FY 2026 National Security Language Initiative for Youth (NSLI-Y)

The U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) is seeking proposals for the FY 2026 National Security Language Initiative for Youth (NSLI-Y) program. This cooperative agreement, worth approximately $5,000,000, aims to increase the number of American youth (ages 15-18) learning critical foreign languages to bolster U.S. national security, economic prosperity, and mutual understanding. The program will support around 275 American teens in intensive overseas language programs (Arabic, Chinese, Korean, Russian) or virtual programs. Eligible applicants are U.S. non-profit organizations and educational institutions with at least four years of international exchange experience. Key responsibilities include program administration, participant recruitment and selection, overseas and virtual program implementation, alumni programming, and adherence to performance monitoring and evaluation guidelines.

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 National Security Language Initiative for Youth (NSLI-Y) program. This cooperative agreement, worth approximately $5,000,000, aims to increase the number of American youth (ages 15-18) proficient in critical foreign languages like Arabic, Chinese (Mandarin), Korean, and Russian. The program will support around 275 participants through intensive overseas and virtual language programs. Eligible applicants are U.S. non-profit organizations and educational institutions with at least four years of experience in international exchanges. The award recipient will be responsible for program administration, including recruitment, participant selection, overseas and virtual program implementation, alumni programming, and performance monitoring, aligning with the Fulbright-Hays Act and ECA’s MODE Framework for evaluation.

The U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) is seeking proposals for the FY 2026 National Security Language Initiative for Youth (NSLI-Y) program, a cooperative agreement valued at approximately $5,000,000. This program aims to increase the number of American youth (ages 15-18) learning critical foreign languages through intensive overseas or virtual language programs. Eligible applicants include U.S. non-profit organizations and educational institutions with at least four years of international exchange experience. The program will support approximately 275 high school students in learning Arabic, Chinese (Mandarin), Korean, or Russian. Key responsibilities for the award recipient include program administration, participant recruitment, selection, alumni programming, and adherence to strict monitoring and evaluation guidelines, including the MODE Framework. The award is subject to funding availability, with an anticipated start date of July 1, 2026.