FY 2025 Youth Ambassadors Africa Program

The U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) has released a Notice of Funding Opportunity for the FY 2025 Youth Ambassadors Africa Program, inviting U.S. non-profit organizations and educational institutions to apply for an anticipated $1,000,000 grant. The program aims to facilitate a three-week exchange for youth and adult mentors from sub-Saharan African countries, focusing on civic engagement and leadership development. Eligible applicants must have at least four years of international exchange experience and comply with extensive application requirements, including submitting a detailed project proposal and budget. The program's objectives include fostering responsible citizenship, empowering participants to address community issues, and enhancing cross-cultural understanding. Activities will involve workshops, community services, and interactions with American peers. U.S. embassies will manage participant recruitment, ensuring a merit-based selection process. The successful applicant will be tasked with creating engaging programming and follow-on community projects post-exchange. Applications are due by June 30, 2025, with the award announcement expected by September 15, 2025. This initiative emphasizes mutual understanding and the development of skills crucial for future community leaders in Africa.

The Performance Monitoring Plan (PMP) provides a framework for applicants within the Exchange Programs of the U.S. Department of State, outlining essential indicators for assessing the success of various educational and cultural exchanges. It emphasizes the need for consistent measurement through the Monitoring Data for ECA (MODE) Framework, which includes specific objectives and survey questions relevant to the programming outcomes. Applicants must complete various sections related to their program, including demographic data, targets, and survey questions that correspond to each indicator. Data collection is mandated post-program to evaluate participant experiences and program impact across diverse metrics, such as cultural exchange and civic engagement. Furthermore, it compels applicants to identify relevant indicators that align with their program goals while allowing the flexibility to propose custom indicators as needed. The PMP addresses the necessity for clarity in data definitions and outlines how to analyze the data post-collection. Overall, this document serves as a crucial tool for ensuring that Exchange Programs effectively meet their objectives and generate meaningful outcomes for all parties involved.

The Performance Monitoring Plan (PMP) provides a framework for applicants within the Exchange Programs of the U.S. Department of State, outlining essential indicators for assessing the success of various educational and cultural exchanges. It emphasizes the need for consistent measurement through the Monitoring Data for ECA (MODE) Framework, which includes specific objectives and survey questions relevant to the programming outcomes. Applicants must complete various sections related to their program, including demographic data, targets, and survey questions that correspond to each indicator. Data collection is mandated post-program to evaluate participant experiences and program impact across diverse metrics, such as cultural exchange and civic engagement. Furthermore, it compels applicants to identify relevant indicators that align with their program goals while allowing the flexibility to propose custom indicators as needed. The PMP addresses the necessity for clarity in data definitions and outlines how to analyze the data post-collection. Overall, this document serves as a crucial tool for ensuring that Exchange Programs effectively meet their objectives and generate meaningful outcomes for all parties involved.

The FY 2025 Youth Ambassadors Africa Program, funded by the Office of Citizen Exchanges, aims to facilitate a three-week exchange for youth and adult mentors from sub-Saharan Africa to the United States. Participants will engage in activities focused on civic engagement and leadership development. Key responsibilities for the recipient organization include pre-program coordination, travel arrangements, participant safety monitoring, and providing substantive interaction with American peers. The program encompasses initial preparation, implementation of exchange activities, and follow-on activities to sustain engagement. It emphasizes community service, leadership workshops, and cultural immersion, seeking to foster international understanding and empower participants to implement community projects upon their return. Proposals must detail organizational capacity, funding requirements (up to $1 million), and comprehensive plans for program execution, monitoring, and evaluation. The solicitation encourages innovative programming ideas while ensuring participant safety and wellness. Successful proposals will enhance cross-cultural ties and alumni engagement, illustrating the program’s long-term impact within local communities.

The U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) has issued a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for the FY25 Youth Ambassadors Africa Program, granting approximately $1 million for a cooperative agreement. This competitive program aims to facilitate a three-week exchange for sub-Saharan African youth and adult mentors, focusing on civic engagement and leadership development. Eligible applicants include U.S. non-profit organizations and educational institutions with at least four years of experience in international exchanges. The exchange program intends to prepare youth leaders to be responsible citizens, enhance mutual understanding, and foster meaningful interactions with U.S. peers through workshops, community projects, and homestays. Posts in participating countries will select participants, with the program set to occur in English during 2026. Applicants must demonstrate organizational capacity and a robust monitoring and evaluation plan using ECA's set indicators. Application submissions are through Grants.gov, with a deadline of June 30, 2025. Compliance with federal regulations, cost-sharing encouragement, and a focus on international collaborations are also emphasized. Underlying the program is a commitment to strengthen democratic values and community ties, ultimately leveraging these exchanges for broader societal benefits.