FY 2026 Young Leaders of the Americas Initiative (YLAI)

The U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) is seeking proposals for a Cooperative Agreement to implement the FY2026 Young Leaders of the Americas Initiative (YLAI) Fellowship Program. This program aims to advance U.S. economic interests and global leadership by fostering business partnerships between emerging entrepreneurs from the Western Hemisphere and U.S. companies. The YLAI Fellowship Program will bring approximately 250 participants from the Caribbean and Latin America to the U.S. for a five to six-week fellowship, including business placements, entrepreneurial training, and a closing forum. Additionally, about 100 U.S. participants will travel overseas for reciprocal exchanges. Eligible applicants are U.S. not-for-profit organizations and educational institutions with at least four years of experience in international exchanges. The anticipated award amount is approximately $7,875,000, with total available funding of $23,625,000. The application deadline is June 5, 2026.

The U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) invites proposals for the FY2026 Young Leaders of the Americas Initiative (YLAI) Fellowship Program. This cooperative agreement seeks to enhance U.S. economic interests by fostering business partnerships between emerging entrepreneurs from the Western Hemisphere (ages 25-35) and U.S. companies. The program, with an anticipated award of approximately $7,875,000, will support a 5-6 week fellowship for around 250 Latin American and Caribbean participants in the U.S., including business placements, entrepreneurial training, and a closing forum. Additionally, about 100 U.S. participants will travel overseas for reciprocal exchanges. Eligible applicants include U.S. not-for-profit organizations and educational institutions with at least four years of international exchange experience. Proposals must include an SF-424, executive summary, narrative, and detailed budget, demonstrating capacity for recruitment, program implementation, and performance monitoring aligned with ECA's MODE Framework. The deadline for applications is June 5, 2026.

The U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) is seeking proposals for a Cooperative Agreement to implement the FY2026 Young Leaders of the Americas Initiative (YLAI) Fellowship Program. This program aims to advance U.S. economic interests by fostering business partnerships between emerging entrepreneurs from the Western Hemisphere and U.S. companies. The YLAI program will bring approximately 250 participants from Latin America and the Caribbean to the U.S. for a five to six-week fellowship, including business placements and entrepreneurial training. Additionally, around 100 U.S. participants will travel overseas to support Fellows' action plans. Eligible applicants are U.S. not-for-profit organizations and educational institutions with at least four years of international exchange experience. The anticipated award amount is approximately $7,875,000, with a total available funding of $23,625,000, and a performance period of 18 to 24 months. The application deadline is June 5, 2026. Proposals must include a detailed plan for recruitment, program components, outreach, and performance monitoring aligned with ECA's MODE Framework. The Department of State will be substantially involved in all aspects of the program.