# FY 2026 Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study (YES)

Source: https://welltoldgrants.com/grants/dfop0017979-fy-2026-kennedy-lugar-youth-exchange-and-study/  
Official notice: https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/361678

> Bureau Of Educational and Cultural Affairs offered grants of up to $10.0 million (at least $10.0 million) to nonprofits and colleges and universities. It expected to make one award. Applications closed on May 26, 2026.

| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Opportunity number | DFOP0017979 |
| Agency | Bureau Of Educational and Cultural Affairs |
| Status | Forecast |
| Deadline | May 26, 2026 |
| Award ceiling | $10.0 million |
| Award floor | $10.0 million |
| Expected awards | 1 |
| Total funding | not stated |
| Cost sharing | not required |
| Assistance Listings | 19.415 |

## 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 Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) invite proposals for a cooperative agreement to implement the FY 2026 Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study (YES) high school exchange program, hereafter referred to as the YES program. Participants will be on program from approximately January to June 2027. The program requires the following elements: · Manage overseas operations, recruit and select inbound participants, arrange travel, and oversee database and website management for all inbound participants, as well as coordinate the overall program. · Manage host family and school placements for inbound foreign participants in the United States, organize “American Excellence” enhancement activities, and provide ongoing monitoring and support. Although not required, applicants have the option to also propose a YES Abroad outbound component, recruiting, placing, and monitoring up to 30 American students who will attend high school and live with host families overseas. The YES program advances U.S. interests by cultivating a network of young leaders who understand and support U.S. principles and priorities, with a focus on entrepreneurship, innovation, civic engagement, and leadership. The program equips American youth participants with language skills and cross-cultural competencies essential for success in international business, diplomacy, and security. By fostering connections among young people from the United States and key countries, the program supports the National Security Strategy’s focus on expanding alliances to secure American interests and counter adversarial influence. Key Activities: Up to 270 foreign high school participants will study in the U.S. for an academic semester. All participants live with host families, attend high school, perform community service, and participate in American Excellence enhancement activities. ECA expects to issue one award. Please see announcement for additional information.

## Questions people ask

### Is DFOP0017979 still open?

No. It closed on May 26, 2026. A newer notice is open: DFOP0017180, closes January 1, 2099 (26353 days left).

### Who can apply for FY 2026 Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study (YES)?

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 Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study (YES)?

Closed May 26, 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 $10.0 million each.

### Who has won Professional and Cultural Exchange Programs - Citizen Exchanges grants before?

The largest recipients over five fiscal years were American Councils for International Education: Actr/Accels, Inc., International Research and Exchanges Board Inc., World Learning Inc. The program made 289 awards worth $569 million in that time.