Description
The Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) is seeking proposals for the FY 2026 Youth Ambassadors program, which aims to cultivate U.S.-aligned global leaders and competitive American youth to build enduring international partnerships. The program will provide groups of youth and adult mentor participants from select countries with a three-week exchange focusing on youth leadership. Proposals may be submitted to implement one or more of eight program options outlined in the solicitation. Key aspects of the program include:
• The program theme is youth leadership, with a focus on developing entrepreneurial and leadership skills.
• The program goals are to prepare and equip youth leaders, build strategic international partnerships, and promote America by deepening participants' understanding and appreciation of U.S. culture, history, and founding principles.
• The program objectives are to deepen hard and soft entrepreneurial skillsets, develop program planning and implementation skills, and use technology, including AI, to efficiently and effectively solve challenges.
• The exchange format should be age-appropriate and interactive, allowing participants to thoroughly explore the theme in a creative, memorable, and practical way.
• Proposals must include a detailed description of the proposed programming for adults and demonstrate a willingness to collaborate with the YA-USA award recipient on additional programming for all U.S. participants to develop a cohesive YA-USA network.