# FY 2026 English Language Fellow, Specialist, and Virtual Educator Program

Source: https://welltoldgrants.com/grants/dfop0017779-fy-2026-english-language-fellow-specialist-and-virtual/  
Official notice: https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/361293

> Bureau Of Educational and Cultural Affairs offered grants of up to $14.0 million (at least $14.0 million) to nonprofits and colleges and universities. It expected to make one award. Applications closed on April 24, 2026.

| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Opportunity number | DFOP0017779 |
| Agency | Bureau Of Educational and Cultural Affairs |
| Status | Forecast |
| Deadline | April 24, 2026 |
| Award ceiling | $14.0 million |
| Award floor | $14.0 million |
| Expected awards | 1 |
| Total funding | not stated |
| Cost sharing | not required |
| Assistance Listings | 19.421 |

## Who can apply

- Public and State controlled institutions of higher education
- Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education
- Private institutions of higher education
- Others (see text field entitled "Additional Information on Eligibility" for clarification)

Please see full announcement.

## What the grant funds

The U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs Office of English Language Programs (ECA/A/L) announces an open competition to support the FY 2026 English Language Fellow, Specialist, and Virtual Educator Program (ELFSVEP). ECA/A/L plans to issue one cooperative agreement to support approximately 385 participants for $14,000,000, pending the availability of funds. The English Language (EL) Fellow, Specialist, and Virtual Educator Program (ELFSVEP) places top-tier American experts in the field of English teaching in strategic projects at key institutions to advance U.S. interests in strategic countries. The program sends highly qualified experts on approximately ten-month Fellow exchanges, short-term (two weeks or more) Specialist assignments, or three-week to six-month Virtual Educator assignments at educational institutions in all world regions. English Language programs advance American influence with critical audiences and have a cascading reach and strategic returns. The initiatives go beyond teaching English; they advance America’s national interest by embedding the global language of diplomacy, business, and science abroad. American expertise is in high demand by foreign governments, educational institutions, and workplaces. Providing American English Educators abroad allows U.S. Missions to build trusted networks in fragile regions, reinforce alliances through shared language and values, and promote U.S. economic interests. When America leads in English Language teaching, we set the terms of engagement; when America steps back, competitors fill the void. These programs ensure foreign partners turn first to the United States for English education, vocational upskilling, and secure partnerships, delivering on the Department’s America First mission. Please see the Notice of Funding Opportunity for additional information.

## Questions people ask

### Is DFOP0017779 still open?

No. It closed on April 24, 2026.

### Who can apply for FY 2026 English Language Fellow, Specialist, and Virtual Educator Program?

Bureau Of Educational and Cultural Affairs accepted applications from nonprofits and colleges and universities. The notice adds further conditions, so read its eligibility section.

### What is the deadline for FY 2026 English Language Fellow, Specialist, and Virtual Educator Program?

Closed April 24, 2026. Applications are no longer accepted; the program's newer notices are on this page when there are any.

### How much funding is available?

Awards of up to $14.0 million each.

### Who has won Academic Exchange Programs - English Language Programs grants before?

The largest recipients over five fiscal years were Family Health International, Georgetown University, Escuela Superior de Economia y Negocios. The program made 101 awards worth $180 million in that time.