Grant Encylopedia

The Youth Programs Division, Office of Citizen Exchanges, of the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs announces an open competition for up to three Global Connections and Exchange programs in specified countries from the following regions: Middle East (Egypt, Jordan, Israel, West Bank/Gaza and Lebanon), East Asia/Pacific (Indonesia, Malaysia, and Vietnam), and Africa (Nigeria, South Africa, Uganda, Zambia, Ethiopia). Public and private non-profit organizations meeting the provisions described in Internal Revenue Code section 26 USC 501c(3) may submit proposals to facilitate online and face-to-face exchanges between overseas schools and counterparts in the United States.

The Global Connections and Exchange (GCE) program utilizes technology to create an American presence in areas where citizens have little opportunity to travel or participate in exchange programs. Through webchats and discussion boards, foreign youth participate in dialogue with American peers about their lives, families and communities. In addition, a theme-based curriculum will increase understanding of issues relevant to both U.S. and overseas participants. Each regional program also captures the spirit of activism through extracurricular projects that harness the energies of youth to affect positive change.

Applicants may propose to host only one regional project listed under this competition. Should an applicant submit multiple proposals under this competition, all those proposals will be declared technically ineligible and given no further consideration in the review process.