FY 2026 Young Leaders of the Americas Initiative (YLAI)

The Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) is seeking proposals for a cooperative agreement to design, implement, and oversee the FY 2026 Young Leaders of the Americas Initiative (YLAI) Fellowship Program. The program aims to advance 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. The 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. • The program will focus on promoting cultural exchanges and enhancing understanding between participants and their host communities. • The program will provide opportunities for participants to engage with other cultures and develop their cross-cultural competence and global perspective. • The program will support 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 program will include a performance monitoring plan to track its progress and impact.