Office of Postsecondary Education (OPE):Mutual Educational and Cultural Exchange (MECE) Program, Assistance Listing Number 84.021C

The Mutual Educational and Cultural Exchange (MECE) program aims to promote modern foreign language training and area studies in U.S. schools, colleges, and universities. The program provides opportunities for teachers and prospective teachers to improve their language skills and knowledge of foreign cultures. The program also finances visits by teachers from other countries to the United States to participate in foreign language training and area studies. • The program is administered by the U.S. Department of Education in coordination with the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs at the U.S. Department of State. • Eligible applicants include public or private nonprofit foundations, educational or other institutions. • The program has two absolute priorities: promoting modern foreign language training and area studies, and providing an introduction to and understanding of the founding documents and primary sources of the American political tradition. • The program also has one competitive preference priority: projects that will be carried out by entities identified, designated, or endorsed by a Governor or Chief State education official.