FY 2024 J. Christopher Stevens Virtual Exchange Initiative (JCSVEI) Program

Background
The Global Leaders Division, Office of Citizen Exchanges, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) is inviting proposal submissions for one cooperative agreement to design, administer, and implement the J. Christopher Stevens Virtual Exchange Initiative (JCSVEI) Program. The JCSVEI aims to strengthen engagement between young people in the Middle East and North Africa (NEA) region and in the United States as a lasting tribute to the legacy of Ambassador J. Christopher Stevens.

Grant Details
The JCSVEI will use various virtual exchange formats, technology, and online tools to facilitate exchange programs that address the themes of: Civic Engagement; Empowering Women and Girls; Climate Change and Sustainability; Language Learning and Practice; and Digital Literacy Skill Development. The program should reach approximately 10,000 participants each year.

The program will also include an Alumni Leadership Academy, and other follow-on alumni engagement activities. Organizations applying for this federal award are required to identify up to 12 subawards to implement virtual exchange programs as part of the JCSVEI. The recipient will be responsible for managing up to 12 subawards and all subaward oversight.

Eligibility Requirements
U.S. public and private academic and cultural institutions, exchange-of-persons, and other not-for-profit organizations meeting the provisions described in Internal Revenue Code section 26 USC 501(c)(3) may submit applications for this competition.

Applicants must have nonprofit status with the IRS at the time of application. Organizations must demonstrate at least four years of experience in conducting international exchanges to be eligible for awards exceeding $130,000 in ECA funding.

Period of Performance
The cooperative agreement will begin on or about September 1, 2024, with an award period of approximately 28 months in duration.

Grant Value
$6,000,000 pending the availability of funds for one cooperative agreement with an anticipated award date of September 1, 2024.

Place of Performance
Activities must be conducted in the United States and in one or more of the following countries: Algeria, Bahrain, Egypt, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Oman, the Palestinian Territories, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Tunisia, United Arab Emirates, and Yemen.