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FY 2026 English Language Fellow, Specialist, and Virtual Educator Program

ID: DFOP0017779 • Type: Posted
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Description

The U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs Office of English Language Programs (ECA/A/L) announces an open competition to support the FY 2026 English Language Fellow, Specialist, and Virtual Educator Program (ELFSVEP). ECA/A/L plans to issue one cooperative agreement to support approximately 385 participants for $14,000,000, pending the availability of funds.

The English Language (EL) Fellow, Specialist, and Virtual Educator Program (ELFSVEP) places top-tier American experts in the field of English teaching in strategic projects at key institutions to advance U.S. interests in strategic countries. The program sends highly qualified experts on approximately ten-month Fellow exchanges, short-term (two weeks or more) Specialist assignments, or three-week to six-month Virtual Educator assignments at educational institutions in all world regions.

English Language programs advance American influence with critical audiences and have a cascading reach and strategic returns. The initiatives go beyond teaching English; they advance America's national interest by embedding the global language of diplomacy, business, and science abroad. American expertise is in high demand by foreign governments, educational institutions, and workplaces. Providing American English Educators abroad allows U.S. Missions to build trusted networks in fragile regions, reinforce alliances through shared language and values, and promote U.S. economic interests. When America leads in English Language teaching, we set the terms of engagement; when America steps back, competitors fill the void. These programs ensure foreign partners turn first to the United States for English education, vocational upskilling, and secure partnerships, delivering on the Department's America First mission.

Please see the Notice of Funding Opportunity for additional information.

Background
The U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs Office of English Language Programs (ECA/A/L) announces an open competition to support the FY 2026 English Language Fellow, Specialist, and Virtual Educator Program (ELFSVEP). The program aims to advance U.S. interests in strategic countries by placing American experts in English teaching at key institutions worldwide. This initiative not only focuses on teaching English but also aims to enhance American influence abroad through educational and cultural exchanges.

Grant Details
The ELFSVEP will support approximately 385 participants through various assignments:
1) English Language Fellows will engage in ten-month exchanges focusing on teaching, training, or curriculum development;
2) English Language Specialists will conduct short-term assignments (two weeks or more);
3) Virtual Educators will provide online teaching or training for three weeks to six months.

The recipient organization is responsible for overall program management, including recruiting qualified educators, ensuring participant readiness, maintaining communication with ECA and U.S. embassies, and managing financial reporting. Specific responsibilities include coordinating with embassies for project requests, analyzing proposals for project matching, delivering pre-departure training, monitoring participant performance and safety, and ensuring compliance with U.S. government regulations.

Eligibility Requirements
Eligible applicants include U.S. not-for-profit organizations (including think tanks and NGOs) and public/private educational institutions. Organizations must have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) from SAM.gov and demonstrate at least four years of experience in conducting international exchanges to be eligible for awards exceeding $130,000.

Period of Performance
The period of performance is anticipated to last for 55 months from the award date, which is expected to be July 17, 2026.

Grant Value
The total value of the grant is approximately $14,000,000 pending availability of funds. There will be one award issued under this program.

Place of Performance
The program will take place at educational institutions across all world regions.
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Overview

Agency
Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) [DOS]
Category of Funding
Other (see text field entitled "Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity" for clarification)
Funding Instruments
Cooperative Agreement
Grant Program (CFDA)
19.421 - Academic Exchange Programs - English Language Programs
Grant Category
Discretionary
Cost Sharing / Matching Requirement
False
Source
Grants.gov
On 2/13/26 the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs posted grant opportunity DFOP0017779 for FY 2026 English Language Fellow, Specialist, and Virtual Educator Program. The grant will be issued under grant program 19.421 Academic Exchange Programs - English Language Programs. It is expected that one grant will be made worth between $14.0 million and $14.0 million.

Timing

Posted Date
Feb. 13, 2026, 12:00 a.m. EST
Closing Date
April 24, 2026, 12:00 a.m. EDT Due in 41 Days
Last Updated
Feb. 13, 2026, 8:09 a.m. EST
Version
2
Archive Date
May 24, 2026

Eligibility

Eligible Applicants
Public and State controlled institutions of higher education
Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education
Private institutions of higher education
Others (see text field entitled "Additional Information on Eligibility" for clarification)
Additional Info
Please see full announcement.

Award Sizing

Ceiling
$14,000,000
Floor
$14,000,000
Estimated Program Funding
Not Provided
Estimated Number of Grants
1

Contacts

Contact
Bureau Of Educational and Cultural Affairs
Contact Email
bainke@state.gov
Contact Phone
(202) 890-9795
Additional Information
Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs Organizational Funding Opportunities
Additional Information Site
https://www.state.gov/eca-grant-opportunities/

Documents

Posted documents for DFOP0017779

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