FY 2026 Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative (YSEALI) Academic Fellows Program

Background
The FY 2026 Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative (YSEALI) Academic Fellows Program is administered by the Office of Academic Exchange Programs, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA), under the U.S. Department of State. This program aims to foster mutual understanding between the United States and Southeast Asia through academic exchanges that support U.S. foreign policy goals and highlight American excellence. The initiative targets undergraduate students and recent graduates from Southeast Asia, providing them with opportunities for academic growth and cultural exchange.

Grant Details
The YSEALI AFP will consist of approximately 16 institutes—eight in spring 2027 and eight in fall 2027—hosting around 285 undergraduate students and recent graduates from Southeast Asia. Each institute will focus on one of four themes: Economic Prosperity, Liberty and Freedom, Natural Resources, and Peace and Security. The award recipient will be responsible for planning, implementing, and overseeing these institutes, which will last about five weeks each. This includes a four-week academic residency at a U.S. college or university followed by a one-week integrated academic field experience in Washington, DC. The recipient will also coordinate up to two YSEALI Fellows Forums in Washington, DC for all participants. Applicants may administer the program fully through subawards or directly implement up to two institutes themselves.

Eligibility Requirements
Eligible applicants include U.S. public and private academic institutions (such as community colleges, liberal arts colleges, universities) and not-for-profit organizations that meet the provisions described in Internal Revenue Code section 26 USC 501(c)(3). Organizations must demonstrate at least four years of experience in conducting international exchanges to be eligible for awards exceeding $130,000 in ECA funding. Applicants may submit only one proposal; multiple submissions from the same applicant will result in disqualification.

Period of Performance
The period of performance for this cooperative agreement is anticipated to be between 18 to 24 months, with an intent to renew for two additional consecutive fiscal years pending satisfactory implementation.

Grant Value
The total estimated funding for this grant opportunity is approximately $6,500,000.

Place of Performance
The institutes will take place at various U.S. college or university campuses.