement (STRIVE) Program
Grant Opportunity Analysis
The U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs is seeking a cooperative agreement to run the FY 2026 STRIVE Program, which supports U.S. higher education institutions in building international academic partnerships and programming tied to U.S. commercial and security interests. The awardee will manage an open, merit-based small grants competition that issues at least 25 subawards to accredited U.S. colleges and universities, and will also lead a Higher Education Partnerships Initiative that convenes U.S. and foreign institutions through seminars and an in-person forum. The work emphasizes study, internship, apprenticeship, and research abroad opportunities in fields aligned with U.S. prosperity and security, with ECA substantially involved in implementation and oversight; eligible applicants are U.S. nonprofit organizations and educational institutions with at least four years of international exchange experience. The cooperative agreement is for $2,000,000, applications are due June 10, 2026, and submissions must be made through Grants.gov; the grant contact is Heidi Manley at ManleyHL@state.gov.
Eligible Applicants
Please see full announcement.