FY 2026 Future Leaders Exchange Global (FLEX Global)

The Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) invites proposals for cooperative agreements to implement the FY 2026 FLEX Global high school exchange program. The program aims to advance U.S. interests by cultivating a network of young leaders who understand and support U.S. culture and priorities, with a focus on entrepreneurship, innovation, civic engagement, and leadership. The program has two components: the Administrative Component, which manages overseas operations, recruitment and selection of participants, travel, host family recruitment and placement, database and website management, alumni activities, and overall program coordination; and the Placement Component, which manages host family and school placement of foreign participants in the U.S., regional enhancement activities, and ongoing monitoring and support. Key aspects of the program include: • Up to 1,200 foreign high school participants will study in the U.S. for an academic year. • Up to 150 American high school participants will study abroad for an academic year. • All participants live with host families, attend high school, and engage in leadership and American Excellence enhancement activities. The ECA expects to issue one award for the Administrative Component and six to ten awards for the Placement Component.