# FY 2026 Young Leaders of the Americas Initiative (YLAI)

Source: https://welltoldgrants.com/grants/dfop0017987-fy-2026-young-leaders-of-the-americas-initiative/  
Official notice: https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/361685

> Bureau Of Educational and Cultural Affairs offered grants of up to $7.9 million (at least $7.9 million) to nonprofits and colleges and universities. It expected to make one award worth $23.6 million in total. Applications closed on June 5, 2026.

| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Opportunity number | DFOP0017987 |
| Agency | Bureau Of Educational and Cultural Affairs |
| Status | Forecast |
| Deadline | June 5, 2026 |
| Award ceiling | $7.9 million |
| Award floor | $7.9 million |
| Expected awards | 1 |
| Total funding | $23.6 million |
| 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 Global Leaders Division in the Office of Citizen Exchanges at the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) seeks proposals for a cooperative agreement to design, implement, and oversee the FY 2026 Young Leaders of the Americas Initiative (YLAI) Fellowship Program. YLAI advances U.S. economic interests and leadership by fostering business partnerships between emerging entrepreneurs from the Western Hemisphere and U.S. companies. The program combines in-person and technology-driven engagement, an active alumni network, and ongoing collaboration with U.S. embassies to promote U.S. commercial priorities, create new opportunities for American companies in key markets, and increase public awareness of American business leadership. YLAI directly supports U.S. national security and the Administration’s foreign policy objectives by strengthening commercial ties, expanding U.S. exports, and promoting American values of entrepreneurship, free enterprise, and innovation throughout the Western Hemisphere. The FY 2026 program will bring approximately 250 participants from the Caribbean and Latin America for a five to six-week fellowship, including orientation, tailored U.S. business placements, entrepreneurial training, a closing event, and post-program alumni activities. Approximately 100 U.S. participants will travel overseas to support Fellows’ action plans and develop networks that support American economic growth. Please see the announcement for additional information.

## Questions people ask

### Is DFOP0017987 still open?

No. It closed on June 5, 2026. A newer notice is open: DFOP0017180, closes January 1, 2099 (26353 days left).

### Who can apply for FY 2026 Young Leaders of the Americas Initiative (YLAI)?

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 Young Leaders of the Americas Initiative (YLAI)?

Closed June 5, 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 $7.9 million each. About $23.6 million in total for one award.

### 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.