FY 2026 Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders (YALI Fellowship)

ECA Performance Monitoring Plan 626 KB (DOCX)

# Performance Monitoring Plan (PMP)

Instructions:

The Monitoring Data for ECA (MODE) Framework provides standard indicators and corresponding survey questions to ensure consistent measures across all ECA programs. The Performance Monitoring Plan (PMP) in this document includes ALL MODE objectives and indicators that were created to collect data from program participants. While ECA recommends the applicant use the format provided, this is not a requirement. However, any performance monitoring reference document the applicant submits should include the information in the column headers (Indicator Name, Definition, Target, Survey Question, etc.) in the table below at a minimum.

To provide a PMP that will meet the solicitation review criteria, the applicant should take the following steps:

• Fill out the Applicant Name, FY and Program Title and Funding Opportunity # fields highlighted above

• Carefully review the solicitation document to identify the MODE indicators that were listed

• Review the additional (those not listed in the solicitation document) MODE Framework indicators listed in the table below to determine if they are relevant (meaning the applicant proposes that data should be collected for those indicators as part of this program)

• Those indicators that were NOT selected in steps 2 and 3 above can be deleted from the table below (to do this, click your mouse somewhere within the row you would like to delete, right-click, select “Delete Cells”, then “Delete Entire Row”. Repeat this process until the only MODE Framework indicators that remain are those identified during steps 1 and 2)

• Applicants may also design custom objectives and/or indicators that are specific to the proposed program and the proposed MODE Framework indicators are insufficient to cover all aspects of the program. Applicants should limit the number of these custom indicators, bearing in mind collection and reporting capacity, and prioritize additional measures identified in the solicitation.

For all indicators in the PMP that remain after steps 2-5 above, insert the target into the appropriate column. A target specifies a feasible and appropriate level of an output or outcome that is hoped for, expected, or intended.

Resources

More resources and guidance documents on the MODE Framework and PMP are available online (https://eca.state.gov/impact/eca-monitoring-evaluation-learning-and-innovation-meli-unit/mode-framework-eca-applicants-and). PMP-specific resources include:

• MODE Framework Indicator Book (https://app.box.com/s/9gvvxzxlm6bmvzqengqu8uad40yz2doe ):

MODE Performance Indicator Reference Sheets (https://app.box.com/s/r6x4elenw9pnicdtjyqv6rbyoczhp62t )

• PMP Creation Webinar (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WBHC1oLNZvI )

Definitions of PMP Columns

• Performance Indicator: An observable or measurable characteristic that indicates the extent to which a program objective is being achieved.

• Definition: Clarifies all terms necessary and provides details on how to calculate the data collected to measure the change expected.

• Disaggregation (“Disagg”): Lists how the data will be broken down into subgroups (such as: sex, age, state, country, etc.)

• Target: Specific, planned level of result to be achieved within an explicit timeframe

• Data Source and Required Survey Question: Specifies how the data will be obtained (such as a survey, observation, interview, etc.) and the mandatory question linked to the data source. Note that all MODE Framework survey questions are required (i.e. should be forced response); please see the Consent Language in the MODE Framework Indicator Book for an example of how to convey this to participants/survey respondents.

• When to Collect: Specifies when the indicator will be measured, for example: post-program, end of award, etc.

A post-program collection should occur no later than 6 weeks after the participant has completed the program

Award recipients are responsible for collecting indicator data on participant outputs and outcomes during the period of performance of the program itself. Note: The Bureau will measure outcomes of ECA participants at one, three, five, and 10 years after the program has ended to capture the long-term impact of ECA programming unless otherwise specified in the solicitation for which you are applying. In this instance, the recipient will be responsible for coordinating with ECA on any alumni surveys to de-duplicate questions and minimize potential survey fatigue.

Definitions of Key Terms

Each indicator in the table below includes a list of relevant terms in the indicator column. While terms vary across indicators, there are a few key terms that apply to a high number of indicators. Those terms are listed below to save space in the table:

Participant or Exchange Visitor - A person who has directly participated in an ECA-facilitated program (either ECA-funded or BridgeUSA) and been exposed to at least 10 hours of content or otherwise meets the requirements for entry into the Alumni Contact Engagement System (ACES). Participants do not include audiences who may watch, listen to, or otherwise interact with ECA program participants.

Participants of American Spaces programming include any individual who attends a program conducted by an American Space, whether that program is located at an American Space or an outside location. Individuals who attend virtual (online) or blended (partially online, partially in-person) programs are also considered participants.

“Exchange Visitors” on ECA’s Office of Private Sector Exchange (ECA/EC) programs are considered program participants.

• Host community - A community that sponsors, supports, or provides services for exchange programs and/or their participants. Host communities and institutions do not necessarily directly participate in a program. Benefits to this group most often occur through interaction with the participants and/or alumni during or after the program. Host community members comprise two groups:

• Host families who welcomed exchange visitors into their homes;

• Host institutions or businesses who provided professional or academic experiences to exchange visitors.

Virtual exchange - A sustained, multi-way interaction, that is 100% online, used to build networks and shared knowledge around policy priorities. For a program to be considered a virtual exchange, participants must engage with all content virtually. A series of virtual components can be considered an exchange if they are (1) originated as a unit with a collective start and end date and (2) are organized around a unifying theme. Examples of virtual elements include online skill-building workshops, virtual professional placements (internships), and virtual mentorships. A series of massive open online courses (MOOCs) would be considered an exchange if they are offered as a set (of say six classes) and are centered on a specific topic (for example, media literacy). Offering MOOCs as an online resource is not considered a virtual exchange program.

Virtual element - Single, stand-alone components offered as either add-on enrichment to an in-person program or as general outreach by ECA. Examples of virtual elements include online skill-building workshops, virtual professional placements (internships), and virtual mentorships. Offering single MOOCs to the general public or virtual pre-departure orientation webinars are both considered virtual elements. Additionally, online spaces for participants to communicate (such as a program Facebook page) are considered virtual elements.

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ECA Performance Monitoring Plan 626 KB (PDF)

PERFORMANCE MONITORING PLAN (PMP)
Applicant Name: Example Organization
Fiscal Year and Program Title: FY## Example Program
Funding Opportunity #: SFOP000XXXX
Instructions:
The Monitoring Data for ECA (MODE) Framework provides standard indicators and corresponding survey questions to ensure consistent
measures across all ECA programs. The Performance Monitoring Plan (PMP) in this document includes ALL MODE objectives and indicators
that were created to collect data from program participants. While ECA recommends the applicant use the format provided, this is not a
requirement. However, any performance monitoring reference document the applicant submits should include the information in the column
headers (Indicator Name, Definition, Target, Survey Question, etc.) in the table below at a minimum.
To provide a PMP that will meet the solicitation review criteria, the applicant should take the following steps:
1. Fill out the Applicant Name, FY and Program Title and Funding Opportunity # fields highlighted above
2. Carefully review the solicitation document to identify the MODE indicators that were listed
3. Review the additional (those not listed in the solicitation document) MODE Framework indicators listed in the table below to determine if
they are relevant (meaning the applicant proposes that data should be collected for those indicators as part of this program)
4. Those indicators that were NOT selected in steps 2 and 3 above can be deleted from the table below (to do this, click your mouse
somewhere within the row you would like to delete, right-click, select “Delete Cells”, then “Delete Entire Row”. Repeat this process until
the only MODE Framework indicators that remain are those identified during steps 1 and 2)
5. Applicants may also design custom objectives and/or indicators that are specific to the proposed program and the proposed MODE
Framework indicators are insufficient to cover all aspects of the program. Applicants should limit the number of these custom indicators,
bearing in mind collection and reporting capacity, and prioritize additional measures identified in the solicitation.
For all indicators in the PMP that remain after steps 2-5 above, insert the target into the appropriate column. A target specifies a feasible and
appropriate level of an output or outcome that is hoped for, expected, or intended.
Last Updated: February 2025

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Resources
More resources and guidance documents on the MODE Framework and PMP are available online (https://eca.state.gov/impact/eca-monitoring-
evaluation-learning-and-innovation-meli-unit/mode-framework-eca-applicants-and). PMP-specific resources include:
• MODE Framework Indicator Book (https://app.box.com/s/9gvvxzxlm6bmvzqengqu8uad40yz2doe ):
• MODE Performance Indicator Reference Sheets (https://app.box.com/s/r6x4elenw9pnicdtjyqv6rbyoczhp62t )
• PMP Creation Webinar (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WBHC1oLNZvI )
Definitions of PMP Columns
• Performance Indicator: An observable or measurable characteristic that indicates the extent to which a program objective is being
achieved.
• Definition: Clarifies all terms necessary and provides details on how to calculate the data collected to measure the change expected.
• Disaggregation (“Disagg”): Lists how the data will be broken down into subgroups (such as: sex, age, state, country, etc.)
• Target: Specific, planned level of result to be achieved within an explicit timeframe
• Data Source and Required Survey Question: Specifies how the data will be obtained (such as a survey, observation, interview, etc.) and
the mandatory question linked to the data source. Note that all MODE Framework survey questions are required (i.e. should be
forced response); please see the Consent Language in the MODE Framework Indicator Book for an example of how to convey this
to participants/survey respondents.
• When to Collect: Specifies when the indicator will be measured, for example: post-program, end of award, etc.
o A post-program collection should occur no later than 6 weeks after the participant has completed the program
o Award recipients are responsible for collecting indicator data on participant outputs and outcomes during the period of
performance of the program itself. Note: The Bureau will measure outcomes of ECA participants at one, three, five, and 10 years
after the program has ended to capture the long-term impact of ECA programming unless otherwise specified in the solicitation
for which you are applying. In this instance, the recipient will be responsible for coordinating with ECA on any alumni surveys to
de-duplicate questions and minimize potential survey fatigue.
Last Updated: February 2025

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Definitions of Key Terms
Each indicator in the table below includes a list of relevant terms in the indicator column. While terms vary across indicators, there are a few key
terms that apply to a high number of indicators. Those terms are listed below to save space in the table:
• Participant or Exchange Visitor - A person who has directly participated in an ECA-facilitated program (either ECA-funded or
BridgeUSA) and been exposed to at least 10 hours of content or otherwise meets the requirements for entry into the Alumni Contact
Engagement System (ACES). Participants do not include audiences who may watch, listen to, or otherwise interact with ECA program
participants.
o Participants of American Spaces programming include any individual who attends a program conducted by an American Space,
whether that program is located at an American Space or an outside location. Individuals who attend virtual (online) or blended
(partially online, partially in-person) programs are also considered participants.
o “Exchange Visitors” on ECA’s Office of Private Sector Exchange (ECA/EC) programs are considered program participants.
• Host community - A community that sponsors, supports, or provides services for exchange programs and/or their participants. Host
communities and institutions do not necessarily directly participate in a program. Benefits to this group most often occur through
interaction with the participants and/or alumni during or after the program. Host community members comprise two groups:
o Host families who welcomed exchange visitors into their homes;
o Host institutions or businesses who provided professional or academic experiences to exchange visitors.
• Virtual exchange - A sustained, multi-way interaction, that is 100% online, used to build networks and shared knowledge around policy
priorities. For a program to be considered a virtual exchange, participants must engage with all content virtually. A series of virtual
components can be considered an exchange if they are (1) originated as a unit with a collective start and end date and (2) are organized
around a unifying theme. Examples of virtual elements include online skill-building workshops, virtual professional placements
(internships), and virtual mentorships. A series of massive open online courses (MOOCs) would be considered an exchange if they are
offered as a set (of say six classes) and are centered on a specific topic (for example, media literacy). Offering MOOCs as an online
resource is not considered a virtual exchange program.
• Virtual element - Single, stand-alone components offered as either add-on enrichment to an in-person program or as general outreach by
ECA. Examples of virtual elements include online skill-building workshops, virtual professional placements (internships), and virtual
mentorships. Offering single MOOCs to the general public or virtual pre-departure orientation webinars are both considered virtual
elements. Additionally, online spaces for participants to communicate (such as a program Facebook page) are considered virtual elements.
Last Updated: February 2025

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Performance Definition Disagg. Target Data Source and Required* When to
Indicator Survey Question Collect
Demographic Questions
Home Country Used to identify subgroups for Country of Origin N/A N/A Survey (self-reported data) Post-
(Demographic) disaggregation. (Foreign participants only) Program
What is your home country?
[Drop Down: List of program
countries] – See Appendix C in
the Indicator Book
Home State Used to identify subgroups for Home State disaggregation. N/A N/A Survey (self-reported data) Post-
(Demographic) (American participants only) Program
What is your home state?
[Drop Down: List of U.S.
States] – See Appendix D in the
Indicator Book
Age Used to identify subgroups for Age disaggregation. N/A N/A Survey (self-reported data) Post-
(Demographic) Program
What is your age? Fill in the
blank ________
[Validate answer numeric, with
accepted answers ranging from
15 to 100]
-- OR--
Are you between the ages of 15
and 35?
• Yes
• No
Sex Used to identify subgroups for Sex disaggregation. N/A N/A Survey (self-reported data) Post-
(Demographic) Program
Last Updated: February 2025

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Performance Definition Disagg. Target Data Source and Required* When to
Indicator Survey Question Collect
Please select your biological
sex classification:
• Female
• Male
Race Used to identify subgroups for Race disaggregation. N/A N/A Survey (self-reported data) Post-
(Demographic) (American participants only) Program
What is your race or ethnicity?
Select all that apply.
• American Indian or Alaskan
Native
• Asian
• Black or African American
• Hispanic or Latino
• Native Hawaiian or Other
Pacific Islander
• White
• Some Other Race
• I do not wish to respond
Participant Type Used to identify the subgroup “Reciprocal” for Participant N/A N/A Survey (self-reported data) Post-
(Demographic) Type disaggregation. Program
(American participants only) Did you participate in a
reciprocal exchange?
Award recipients will need to identify whether a participant A reciprocal participant is an
is designated as 'Foreign', 'American', or 'Reciprocal' as American who travels to an
part of the disaggregations. The assumption is that those exchange participant's home
who answer the "Home Country" question can be country to assist the participant
designated as a 'Foreign participant', those who answer with their individual project
"Home State" can be designated as an 'American
participant', and those who answer the associated question • Yes
with a "yes" can be designated as a 'Reciprocal participant' • No
Last Updated: February 2025

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Performance Definition Disagg. Target Data Source and Required* When to
Indicator Survey Question Collect
ECA Objective 1: Advance participant and beneficiary cross-cultural competence and global perspective
ECA Sub-Objective 1.1: Promote cultural exchanges and enhance understanding between participants and their host communities
E1.1.01: Percent Participant or Exchange Visitor – See Definitions of Key • Sex To be Survey (self-reported data) Post-
of participants Terms • Age completed Program
reporting that
• Country of origin
by the Do you agree with the
their program Counting Frequency applicant following statement?
• Home state
experience Each respondent should only be counted once in the
• Race
offered reporting year following their program completion. My program offered
• Participant type:
opportunities to opportunities for making
American, foreign,
engage with Calculations cultural connections and
reciprocal
other cultures To calculate percentage, numerator will be number of sharing. For example:
respondents who answered “yes” while the denominator Conversations about each
others’ countries, attending
will be the total number of question respondents. Divide
cultural events, etc.
the numerator by the denominator and then multiply by 100
• Yes
for the percent value.
• No
E1.1.04: Participant or Exchange Visitor – See Definitions of Key • Sex To be Survey (self-reported data) Post-
Percent of Terms • Age completed Program
participants with • Country of origin by the Did your views of the United
more favorable Counting Frequency • Home state applicant States government change as a
opinions of the Each respondent should only be counted once in the • Race result of your program
United States reporting year following their program completion. • Participant type: participation?
Government
American, foreign,
• Yes
(core indicator)
Calculations reciprocal • No
To calculate percentage, numerator will be number of
respondents who select “much more favorable” OR If YES:
“somewhat more favorable” on the survey question. The
denominator will be the total number of question How did your views of the
respondents. Divide the numerator by the denominator and United States government
then multiply by 100 for the percent value. change? Are your views:
Last Updated: February 2025

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Performance Definition Disagg. Target Data Source and Required* When to
Indicator Survey Question Collect
• Much less favorable
• Somewhat less favorable
• Somewhat more favorable
• Much more favorable
E1.1.09: Participant or Exchange Visitor – See Definitions of Key • Sex To be Survey (self-reported data) Post-
Percent of Terms • Age completed Program
participants who • Country of origin by the Before this exchange program,
traveled abroad Abroad – A country outside of one’s home country • Home state applicant had you traveled outside of
for the first time
• Race
your home country?
because of their Counting Frequency • Participant type: • Yes
program
Each respondent should only be counted once in the American, foreign, • No
(core indicator)
reporting year following their program completion. reciprocal
If YES:
Calculations
To calculate percentage, numerator will be number of Why did you travel outside of
respondents who answered “no” to the first question while your home country? Select all
the denominator will be the total number of question that apply.
respondents. Divide the numerator by the denominator and • Tourism
then multiply by 100 for the percent value. • Visit friends/family
• Participation in another U.S.
Department of State
exchange program (including
U.S. Embassy-sponsored
exchanges)
• Participation in a non-U.S.
Department of State
exchange
• Study
• Work
• Other: ______ [write-in]
Last Updated: February 2025

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Performance Definition Disagg. Target Data Source and Required* When to
Indicator Survey Question Collect
E1.1.10: Participant or Exchange Visitor – See Definitions of Key • Sex To be Survey (self-reported data) Post-
Percent of Terms • Age completed Program
foreign • Country of origin by the Before this exchange program,
participants who Counting Frequency applicant had you traveled to the United
traveled to the Each respondent should only be counted once per reporting States?
United States year following their program completion. • Yes
for the first time
• No
during their Calculations
program To determine the percent value, numerator is number of If YES:
(core indicator)
respondents who reply “no” to the first question while
denominator will be the total number of question Why did you travel to the
respondents. Divide the numerator by the denominator and United States? Select all that
then multiply by 100 for the percent value. apply.
• Tourism
• Visit friends/family
• Participation in another U.S.
Department of State
exchange program (including
U.S. Embassy-sponsored
exchanges)
• Participation in a non-U.S.
Department of State
exchange
• Study
• Work
• Other: ______ [write-in]
E1.1.11: Participant or Exchange Visitor – See Definitions of Key • Sex To be Survey (self-reported data) Post-
Percent of Terms • Age completed Program
American
• Home state
Last Updated: February 2025

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Performance Definition Disagg. Target Data Source and Required* When to
Indicator Survey Question Collect
participants Host country - The country in which the participant • Race by the How much did participation in
indicating a traveled to for their exchange program. • Participant type: applicant the exchange program change
change in their American, your understanding or
understanding of Counting Frequency reciprocal knowledge of the following
their host Each respondent should only be counted once in the topics?
country's culture reporting year following their program completion. • Host country political system
and values • Host country economy
Calculations • Foreign affairs of my host
Responses to each item should be scored in the following country
manner: • Domestic affairs in my host
No Change – 1 country
Minimal Change – 2 • Host country values and
culture
Moderate Change – 3
• Daily life in my host country
Substantial Change – 4
• Freedom of speech and press
in my host country
The response scores for each item should be summed and
• Voluntary community
divided by the number of items they responded to in order
service in my host country
to give an average question score for each respondent.
[Scale: No Change, Minimal
To determine the percent value, the numerator is the
Change, Moderate Change,
number of respondents whose average question score is 2
Substantial Change]
or greater while the denominator will be the total number
of question respondents. Divide the numerator by the
denominator and then multiply by 100 for the percent
value.
E1.1.12: Participant or Exchange Visitor – See Definitions of Key • Sex To be Survey (self-reported data) Post-
Percent of Terms • Age completed Program
foreign • Country of origin by the Thinking about the participants
participants Third-party country - A country that is not the applicant you met from other countries
indicating a participant/alumni’s home or host country. Generally, this (not your home country or the
change in refers to the home countries of fellow participants. U.S.), how much did
understanding of participation in the program
Last Updated: February 2025

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Performance Definition Disagg. Target Data Source and Required* When to
Indicator Survey Question Collect
third-party Counting Frequency change your understanding or
countries’ Each respondent should only be counted once in the knowledge of the following
cultures and reporting year following their program completion. topics related to those
values countries?
Calculations • Political system
Responses to each item should be scored in the following • Economy
manner: • Foreign affairs
No Change – 1 • Domestic affairs
Minimal Change – 2 • Values and culture
Moderate Change – 3 • Daily life
Substantial Change – 4 • Freedom of speech and press
• Voluntary community
The response scores for each item should be summed and service
divided by the number of items they responded to in order
to give an average question score for each respondent. [Scale: No Change, Minimal
Change, Moderate Change,
Substantial Change]
To determine the percent value, numerator is number of
respondents whose average question score is 2 or greater
while the denominator will be the total number of question
respondents. Divide the numerator by the denominator and
then multiply by 100 for the percent value.
E1.1.13: Percent Participant or Exchange Visitor – See Definitions of Key • Sex To be Survey (self-reported data) Post-
of foreign Terms • Age completed Program
participants who • Country of origin by the Compared to before your
are more likely Counting Frequency applicant program participation, how
to recommend Each respondent should only be counted once in the likely are you now to
the United reporting year following their program completion. recommend the United States as
States as a good a good place to study?
place to study Calculations • Much more unlikely
To determine the percent value, numerator is number of • Somewhat more unlikely
respondents who reply “much more likely” or “somewhat • Somewhat more likely
more likely” while denominator will be the total number of Much more likely
Last Updated: February 2025

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Performance Definition Disagg. Target Data Source and Required* When to
Indicator Survey Question Collect
question respondents. Divide the numerator by the
denominator and then multiply by 100 for the percent
value.
E1.1.16: Participant or Exchange Visitor – See Definitions of Key • Sex To be Survey (self-reported data) Post-
Percent of Terms • Age completed Program
virtual exchange
• Country of origin
by the In the future, are virtual
(VE) Virtual exchange - See Definitions of Key Terms applicant exchanges likely to be your
• Home state
participants who
• Race
only way to interact with
report VE as Virtual element - See Definitions of Key Terms citizens from other countries?
• Participant type:
their only likely • Yes
American, foreign,
way to interact Counting Frequency • No
reciprocal
with citizens Each respondent should only be counted once per reporting • I don’t know
from other
year following their program completion.
countries in the
future
Calculations
To calculate percentage, numerator will be number of
respondents who answered “yes” while the denominator
will be the total number of question respondents. Divide
the numerator by the denominator and then multiply by 100
for the percent value.
This indicator counts participants involved in virtual
exchange programs (see definition above) and WILL NOT
count participants engaging with virtual program elements
as part of a non-virtual program.
E1.1.17: Participant or Exchange Visitor – See Definitions of Key • Sex To be Survey (self-reported data) Post-
Percent of Terms • Age completed Program
foreign • Country of origin by the Did your views of the American
participants with Counting Frequency applicant people change as a result of
more favorable Each respondent should only be counted once in the your program participation?
opinions of the reporting year following their program completion. • Yes
Last Updated: February 2025

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Performance Definition Disagg. Target Data Source and Required* When to
Indicator Survey Question Collect
American • No
people Calculations
(core indicator) To determine the percent value, numerator is number of If YES:
respondents who reply “much more favorable” OR
“somewhat more favorable” while the denominator will be How did your views of the
the total number of question respondents. Divide the American people change? Are
numerator by the denominator and then multiply by 100 for your views:
the percent value.
• Much less favorable
• Somewhat less favorable
• Somewhat more favorable
• Much more favorable
E1.1.18: Participant or Exchange Visitor – See Definitions of Key • Sex To be Survey (self-reported data) Post-
Percent of Terms • Age completed Program
foreign
• Country of origin
by the How much did participation in
participants Counting Frequency applicant the program change your
indicating an Each respondent should only be counted once in the understanding or knowledge of
increase in reporting year following their program completion. each of the following topics?
understanding of • United States democracy
United States Calculations • United States economy
culture and Responses to each item should be scored in the following • Foreign affairs of the United
values
manner: States
(core indicator)
No Change – 1 • Domestic affairs in the
Minimal Change – 2 United States
Moderate Change – 3
• United States values and
Substantial Change – 4
culture
• Daily life in the United
The response scores for each item should be summed and
States
divided by the number of items they responded to in order
• Freedom of speech and press
to give a total question score for each respondent.
in the United States
• Voluntary community
service in the United States
Last Updated: February 2025

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Performance Definition Disagg. Target Data Source and Required* When to
Indicator Survey Question Collect
To determine the percent value, numerator is number of
respondents whose total question score is 2 or greater while [Scale: No Change, Minimal
the denominator will be the total number of question Change, Moderate Change,
respondents. Divide the numerator by the denominator and Substantial Change]
then multiply by 100 for the percent value.
E1.1.19: Participant or Exchange Visitor – See Definitions of Key • Sex To be Survey (self-reported data) Post-
Percent of Terms • Age completed Program
participants • Country of origin by the To what extent do you agree or
agreeing with Democratic values - The ideas or beliefs that make a applicant disagree with the statements
• Home state
statements in society fair, including: democratic decision-making, below?
• Race
support of freedom of speech, and equality before the law. • Voting is important because
• Participant type:
democratic real decisions are made in
American, foreign,
values Counting Frequency elections
Each respondent should only be counted once in the reciprocal
(core indicator)
• Free and fair elections are
reporting year following their program completion.
the cornerstone of
democracy
Calculations
Responses to each item should be scored in the following • An independent media is
manner: important to the free flow of
Strongly disagree – 1 information
Disagree – 2 • All citizens in a country
Neither disagree nor agree – 3 should have equal rights and
Agree – 4
protections under the law,
Strongly agree – 5
regardless of circumstances
Don’t know/can’t ascertain – 0
• The rule of law is
fundamental to a functioning
To determine the percent value, numerator is the number of
democracy
respondents whose average question score is greater than or
equal to 4 on a 1-5 scale while the denominator will be the • Individuals have the right to
total number of question respondents. Divide the numerator free speech and to voice
by the denominator and then multiply by 100 for the opposition
percent value.
Last Updated: February 2025

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Performance Definition Disagg. Target Data Source and Required* When to
Indicator Survey Question Collect
• Organizations have the right
to free speech and to voice
opposition
• Democratic principles
enhance the workplace.
Supervisors should
incorporate democratic
principles into their
management practices
[Scale: Strongly disagree,
Disagree, Neither disagree nor
agree, Agree, Strongly agree,
Don’t know/can’t ascertain]
ECA Objective 2: Increase the impact that participants and alumni have on their communities / countries
E2.0.01: Percent Participant or Exchange Visitor – See Definitions of Key • Sex To be Survey (self-reported data) Post-
of foreign Terms • Age completed Program
participants that • Country of origin by the Did you volunteer your time
volunteer in Volunteer - To offer one’s time or services to an applicant during your exchange?
their host organization or community effort for free. Volunteering • Yes
communities does not include time spent working as part of a • No
professional placement. • My program did not offer the
opportunity to volunteer
Host community - See Definitions of Key Terms
Counting Frequency
Each respondent should only be counted once in the
reporting year following their program completion.
Calculations
To calculate the percentage, the numerator will be the
number of respondents who answered “yes” while the
Last Updated: February 2025

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Performance Definition Disagg. Target Data Source and Required* When to
Indicator Survey Question Collect
denominator will be the total number of question
respondents. Divide the numerator by the denominator and
then multiply by 100 for the percent value.
E2.0.04: Participant or Exchange Visitor – See Definitions of Key • Sex To be Survey (self-reported data) Post-
Number of Terms • Age completed Program
hours that
• Country of origin
by the How many hours did you spend
foreign Volunteer - To offer one’s time or services to an applicant volunteering during your
participants organization or community effort for free. Volunteering exchange program? (Please
spend does not include time spent working as part of a note that volunteer hours do
volunteering in professional placement. not include time spent working
their host
as part of your professional
Host community - See Definitions of Key Terms placement.)
communities
Counting Frequency Fill in the blank: __________
Each respondent should only be counted once in a [validate as numeric]
reporting year following their program completion.
Calculations
Participants will complete a survey question that will
request the number of hours of time spent volunteering
during their exchange program.
The total number of hours for all participants should be
reported.
ECA Sub-Objective 2.2: Foster participants’ belief that civic engagement benefits communities/countries
E2.2.01: Participant or Exchange Visitor – See Definitions of Key • Sex To be Survey (self-reported data) Post-
Percent of Terms • Age completed Program
participants who • Country of origin by the As a result of your program
have more Home community - The community that the program applicant participation, how has your
• Home state
confidence in participant originates from and will return to at the confidence in each of the
• Race
their ability to conclusion of the program. following changed?
have an impact
Last Updated: February 2025

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Performance Definition Disagg. Target Data Source and Required* When to
Indicator Survey Question Collect
in their home Home country - The country in which the program • Participant type: • I have the ability to make a
country participant resides prior to their program participation. American, foreign, difference in the community
(core indicator) reciprocal where I live
Counting Frequency • I have the ability to make a
Each respondent should only be counted once in the difference in the country
reporting year following their program completion. where I live
• I have the ability to make a
Calculation difference in the global
To determine the percent value, numerator is number of community
respondents that responded “more confident” to the
statement about their ability to make a difference in the
[Scale: I am less confident; No
‘community where I live’ and/or ‘country where I live’
change in confidence, I am
while the denominator will be the total number of question
more confident]
respondents. Divide the numerator by the denominator and
then multiply by 100 for the percent value.
ECA Objective 3: Strengthen engagement among participants, alumni, beneficiaries, and institutions
E3.0.02: Participant or Exchange Visitor – See Definitions of Key • Sex To be Survey (self-reported data) Post-
Percent of Terms • Age completed Program
foreign
• Country of origin
by the Are you still in contact with any
participants who Network - An interconnected or interrelated group or applicant Americans you met during your
report increasing system. In the context of MODE, this refers to an program?
their network of interconnected or interrelated group intentionally • Yes
Americans convened, sustained, or otherwise facilitated through ECA • No
(core indicator) programming.
If YES:
Counting Frequency
Each respondent should only be counted once in the Are the contacts you maintain
reporting year following their program completion. with Americans personal,
professional, or both?
Calculations • Personal
• Professional
Last Updated: February 2025

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Performance Definition Disagg. Target Data Source and Required* When to
Indicator Survey Question Collect
To determine the percent value, numerator is number of • Both personal and
respondents who reply “yes” to the first question item professional
while the denominator will be the total number of question
respondents. Divide the numerator by the denominator and
then multiply by 100 for the percent value.
E3.0.04: Participant or Exchange Visitor – See Definitions of Key • Sex To be Survey (self-reported data) Post-
Percent of Terms • Age completed Program
foreign • Country of origin by the Are you still in contact with any
participants who Network- An interconnected or interrelated group or applicant individual not from the U.S.
report increasing system intentionally convened, sustained, or otherwise and not from your own country
their network of facilitated through ECA programming. that you met during your
third country program?
nationals Third-country national - A third country stakeholder is •Yes
defined as a person or institution who does not have the •No
same nationality and is not from the country in which the
If YES:
exchange took place or from the country of a participant of
the exchange.
Are the contacts you maintain
with these individuals personal,
Counting Frequency
professional, or both?
Each respondent should only be counted once in the
•Personal
reporting year following their program completion.
•Professional
•Both personal and professional
Calculations
To determine the percent value, numerator is number of
respondents who reply “yes” to the first question item
while the denominator will be the total number of question
respondents. Divide the numerator by the denominator and
then multiply by 100 for the percent value.
E3.0.07: Participant or Exchange Visitor – See Definitions of Key • Sex To be Survey (self-reported data) Post-
Percent of Terms • Age completed Program
participants who
• Country of origin
by the
identify as a Counting Frequency applicant
Last Updated: February 2025

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Performance Definition Disagg. Target Data Source and Required* When to
Indicator Survey Question Collect
Department of Each respondent should only be counted once in the • Home state Do you consider yourself a
State program reporting year following their program completion. • Race participant of a U.S.
participant • Participant type: Department of State program?
(core indicator) Calculations American, foreign, • Yes
To calculate percentage, numerator will be number of reciprocal • No
participants who answered “yes” in response to the survey
question. The denominator will be the total number of
question respondents. Divide the numerator by the
denominator and then multiply by 100 for the percent
value.
ECA Sub-Objective 3.1: Alumni subscribe to platforms for resources and information-sharing
E3.1.02: Percent Participant or Exchange Visitor – See Definitions of Key • Sex To be Survey (self-reported data) Post-
of participants Terms • Age completed Program
who learned • Country of origin by the Through your program
about new Resource – Information that is new and potentially useful • Home state applicant experience, did you learn about
resources to the participant. Can include information guidance that is any of the following
• Race
either personal or professional. Does not include persons. Department of State-managed
• Participant type:
Can be information provided during any portion of the resources? Select all that apply.
American, foreign,
program process (pre-program, during the program, or • Small grants applications from
reciprocal
immediately post-program – such as a Congress or the U.S. Government [Carry
concluding event). forward selection to next
question]
• Alumni Engagement
Counting Frequency Innovation Fund (AEIF)
Each respondent should only be counted once in the applications [Carry forward
reporting year following their program completion. selection to next question]
• Citizen Diplomacy Action
Calculations Fund applications [ask of
To calculate percentage, numerator will be number of American alumni only] [Carry
respondents who select at least one of the survey question forward selection to next
response options EXCEPT “None of the above” to the first question]
Last Updated: February 2025

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Performance Definition Disagg. Target Data Source and Required* When to
Indicator Survey Question Collect
question, while the denominator will be the total number of • Project Development toolkits
question respondents. Divide the numerator by the [Carry forward selection to next
denominator and then multiply by 100 for the percent question]
value. • Supplies or equipment [Carry
forward selection to next
question]
• Information on
workshops/events hosted by the
U.S. Embassy in your home
country [ask of Foreign Alumni
only] [Carry forward selection
to next question]
• Embassy network of experts
and leaders [ask of Foreign
Alumni only] [Carry forward
selection to next question]
• American Spaces (either
American Centers, American
Corners, or Bi-National
Centers) [ask of Foreign
Alumni only] [Carry forward
selection to next question]
• Career Connections [ask of
American alumni only] [Carry
forward selection to next
question]
• None
For each category the
respondent selects, ask:
Was this the first time you
heard about this resource?
Last Updated: February 2025

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Performance Definition Disagg. Target Data Source and Required* When to
Indicator Survey Question Collect
• Yes
• No
E3.1.05: Percent Participant or Exchange Visitor – See Definitions of Key • Sex To be Survey (self-reported data) Post-
of participants Terms • Age completed Program
who are • Country of origin by the Are you connected with the
connected to Digital platform - A digital place, opportunity, or event for applicant Department of State
• Home state
ECA through a public discussion or interpersonal engagement intentionally International Exchange Alumni
• Race
U.S. Department convened, sustained, or otherwise facilitated through ECA Network on the following
• Participant type:
of State- programming. digital platforms?
American, foreign,
managed • Registered on the
reciprocal
platform Counting Frequency alumni.state.gov website
Each respondent should only be counted once in the (https://alumni.state.gov)
reporting year following their program completion. • Follow @Exchangealumni on
Twitter,
Calculations • Connected with Alumni
To calculate percentage, numerator will be number of Affairs on LinkedIn
respondents who select “yes” to at least one of the survey (https://www.linkedin.com/in/al
question response options while the denominator will be umni-affairs-9b871b103)
the total number of question respondents. Divide the
numerator by the denominator and then multiply by 100 for [Scale: Yes/No/I don’t know]
the percent value.
ECA Objective 4: Strengthen personal, professional, and technical abilities and aptitudes of participants and beneficiaries
E4.0.01: Percent Participant or Exchange Visitor – See Definitions of Key • Sex To be Survey (self-reported) Post-
of participants Terms • Age completed Program
reporting
• Country of origin
by the [NOTE: This question is also
increases in Counting Frequency applicant included in Indicators E4.0.03
• Home state
their job Each respondent should only be counted once in the and E4.0.05. If these are to be
• Race
skills as a result reporting year following their program completion. included in a survey, this
of their program
• Participant type: question can be asked once,
participation Calculations American, foreign, with up to two follow-up
To determine the percent value, numerator is number of reciprocal questions based on an
affirmative response.]
respondents who reply “yes” while the denominator will be
Last Updated: February 2025

---

Performance Definition Disagg. Target Data Source and Required* When to
Indicator Survey Question Collect
the total number of question respondents. Divide the
numerator by the denominator and then multiply by 100 for Did you increase your personal
the percent value. and/or professional skills as a
result of your participation in
this program?
• Yes
• No
E4.0.03: Percent Soft skills - Qualities and behaviors an individual • Sex To be Survey (self-reported) Post-
of participants demonstrates to interact with others effectively. Examples • Age completed Program
reporting an include communication, listening, self-awareness, • Country of origin by the NOTE: Question 1 is also
increase in soft awareness of others, self-initiative, cognitive competence applicant included in Indicator 4.0.01
• Home state
skills as a result skills, self-confidence, resourcefulness/resilience, and and 4.0.05. If at least two of
• Race
decision-making and problem-solving skills. those questions are to be
of their program
• Participant type: included in a survey, question 1
participation
Participant or Exchange Visitor – See Definitions of Key American, foreign, can be asked once, with up to
Terms reciprocal two follow-up questions based
on an affirmative response.
Counting Frequency
Each participant should only be counted once in the Did you increase your personal
reporting year following their program completion. and/or professional skills as a
result of your participation in
Calculations this program?
To determine the percent value, numerator is number of • Yes
respondents who select at least one answer option except • No
for “none of the above skills” in the second question while
the denominator will be the total number of question If YES:
respondents. Divide the numerator by the denominator and
then multiply by 100 for the percent value. Please select the personal skills
you increased. Select all that
apply.
• Leadership skills
• Communication skills
• Listening skills
• Self-awareness
Last Updated: February 2025

---

Performance Definition Disagg. Target Data Source and Required* When to
Indicator Survey Question Collect
• Self-initiative
• Self-confidence
• Resourcefulness
• Decision-making skills
• Problem-solving skills
• Other: ______ [write-in]
• None of the above skills
E4.0.05: Percent Technical skills - Knowledge and ability to perform • Sex To be Survey (self-reported data) Post-
of participants specific tasks. Examples of technical skills include project • Age completed Program
who report an management, entrepreneurship, journalism, teaching • Country of origin by the NOTE: Question 1 is also
increase in instruction, science, technology, engineering and applicant included in Indicator 4.0.01
• Home state
technical skills mathematics (STEM) competence. and 4.0.03. If at least two of
• Race
these questions are to be
as a result of
Participant or Exchange Visitor – See Definitions of Key • Participant type: included in a survey, question 1
their program
Terms American, foreign, can be asked once, with up to
participation
reciprocal two follow-up questions based
Counting Frequency on an affirmative response.
Each respondent should only be counted once in the
reporting year following their program completion. Did you increase your personal
and/or professional skills as a
Calculations result of your participation in
To determine the percent value, numerator is number of this program?
respondents who select at least one answer option EXCEPT • Yes
for “none of the above skills” in the second question while • No
the denominator will be the total number of question
respondents. Divide the numerator by the denominator and If YES:
then multiply by 100 for the percent value.
Please select the professional
skills you increased. Select all
that apply.
• Project management skills
• Business management skills
• Entrepreneurship skills
Last Updated: February 2025

---

Performance Definition Disagg. Target Data Source and Required* When to
Indicator Survey Question Collect
• Journalism skills
• Teaching skills
• Science competence
• Technology competence
• Engineering competence
• Mathematics competence
• Other: ______ [write-in]
• None of the above skills
E4.0.09: Percent Participant or Exchange Visitor – See Definitions of Key • Sex To be Survey (self-reported) Post-
of participants Terms • Age completed Program
reporting an • Country of origin by the 1. Did you improve your
increase in Counting Frequency applicant language skills in a foreign
• Home state
language skills Each respondent should only be counted once in the language as a result of the
• Race
as a result of reporting year following their program completion. program?
• Participant type:
their program
• Yes
American, foreign,
participation Calculations • No
To determine the percent value, numerator is number of reciprocal
respondents who answered yes in question 1, while the If YES to question 1, ask
denominator will be the total number of question questions 2 and 3:
respondents. Divide the numerator by the denominator and 2. Which of the following
then multiply by 100 for the percent value best described your ability
to speak in that foreign
language before your
participation in the
program?
• No ability at all
• Able to communicate only in
a very limited capacity
• Able to satisfy basic survival
needs and minimum courtesy
requirements
Last Updated: February 2025

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Performance Definition Disagg. Target Data Source and Required* When to
Indicator Survey Question Collect
• Able to satisfy routine social
demands and limited work
requirements
• Able to speak with sufficient
grammatical accuracy and
vocabulary to discuss
relevant professional areas
• Able to speak fluently and
accurately in all situations
• Proficiency equivalent to
that of a native speaker
[Use display logic to show
those choices with abilities
greater than the selection in
question 2.]
3. Which of the following
best describes your ability
to speak in that foreign
language after the
program?
• Able to communicate only in
a very limited capacity
• Able to satisfy basic survival
needs and minimum courtesy
requirements
• Able to satisfy routine social
demands and limited work
requirements
• Able to speak with sufficient
grammatical accuracy and
vocabulary to discuss
relevant professional areas
Last Updated: February 2025

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Performance Definition Disagg. Target Data Source and Required* When to
Indicator Survey Question Collect
• Able to speak fluently and
accurately in all situations
• Proficiency equivalent to
that of a native speaker
E4.0.14: Percent Participant or Exchange Visitor – See Definitions of Key • Sex To be Survey (self-reported) Post-
of participants Terms • Age completed Program
reporting new • Country of origin by the As a result of your participation
digital applicant in the program, did you gain
Digital skill/competencies – Digital skills are defined as a • Home state
skills/competenc new digital
range of abilities to use digital devices, communication • Race
skills/competencies?
ies gained from
applications, and networks to access and manage • Participant type:
• Yes
virtual exchange
information, and to participate in a virtual program. Skills American, foreign,
(VE) • No
include: knowledge about various low and high-tech reciprocal
programming
technologies (such as the internet, digital video, software
programs, etc.), knowledge of how various technologies
can be used to communicate with others, knowledge
required by teachers for integrating technology into their
classrooms, and/or creating content for various
technologies.
Virtual Exchange - See Definitions of Key Terms
Virtual Elements - See Definitions of Key Terms
Counting Frequency
Each respondent should only be counted once in the
reporting year following their program completion.
Calculations
To determine the percent value, numerator is number of
respondents who respond “yes” to the question, while the
denominator will be the total number of question
respondents. Divide the numerator by the denominator and
then multiply by 100 for the percent value.
Last Updated: February 2025

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Performance Definition Disagg. Target Data Source and Required* When to
Indicator Survey Question Collect
This indicator counts participants involved in virtual
exchange programs (see definition above) and WILL NOT
count participants ONLY engaging with virtual program
elements.
ECA Sub-Objective 4.1: Participants engage in language, academic, professional, and cultural programs
E4.1.01: Total Participant or Exchange Visitor – See Definitions of Key • Sex To be Administrative data from award Annually
number of Terms • Age completed recipients - not collected from
participants • Country of origin by the the participant surveys
(core indicator) Counting Frequency • Home state applicant
Each participant should only be counted once per semi-
• Race
annual reporting cycle following their program completion.
• Participant type:
American, foreign,
reciprocal
E4.1.02: Total Program cohort - A group of participants hosted separately • Cohort type: To be Administrative data from award Annually
number of under a program umbrella and following a set course of inbound, completed recipients - not collected from
program cohorts activities and/or study. For instance: outbound, virtual by the the participant surveys
(core indicator) • IVLP is a program – each individual IVLP project applicant
conducted in a year would be considered a separate
cohort.
• PFP is a program – the two groups of participants
PFP brings to the US each year are each considered
separate cohorts.
• Arts Envoy is a program- each group of artists that
travels is considered a separate cohort. A band or
group of musicians would be considered a cohort
but each individual should be counted separately as
a participant.
Counting Frequency
Last Updated: February 2025

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Performance Definition Disagg. Target Data Source and Required* When to
Indicator Survey Question Collect
Each cohort should only be counted once per semi-annual
reporting cycle following its completion.
E4.1.03: Scholarships - Monetary assistance provided by ECA for • Amount: $0-5000; To be Administrative data from award Semi-
Number of students and/or professionals to attend college or university $5001- $10,000; completed recipients - not collected from Annually
ECA-supported abroad. $10,001+ by the the participant surveys
international • Participant type: applicant
scholarships Counting Frequency
American, foreign
All scholarships should be counted even if more than one
provided
scholarship goes to the same individual. Scholarships
should be counted once per semi-annual reporting cycle
during which they were awarded.
E4.1.04: Professional placement - A position placement a participant • Host type: family, To be Administrative data from award Semi-
Number of holds during their exchange program with a host institution business/professio completed recipients - not collected from Annually
professional for the purpose of professional development. These are nal organization, by the the participant surveys
placements most commonly internships, but can also include job academic applicant
shadowing, mentoring or a professional project as well.
institution,
government
Host institution - An institution that provides support to or
agency
benefits from the participation of program participants.
Benefits to this group most often occur through interaction
with the participants and/or alumni during or after the
program.
Professional development - The act of learning and/or
improving skills in order to better meet professional goals.
Professional development activities can include formal
coursework, attending conferences, and informal learning
opportunities situated in practice; i.e. informal peer-to-peer
interaction and learning, or opportunities through
knowledge sharing.
Counting Frequency
Last Updated: February 2025

---

Performance Definition Disagg. Target Data Source and Required* When to
Indicator Survey Question Collect
Each placement should only be counted once the placement
has been completed and only once per semi-annual
reporting cycle. If a participant holds more than one
placement during their exchange program, each placement
should be counted.
E4.1.05: Participant or Exchange Visitor – See Definitions of Key • Sex To be Administrative data from award Semi-
Number of Terms • Age completed recipients - not collected from Annually
participants in • Country of origin by the the participant surveys
programs with a Media literacy component- An educational portion of a applicant
• Home state
media literacy program that focuses on the ability to identify different
• Race
component types of media and the messages they are sending. It
• Participant type:
includes activities such as a training, a talk or seminar on
American, foreign,
media literacy or how to teach media literacy, training for
journalism, connecting participants with media experts or reciprocal
providing resources for media literacy.
Counting Frequency
Each participant should only be counted once per semi-
annual reporting cycle following their program completion.
E4.1.06: Participant or Exchange Visitor – See Definitions of Key • Sex To be Administrative data from award Semi-
Number of Terms • Age completed recipients - not collected from Annually
participants in • Country of origin by the the participant surveys
programs with Counting Frequency applicant
• Home state
formal, Each participant should only be counted once per semi-
• Race
dedicated annual reporting cycle following their program completion
• Participant type:
language
American, foreign,
learning
reciprocal
activities
E4.1.07: Training - An organized activity that is designed and N/A To be Administrative data from award Semi-
Number of implemented to build capacity and has specific learning completed recipients - not collected from Annually
instruction objectives – expected knowledge, skills and/or by the the participant surveys
methodology competencies to be gained by participants. Trainings of any applicant
length with this purpose should be counted. Building
Last Updated: February 2025

---

Performance Definition Disagg. Target Data Source and Required* When to
Indicator Survey Question Collect
trainings capacity means that recipients of training gain increased
implemented knowledge, skills, and/or competencies.
This indicator specifically measures “instruction
methodology” related trainings.
Instruction methodology trainings – Those trainings related
to furthering skills in teaching.
Counting Frequency
Each training should only be counted once per semi-annual
reporting cycle.
E4.1.08: Fellowship - A program that allows students and recent • Sex To be Administrative data from award Semi-
Number of graduates to work with an institution on a specific project • Age completed recipients - not collected from Annually
language to be completed during a set period of time. Fellowships • Home state by the the participant surveys
teaching fellows are explicitly designed to produce academic research applicant
• Race
enrolled and/or increase professional development of the fellow.
Language teaching fellow - Through the English Language
Fellow (EL Fellow) and Virtual Educator Programs, highly
qualified U.S. educators in the field of Teaching English to
Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) participate in 10-
month-long fellowships at academic institutions throughout
the world.
Counting Frequency
The number of fellows enrolled in the current reporting
year should be counted. Fellows are considered enrolled if
they have started their program. Fellows should only be
counted once per semi-annual reporting cycle even if they
participate in multiple fellowships concurrently.
E4.1.11: Participant or Exchange Visitor – See Definitions of Key • Sex To be Administrative data from award Annually
Number of Terms • Age completed recipients - not collected from
American • Home state the participant surveys
Last Updated: February 2025

---

Performance Definition Disagg. Target Data Source and Required* When to
Indicator Survey Question Collect
reciprocal Reciprocal Exchange Participant - An American who • Race by the
exchange travels to an exchange participant’s home country to assist applicant
participants the participant with their individual project.
Counting Frequency
Each participant should only be counted once per semi-
annual reporting cycle following their program completion
E4.1.13: Fellowship - A fellowship is a program that allows students • Sex To be Administrative data from award Semi-
Number of and recent graduates to work with an institution on a • Age completed recipients - not collected from Annually
fellows specific project to be completed during the fellowship • Home state by the the participant surveys
completing period. Fellowships are explicitly designed to produce applicant
• Race
language academic research and/or increase professional
development of the fellow.
teaching
fellowships
Language teaching fellow - Through the English Language
Fellow (EL Fellow) and Virtual Educator Programs, highly
qualified U.S. educators in the field of Teaching English to
Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) participate in 10-
month-long fellowships at academic institutions throughout
the world.
Counting Frequency
The number of fellows enrolled in the current reporting
year should be counted. Fellows should only be counted
once per semi-annual reporting cycle even if they
participate in multiple fellowships concurrently
E4.1.14: Virtual Exchange - See Definitions of Key Terms N/A To be Administrative data from award Annually
Number of completed recipients - not collected from
virtual exchange Program - The overarching umbrella under which all by the the participant surveys
(VE) programs activities take place. Or alternatively, it is the official name applicant
that is listed in ACPD’s comprehensive annual report on
public diplomacy and international broadcasting
Last Updated: February 2025

---

Performance Definition Disagg. Target Data Source and Required* When to
Indicator Survey Question Collect
Program components - The individual program activities
that cohorts participate in.
Counting frequency
Each program should only be counted once in the annual
reporting cycle (by tasker
E4.1.15: Participant or Exchange Visitor – See Definitions of Key • Sex To be Administrative data from award Annually
Number of Terms • Age completed recipients - not collected from
participants in • Country of origin by the the participant surveys
virtual exchange Virtual Exchange - See Definitions of Key Terms applicant
• Home state
(VE) programs
• Race
Virtual elements - See Definitions of Key Terms
• Participant type:
American, foreign,
Counting Frequency
Each respondent should only be counted once in the reciprocal
reporting year following their program completion.
Calculations
This indicator counts participants involved in virtual
exchange programs (see definition above) and WILL NOT
count participants engaging with virtual program elements.
Each participant should only be counted once per semi-
annual reporting cycle following their program completion
E4.1.16: Audience member - A person who attends an event and is N/A To be Administrative data from award Followin
Number of not a program participant. completed recipients - not collected from g each
audience by the the participant surveys event
members Cultural events - Can include events such as concerts or applicant
attending movie screenings; these can be hosted in the United States
or abroad but must be done in conjunction with an ECA
cultural events
program.
Counting Frequency
Audience members should be counted following each
event.
Last Updated: February 2025

---

Performance Definition Disagg. Target Data Source and Required* When to
Indicator Survey Question Collect
ECA Sub-Objective 4.2: Increase ability of participants to recognize and counter disinformation
E4.2.01: Percent Participant or Exchange Visitor – See Definitions of Key • Sex To be Survey (self-reported data) Post-
of participants Terms • Age completed Program
that report
• Country of origin
by the How would you rate your
increased ability Disinformation - False or misleading information that is applicant ability to do each of the
• Home state
to counter spread deliberately to deceive. Disinformation can include following now compared to
• Race
disinformation authentic information or true facts that are used in the before program participation?
wrong context to make false connections, or it can be • Participant type: For each, please indicate if your
outright false information or propaganda. American, foreign, ability increased, stayed the
reciprocal same, or decreased.
Counting Frequency • Validate information I see in
Each respondent should only be counted once in the the media
reporting year following their program completion. • Identify accurate information
• Think critically about
Calculations information I see online
To determine the percent value, numerator is number of • Evaluate everyday
respondents that replied “Increased” for at least one information I receive from
question item while the denominator will be the total multiple sources
number of question respondents. Divide the numerator by • Identify false information
the denominator and then multiply by 100 for the percent
value. [Scale: Decreased, Stayed the
same, Increased]
ECA Objective 8: Enhance the quality and effectiveness of ECA programs by leveraging the Bureau’s resources, policy, and stakeholder relationships
E8.0.03: Participant or Exchange Visitor – See Definitions of Key N/A 60% Survey Records Post-
Response rate Terms Program
for participant
surveys Counting Frequency
(core indicator) Response rates will be calculated and reported semi-
annually on surveys that closed (i.e. ceased allowing
respondents to respond) in that six-month period, even if
the survey opened in the previous six-month period. This
may be a single survey or an aggregation, if more than one
Last Updated: February 2025

---

Performance Definition Disagg. Target Data Source and Required* When to
Indicator Survey Question Collect
survey closed in that six-month period. Each survey
invitation should be counted once, and each response (if
received) should be counted once.
Calculations
The response rate will be calculated by dividing the
number of survey responses received by the number of
survey invitations issued (sent by email or directly invited
in some other way).
Note that “survey responses” will include cases in which
any portion of a survey was returned (at least one piece of
response data provided). It will not include cases where
respondents opened the survey and opted out by selecting
the option not to continue on the opening consent screen.
Last Updated: February 2025

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FY 2026 Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders (YALI Fellowship) NOFO

U.S. Department of State
Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA)
Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO)
FY 2026 Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders
(YALI Fellowship)
Funding Opportunity Number: DFOP0017991
Application Deadline: May 26, 2026
A. Basic Information
B. Eligibility
C. Program Description
D. Application Contents and Format
E. Submission Requirements and Deadlines
F. Application Review Information
G. Award Notices
H. Post-Award Requirements and Administration
I. Other Information
A. Basic Information
1. Overview.
Funding Opportunity Title FY26 Mandela Washington Fellowship for
Young African Leaders (YALI Fellowship)
Funding Opportunity DFOP0017991
Number
Announcement Type New Cooperative Agreement
Deadline for Applications May 26, 2026, 11:59pm Eastern (Washington,
DC time)
Assistance Listing Number 19.009

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Length of Performance 18 months
Period
Number of Awards 1 award
Anticipated
Award Amount Approximately $15,000,000, pending availability
of funds
Total Available Funding $15,000,000, pending availability of funds
Type of Funding FY26 Educational and Cultural Exchange
Programs (ECE) Funds
Funding Instrument Type Cooperative Agreement
Anticipated Award Date July 27, 2026
This notice is subject to availability of funding. Issuance of the NOFO does not
constitute an award commitment on the part of the Government.
ECA reserves the right to reduce, revise, or increase proposal budgets in
accordance with the needs of the program and the availability of funds.
Pending satisfactory implementation of this program and the availability of funds in
subsequent fiscal years, it is ECA's intent to renew this award for two additional,
consecutive fiscal years, before openly competing it again.
2. Executive Summary.
The U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, Office of
Academic Exchange Programs, Study of the U.S. Branch invites proposal
submissions for one cooperative agreement to design, implement, and oversee the
FY 2026 YALI Fellowship. Established in 2014 the YALI Fellowship has built and
maintained a network of approximately 7,800 young African leaders across sectors
critical to U.S. interests and foreign policy priorities in Sub-Saharan Africa.
The award recipient will be responsible for planning and administering all
components and aspects of the YALI Fellowship including short-term academic
residencies (“institutes”) on U.S. college and university campuses for approximately
550 Fellows, Professional Development Experiences (PDEs) for approximately 50
Fellows, a Reciprocal Exchange component that includes approximately 80 U.S.
participants, and follow-on alumni activities. Under this award, the first group of
Fellows would travel to the United States for the institutes in summer 2027. The
award recipient will design the Fellowship application materials, develop an

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outreach and recruitment plan, receive and screen applications in collaboration with
the U.S. Department of State, and oversee the final Fellow selection and placement
process. The recipient will recruit, select, and oversee subawards to approximately
22 U.S. educational institutions that will each implement a six-week long institute in
one of three tracks: Business and Trade, Emerging Technologies, or Governance
and Security.
Each institute should take place on an accredited U.S. college or university campus
and provide a group of approximately 25 accomplished African innovators and
professionals aged 25 to 35 with rigorous academic and practical coursework,
showcasing American excellence in relevant fields. Institutes should also provide
structured networking and professional opportunities for Fellows to build
relationships with American businesses and industry leaders.
The PDEs are professional placements for a subset of Fellows at relevant U.S. public,
private, and non-profit organizations and should take place immediately following
the institutes.
The Reciprocal Exchange component should support approximately 80 U.S. citizens
to travel to Sub-Saharan Africa to build upon strategic partnerships and business
connections developed through the YALI Fellowship.
ECA will award one cooperative agreement to administer all program components.
The anticipated total amount of funding available for this cooperative agreement
will be approximately $15,000,000, pending the availability of FY 2026 funds. Of this
total amount, the recipient should be prepared to transfer approximately $250,000
to each U.S. college, university, or non-governmental organization selected to
administer an Institute under sub-award agreements.
ECA welcomes applications from U.S. public and private non-profit organizations,
consortia of organizations, and accredited post-secondary U.S. education
institutions meeting the provisions described in Internal Revenue Code section 26
USC 501(c)(3).
Please see the Project Objectives, Goals, and Implementation (POGI) for more
information.
B. Eligibility

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1. Eligible Applicants.
The following organizations are eligible to apply:
• U.S. Not-for-profit organizations, including think tanks and civil society/non-
governmental organizations
• U.S. Not-for-profit public and private educational institutions
Please see the Proposal Submission Instructions (PSI) for additional information.
2. Cost Sharing.
There is no minimum or maximum percentage of cost sharing required for this
program.
3. Other Eligibility Requirements.
a. All organizations must have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) issued via
SAM.gov as well as a valid registration in SAM.gov. Please see Section E.
Submission Requirements and Deadlines for more information.
b. ECA’s Grant Guidelines require that organizations demonstrate at least four
years of experience in conducting international exchanges to be eligible for
awards exceeding $130,000 in ECA funding. As noted in Section A. Basic
Information, ECA anticipates issuing one award, for approximately
$15,000,000. Therefore, organizations must demonstrate four years of
experience in conducting international exchanges in your proposal to be
eligible to apply under this competition.
c. All proposals must comply with the requirements stated in the NOFO, Project
Objectives, Goals, and Instructions (POGI) document, and the PSI; not doing
so may result in your proposal being declared technically ineligible and given
no further consideration in the review process.
d. All proposals must contain a SF-424, executive summary, proposal narrative,
budget (SF-424A), detailed line-item budget, and budget narrative.
e. Only one proposal will be considered by ECA from each applicant
organization. In cases where more than one submission from an applicant
appears in grants.gov, ECA will only consider the submission made closest in
time to the NOFO deadline; that submission would constitute the one and
only proposal ECA would review from that applicant.
Please note: Applicant organizations are defined by their legal name, and
EIN number as stated on their completed SF-424 and additional supporting
documentation outlined in the PSI document.

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f. Applicants who are current recipients of awards directly from ECA should
make sure the application details one or more awards that will be open with
ECA at the start of the anticipated period of performance for this NOFO.
Applicants who do not have current awards directly with ECA, please review
the information in the PSI, section D, with additional information that must
be provided in your application in order for it to be eligible.
C. Program Description
1. Authority.
Overall grant making authority for this program is contained in the Mutual
Educational and Cultural Exchange Act of 1961, Public Law 87-256, as amended, also
known as the Fulbright-Hays Act. The purpose of the Act is "to enable the
Government of the United States to increase mutual understanding between the
people of the United States and the people of other countries...; to strengthen the
ties which unite us with other nations by demonstrating the educational and cultural
interests, developments, and achievements of the people of the United States and
other nations...and thus to assist in the development of friendly, sympathetic and
peaceful relations between the United States and the other countries of the world."
The funding authority for the program above is provided through legislation.
2. Purpose.
The YALI Fellowship is the flagship program of the broader Young African Leaders
Initiative (YALI), which also includes the online YALI Network platform. The objective
of the Fellowship is to promote a better understanding of American society, history,
and culture and engagement with American innovators, educators, and institutions
for emerging African thought leaders. The Fellowship also builds and maintains a
prestigious network of influential professionals in critical sectors in Sub-Saharan
Africa. Through structured networking with Americans, Fellows develop a lasting
connection to America and affinity for the American people. The Fellowship directly
supports U.S. foreign policy goals for Sub-Saharan Africa, including strengthening
U.S.-Africa relations in trade, education, and diplomacy. The Fellowship provides
accomplished African innovators and professionals with six-weeks of rigorous
academic and practical coursework at U.S. colleges and universities, an opportunity
for approximately 50 Fellows to engage in the PDEs, and follow-on alumni
programming. The Reciprocal Exchange component provides opportunities for U.S.
citizens to travel to Sub-Saharan Africa for project-based engagement.
3. Program Specific Guidelines.

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Overview of the Institutes
The institutes should constitute a comprehensive, executive-style, six-week program
that provides program content through a lens informed by American expertise and
innovation that clearly demonstrates the United States’ position as the premier
global partner. Institutes should take place at accredited U.S. colleges or
universities. U.S. public and private non-profit organizations meeting the provisions
of a 501(c)3 are eligible to apply as a sub-award recipient; however, the institutes
should take place on a U.S. college or university campus. Proposals should include a
tentative list of approximately 25 institutions that the applicant would invite to apply
for sub-awards if selected as the award recipient.
The institutes should provide non-credit programs that include practical academic
content, complementary site visits, cultural exchange activities, and networking
opportunities. Each institute should examine U.S. innovation and leadership in one
of three tracks: Business and Trade, Emerging Technologies, or Governance and
Security. Based on these tracks, institutes should provide Fellows with ample
opportunities to build relationships with American experts from a variety of
industries and fields, especially those related to critical minerals, energy, and health.
The recipient will be responsible for providing subaward recipients with guidelines
for program content to ensure a consistent level of quality across all institutes while
maintaining alignment with program goals and objectives. In addition to the
academic coursework, the institutes should include practical hands-on training
related to the given track and facilitated networking opportunities with established
leaders from American businesses and industries. Site visits in the community
should provide Fellows with opportunities to observe and participate in varied
aspects of American society and business as they relate to program themes. The
institutes should also incorporate opportunities for Fellows to discuss how lessons
learned from site visits connect to the academic program. Institutes may also
include community service activities so Fellows can explore the role of non-profit
organizations and volunteering in American society. ECA encourages applicants to
incorporate multi-day off-campus field experiences during the institutes for Fellows
to connect with organizations and individuals connected to institute tracks in
locations distinct from their institute campus and/or to convene with Fellows from
other institutes.
An important objective across all institutes is to develop the Fellows’ U.S.-based
networks, understanding of U.S. markets, and ability to negotiate with American
associates to advance U.S. and African partnerships and investments in support of

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shared prosperity and security. In addition to track-specific curricula, institutes
should deliver a universal curriculum across all three institute tracks to support
these goals and provide a common foundation for all Fellows. The curriculum
should consist of group discussions, trainings, and exercises that focus on topics
that may include consensus building, networking, negotiation, collective problem
solving, effective communication and public speaking, management skills, and any
other related topics.
Applicants should propose implementing a total of approximately 22 institutes, with
at least five institutes in each of the three tracks and should demonstrate capacity to
implement up to 25 institutes. The final number of institutes will depend on the
final number of Fellows supported under the award, as determined in consultation
with ECA.
Institutes should integrate all aspects of the program to increase Fellows’
understanding of American society, innovation, and institutions as relevant to one of
the three tracks. Institutes in all three tracks should explore intersections with
topics critical to U.S. foreign policy priorities in Sub-Saharan Africa.
• Institutes for Business and Trade should provide Fellows with an overview
of the dynamic landscape of American business principles, strategies, and
practices that drive innovation, job creation, and competitiveness in foreign
established and emerging markets. Topics may include investment;
international and regional trade; infrastructure and service delivery;
responsible business conduct; public-private partnerships; bilateral trade
policies; supply chains; emerging technologies and AI use in business; and
financial management, among others. The institutes should encourage
Fellows to formulate innovative and practical plans to expand their
engagement in business and/or entrepreneurship in their communities and
to develop new U.S.-Africa business connections that contribute to shared
economic prosperity. Activities and site visits should include opportunities for
Fellows to engage with leading enterprises and businesses to gain practical
insights into the U.S. business environment and strategic opportunities for
partnering with American industries.
• Institutes for Emerging Technologies should provide Fellows with an
overview of U.S. innovation and leadership in emerging technologies such as
AI and machine learning, biotech, robotics, and advanced computing.
Institutes may explore the scientific development and practical application of

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these technologies as they relate to specific industries such as global public
health, mining, cybersecurity, education, agriculture, and resource
management, among others. The institutes should encourage Fellows to
harness transformative technologies to drive economic growth and resilience
in their communities and develop new U.S.-Africa technological partnerships.
Activities and site visits should include opportunities for Fellows to engage
with American experts and tech innovators to gain practical insights into
forward-thinking applications for emerging technologies and the benefits of
collaborating with U.S.-based companies and investors.
• Institutes for Governance and Security should provide Fellows with an
overview of U.S. policies and practices that advance peace, combat crime, and
address security threats at local, regional, and international levels. Topics
may include cybersecurity; international negotiation and dialogue; societal
advancement; policymaking; good governance; secure borders; conflict
resolution; and health security. The institutes should explore the institutions,
policies, and practices that support fundamental freedoms, accountability,
and security. The institutes should encourage Fellows to pursue policies and
practices that foster safe, secure, and stable environments for investment and
economic growth in their home regions. Activities and site visits should
include opportunities for Fellows to engage with American community
leaders, policymakers, and legal experts to gain practical insights into U.S. civil
society and the benefits of stronger U.S.-Africa partnerships.
Overview of the Professional Development Experience (PDE)
The award recipient will be responsible for arranging four to five-week PDEs in the
United States for approximately 50 of the Fellows. The Fellows selected for the PDEs
will have distinguished records of accomplishment in their organizations,
institutions, and communities and will be well-positioned to serve as key partners
for U.S. engagement in their professional fields. PDEs will take place at relevant U.S.
organizations, companies, or agencies.
The PDEs are intended to provide Fellows with substantive professional experiences
within U.S. companies or organizations to enhance their understanding of U.S.
business, innovation, and leadership and establish professional relationships with
U.S. industry counterparts. For U.S. companies and organizations, the PDEs afford a
unique opportunity to build global networks and expand their work to, or

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throughout, Africa. PDEs should be designed to offer an on-site, engaging
experience for Fellows within relevant agencies and/or organizations.
Each Fellow should have one placement for the full duration of the PDE (rather than
shorter successive placements) to allow the Fellow to get an in-depth understanding
of the PDE placement. No more than one, or in exceptional cases two, Fellows per
PDE cohort may be placed in one organization. In very limited cases, up to three
Fellows may be placed in distinct offices or work units of one large organization.
Proposals must discuss how the award recipient, in collaboration with ECA, will
recruit and select appropriate U.S. organizations for placements. To ensure that
each Fellow has a substantive professional experience, PDEs should involve the
commitment of at least one designated on-site supervisor/mentor within the PDE
organization who understands the goals and objectives of the YALI Fellowship. The
supervisor/mentor will provide the Fellow professional insight in the appropriate
field of expertise.
Please note that the award recipient must secure all placements of PDEs in advance
of the Fellows’ arrival in the United States.
Overview of the Reciprocal Exchange Component
The recipient will be responsible for administering the YALI Fellowship Reciprocal
Exchange component for approximately 80 U.S. citizens to travel to Sub-Saharan
Africa. The Reciprocal Exchange component should provide small grants for
individual or small groups of American professionals from the private, public, and
non-profit sectors to collaborate with Fellowship alumni on projects that tackle
strategic issues, foster lasting partnerships, contribute to market or network
expansion, and increase ties between the United States and countries in Sub-
Saharan Africa.
Each Reciprocal Exchange project should receive up $6,000 per American
participant, and no project should receive more than $24,000 total in funding,
regardless of the number of American participants. ECA anticipates that Reciprocal
Exchanges may occur at any time during the award’s period of performance and
within each individual project’s pre-determined period of performance.
ECA will coordinate with the Bureau of African Affairs and provide guidance to the
recipient on strategic topics and project themes to ensure alignment with U.S.
government priorities.

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The recipient is responsible for managing the application form for both the
American professionals and for Fellowship alumni from all cohorts since the
initiation of the program in 2014 (as project partners). Reciprocal Exchange
participants must be selected through a merit-based competition. ECA will make
final selections for Reciprocal Exchange projects in coordination with the recipient,
regional bureau, and relevant U.S. Embassies and consulates.
Overview of Alumni/Follow-on Activities
Proposals should provide plans for continued follow-on activities to ensure that ECA-
supported programs are not isolated events. Proposed follow-on activities for
alumni (Fellows and Reciprocal Exchange participants) should reflect the goals and
objectives of the program. The proposal should include an outline and timeline of
follow-on alumni programming, information on coordination with existing alumni
efforts, and a description of how proposed activities will foster and maintain long-
term linkages.
Proposals should reserve funds for on-demand alumni activities and event travel
that align with program goals and U.S. foreign policy priorities. ECA welcomes
proposals that include plans for thematic Alumni seminars, workshops, or other
events in the region. Proposals should also include a way to recognize outstanding
alumni who have a strong record of leadership and partnership with the U.S. in
support of YALI and its goals. Applicants may also propose additional follow-on
activities that encourage alumni to leverage their exchange experiences to advance
U.S.-Africa partnerships.
The award recipient is responsible for maintaining an alumni database with updated
records of all Fellowship program alumni since 2014. The FY 2026 award recipient
will be responsible for working with the FY 2024 award recipient to transfer previous
data. Each applicant must confirm that its system for collecting and storing data on
Fellows and alumni is compatible with ECA’s systems. For current and future alumni,
the database must continue to include biographical information on all Fellows; track
media mentions and success stories; and include functionality to easily search for
notable Fellowship alumni by name, Fellowship institute name, cohort year,
professional sector, keywords, and other search criteria. Applicants should
designate approximately one full-time position to oversee alumni activities,
assigning additional staff as needed. The award recipient will report to ECA on the
outcomes and effectiveness of all alumni activities.

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Overview of Recruitment and Selection
Proposals must demonstrate the capacity for the recipient to conduct a recruitment
and selection process for Fellows and Reciprocal Exchange participants. The
recipient will be responsible for developing and executing creative and
comprehensive plans for the recruitment of qualified applicants through a merit-
based competition for all YALI Fellowship opportunities. The recruitment plans
should clearly state the primary purpose and audiences for key messages, making
sure to differentiate between recruitment and general program marketing and
promotion. Successful recruitment plans will provide specific strategies for
attracting well-qualified pools of applicants.
The recipient will be responsible for creating an online application form for a merit-
based competition. The application form and process should align with a
comprehensive plan for selection and placement of Fellows. Plans for recruitment,
selection, and placement should allow for U.S. Department of State involvement.
Selection plans should explore the use and application of Artificial Intelligence (AI)
tools in the applicant screening and review process, as appropriate and reasonable.
The recipient will also be responsible for developing application forms for the
Reciprocal Exchange and other alumni opportunities such that U.S.-based
professionals and Fellowship alumni from all cohorts since 2014 can apply. U.S.
embassies and consulates (posts) throughout Sub-Saharan Africa will play a
significant role in recruitment and selection. ECA anticipates that posts will
interview semi-finalist candidates and submit a slate of potential finalists. Proposals
should include information about how the recipient plans to collaborate with posts
in recruitment and selection efforts. The recipient will be responsible for developing
training materials and opportunities for embassy employees involved in these
efforts. ECA will approve a final list of eligible countries and participant numbers for
selection.
Overview of Outreach
In addition to recruitment plans, the proposal should include an outline to describe
how the recipient will promote the YALI Fellowship to various audiences and media
outlets, including print, online, and broadcast, to reach the widest possible audience
of qualified applicants, potential institute partners, and other relevant audiences.
The proposal must also include a community outreach plan to educate U.S. citizens
on the YALI Fellowship and how it benefits America and Americans, particularly
those who will interact with Fellows during their time in the United States. Outreach
should include print and virtual content.

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Additionally, the proposal should address the recipient’s ability to maintain the YALI
Fellowship website and all its components, including a private Fellowship Portal for
alumni and selected finalists and alternates to access program information and
resources. Content must be current and accurate. ECA may request changes to
website content as needed. On occasion, ECA may request that the recipient assist
in promoting and coordinating opportunities for Fellowship alumni with other
elements of YALI including the YALI Network.
The recipient must notify and consult ECA before responding to any media inquiries
regarding the Fellowship. Publications, program materials, the website, and all
other platforms must be in accordance with U.S. Department of State and ECA
branding guidelines. The recipient must submit the outreach strategy and all
publication materials, including cover designs, to ECA for approval prior to
publication and dissemination.
4. Recipient Responsibilities.
The activities and the roles and responsibilities of the recipient for this program are
outlined in the attached POGI document.
5. Program Performance Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E).
Distinct from grants or cooperative agreement monitoring and participant
monitoring, performance monitoring is designed to assess progress against a
program’s goals and objectives. A performance monitoring framework is vital to
tracking the direction, pace, and magnitude of change that result from ECA
programs.
ECA created the Monitoring Data for ECA (MODE) Framework to measure the
performance of ECA programs. The MODE Framework provides standard
indicators and corresponding survey questions to ensure consistent measures
across all ECA programs. More resources and guidance documents on the MODE
Framework are available online at: https://www.state.gov/eca-monitoring-
evaluation-learning-and-innovation-meli-unit/.
The proposal must include the MODE Framework objectives and indicators listed
below (note that, because not all MODE objectives and indicators are relevant for a
program, the numbering below will not be sequential). In addition to the ECA-
required objectives and indicators, applicants may also select additional MODE
Framework indicators (see the Indicator Book on the MODE Framework website),
or design custom objectives and indicators that are specific to the proposed

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program and this proposal.
• Demographic Questions as outlined in the Indicator Book on page v and
Performance Monitoring Plan (PMP) (See the MODE Resource Guide –
https://app.box.com/s/qjo8icwj46tc8h1i1qtg80zl7ibwgtua – found on our website
https://www.state.gov/eca-monitoring-evaluation-learning-and-innovation-meli-
unit/)
• Objective 1: Advance participant and beneficiary cross-cultural competence and
global perspective
Sub-Objective 1.1: Promote cultural exchanges and enhance understanding
between participants and their host communities
o
 E1.1.01: Percent of participants reporting that their program experience
offered opportunities to engage with other cultures
 E1.1.04: Percent of foreign participants with more favorable opinions of
the United States Government (core indicator)
 E1.1.09: Percent of participants who traveled abroad for the first time
because of their program (core indicator)
 E1.1.10: Percent of foreign participants who traveled to the United States
for the first time during their program (core indicator)
 E1.1.11: Percent of American participants indicating a change in their
understanding of their host country's culture and values
 E1.1.17: Percent of foreign participants with more favorable opinions of
the American people (core indicator)
 E1.1.18: Percent of foreign participants indicating an increase in
understanding of United States culture and values (core indicator)
 E1.1.19: Percent of foreign participants agreeing with statements in
support of democratic values (core indicator)
• Objective 2: Increase the impact that participants and alumni have on their
communities / countries
 E2.0.01: Percent of foreign participants that volunteer in their host
communities
 E2.0.04: Number of hours that foreign participants spend volunteering in
their host communities
Sub-Objective 2.2: Foster participants’ belief that civic engagement benefits
communities/countries
o
 E2.2.01: Percent of participants who have more confidence in their ability
to have an impact in their home country (core indicator)
• Objective 3: Strengthen engagement among participants, alumni, beneficiaries,
and institutions

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 E3.0.02: Percent of foreign participants who report increasing their
network of Americans (core indicator)
 E3.0.04: Percent of foreign participants who report increasing their
network of third country nationals
 E3.0.07: Percent of participants who identify as a Department of State
program participant (core indicator)
• Objective 4: Strengthen personal, professional, and technical abilities and
aptitudes of participants and beneficiaries
 E4.0.01: Percent of participants reporting increases in their job skills as a
result of their program participation
 E4.0.03: Percent of participants reporting an increase in soft skills as a
result of their program participation
Sub-Objective 4.1: Participants engage in language, academic, professional,
and cultural exchange programs
o
 E4.1.01: Total number of participants (core indicator)
 E4.1.02: Total number of program cohorts (core indicator)
 E4.1.04: Number of professional placements
 E4.1.11: Number of American reciprocal exchange participants
• Objective 8: Enhance the quality and effectiveness of ECA programs by
leveraging the Bureau’s resources, policy, and stakeholder relationships
 E8.0.03: Response rate for participant surveys (core indicator)
Performance Monitoring Plans (PMPs)
ECA recommends the use of a PMP to serve as the primary reference document for
performance monitoring for this award. If used, the PMP is an important part of any
proposal, as it outlines how the applicant plans to track progress towards the
proposed program’s goals and objectives through indicators and corresponding
data collection questions. A PMP document that includes all MODE Framework
indicators is a part of this solicitation’s attachments. Specific instructions on how to
modify the PMP to be responsive to this solicitation are included in that document;
there is also a support video available for more information on how to fill out the
PMP: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WBHC1oLNZvI. While ECA recommends
the applicant use the PMP format provided, this is not a requirement. If a PMP is
not included in the proposal, applicants should provide similar information to that
found in the suggested PMP format, in a presentation of your choice. Successful
PMPs (or similar documentation) should include the following:
• Objectives. Programmatic objectives are statements of the condition(s) that
state what the program is designed to achieve. Objectives are therefore bound

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by the resources and timeframe of the program and must be specific,
measurable, attainable, relevant and time-bound (SMART). In addition to those
outlined above, the applicant may propose other program objectives from the
MODE Framework or other applicant-designed program-specific objectives.
• Indicators. Performance indicators are measures used to gauge progress
toward programmatic objectives and sub-objectives. Indicators should be as
specific as possible (following the SMART principles) and include any proposed
disaggregations (meaning, breakdowns of the data by subgroups; the PMP lists
the demographic questions required to obtain the information necessary to
report the disaggregations). Each indicator should also include a target number
to be achieved. A target is a planned level of result to be achieved within an
explicit timeframe.
• If you do not use the PMP format provided, note that any performance
monitoring reference document the applicant submits should include
the information in the column headers (Indicator Name, Definition,
Target, Survey Question, etc.) in the PMP attachment at a minimum.
• In addition to those indicators outlined in above, the applicant may
propose additional custom, program-specific indicators in the PMP (ECA
recommends the proposed PMPs include a minimum of one indicator for
each custom programmatic objective).
• During the period of performance of the award, the ECA program office
may further revise, add, or remove indicators. Therefore, the applicant’s
PMP and data collection instruments should be flexible enough to
incorporate those once established.
Award recipients are responsible for collecting indicator data only on participant
outcomes during the period of performance of the award itself (see the PMP for
guidelines as to when these data collection efforts should occur). ECA will measure
outcomes of ECA participants at one, three, five, and 10 years after the exchange
has ended to capture the long-term outcomes of ECA programming unless
otherwise specified in the NOFO and/or POGI. In this instance, the recipient will be
responsible for coordinating with ECA on any alumni surveys to de-duplicate
questions and minimize potential survey fatigue.
Regardless of the survey platform used, all MODE Framework survey questions
outlined above are required (i.e., should be forced response); please see the
Consent Language in the MODE Framework Indicator Book for more information
on how to convey this to participants/survey respondents.

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Program Performance M&E Narrative
Proposals should include information within the program narrative section(s) that
outlines how the applicant intends to measure the indicators listed above. This will
be separate from the PMP and should include but not be limited to:
• An overview of resources available to the applicant that outline the team
structure and responsibilities surrounding performance monitoring.
• The mechanism(s) through which surveys and other data collection tools (if
applicable) will be administered, including which platform will be used, and when
and how surveys will be advertised to participants – detailing strategies to ensure
adequate survey response rates
(https://app.box.com/s/pn6tavyg7sh064i502fzap49ox63y38a), and to reduce
selection and non-response bias.
• A brief explanation of data analysis and reporting procedures.
• An overview of a proposed learning plan and feedback loops to ensure that the
Grant Officer (GO)/Grant Officer Representative (GOR) are informed on
performance monitoring issues at regular intervals.
Nonmandatory Use of the Qualtrics MODE Survey Builder Data Collection
System
ECA has created a guided tool (the MODE Survey Builder) within the Qualtrics survey
platform for ECA implementing partners to generate surveys to facilitate the
seamless collection and reporting of MODE Framework data. The MODE Survey
Builder offers implementing partners a guided workflow that will generate a ready-
to-send MODE survey, allows the addition of custom survey questions, and offers a
standard report template for a quick overview of survey results that can be
submitted in MyGrants (see section below) to fulfill RPM Reporting Requirements.
Use of the Qualtrics survey platform can be utilized at no cost to implementing
partners. Additional information about the MODE Survey Builder can be found
here: https://app.box.com/s/jjr98hmx6deorxj3lwgaxjrwdfec2r91 and here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jus4fRqOTcM. You can propose use of an
alternate survey tool or use the MODE Survey Builder, but if you are utilizing the
MODE Survey Builder, you must indicate such in your proposal.
MyGrants RPM Reporting Requirements
MyGrants is a database solution that serves as the official system of record for all
U.S. Department of State and ECA awards. The Results Performance Monitoring
(RPM) module within MyGrants is an extension module that enables users to report

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performance monitoring data in the same system where they currently manage
federal assistance actions. As part of ECA’s efforts to streamline data collection and
management, the recipient(s) of this award will be required to input performance
reporting data outlined in this solicitation into the MyGrants RPM. The data stored
in the MyGrants RPM will provide ECA with a bureau-wide, uniform M&E reporting
tool that is already linked with other elements of the awards familiar to existing
awardees.
6. Cost Share.
ECA encourages applicants to provide maximum levels of cost sharing and funding
in support of its programs. When cost sharing is offered, it is understood and
agreed that the applicant must provide the amount of cost sharing as stipulated in
its proposal and later included in an approved agreement. Cost sharing may be in
the form of allowable direct or indirect costs. For accountability, you must maintain
written records to support all costs which are claimed as your contribution, as well
as costs to be paid by the Federal government. Such records are subject to audit.
The basis for determining the value of cash and in-kind contributions must be in
accordance with the Office of Management and Budget’s Guidance 2 CFR Parts 200
and 600, entitled the Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and
Audit Requirements for Federal Awards. In the event you do not provide the
minimum amount of cost sharing as stipulated in the approved budget, ECA's
contribution may be reduced in like proportion.
7. Freedom and Democracy Guidelines.
Public Law 104-319 provides that "in carrying out programs of educational and
cultural exchange in countries whose people do not fully enjoy freedom and
democracy," the Bureau "shall take appropriate steps to provide opportunities for
participation in such programs to human rights and democracy leaders of such
countries." Public Law 106 - 113 requires that the governments of the countries
described above do not have inappropriate influence in the selection process.
Proposals should reflect advancement of these goals in their program contents, to
the full extent deemed feasible.
8. Virtual Exchange Component.
When changing political, health, environmental, or other similar circumstances
require a suspension or halt of in-person activities and where ECA determines that a
virtual alternative is appropriate and viable, award recipients should demonstrate
the ability and capacity to transition from in-person to virtual exchanges.
Organizations should consider how they would implement virtual exchange

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activities given the potential limits to internet access from participants in some
locations and while continuing to advance foreign policy objectives and achieve
lasting benefits for U.S. citizens and international participants.
In addition to planning for virtual exchange activities if in-person programming is
prohibited, ECA welcomes innovative ideas on how organizations can leverage
virtual programming technologies during or in addition to in-person programming.
ECA encourages organizations submitting proposals in response to this solicitation
to suggest one or more virtual exchange components to complement the in-person
exchange. The virtual exchange component(s) could come before, during and/or
after the physical exchange. The objective for the virtual exchange component(s) is
to augment the impact of the in-person exchange described in this solicitation. ECA
encourages organizations to propose virtual exchange ideas that take advantage of
ECA’s existing web and social networking platforms. Virtual exchange components
would be coordinated with and approved by the ECA program office and U.S.
missions abroad on a project-by-project basis.
9. Communications Guidance for ECA Recipients.
All ECA Recipients must adhere to the requirements in ECA’s Communications
Guidance on the creation of program branding and attribution, websites, social
media, and press.
10. Celebration of America’s Semiquincentennial.
ECA is excited to play a key role in making the Semiquincentennial – commonly
known as “Freedom 250” – a truly global celebration. As the period of performance
for this award is scheduled to cover part or all of calendar year (CY) 2026, the
applicant may wish to consider ways the program can celebrate Freedom 250. Any
Freedom 250 focused activities or plans will be subject to ECA approval and
direction, and changes may be requested by ECA. Use of any ECA-provided
Freedom 250 brand elements will be subject to advance ECA approval and require
adherence to Department of State and ECA guidelines for such branding.
11. Substantial Involvement.
In a cooperative agreement, the Department is substantially involved in program
activities above and beyond routine monitoring, as follows:
a. Oversee all communications with U.S. embassies and consulates, the Bureau
of African Affairs, and the Office of Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs
regarding the recruitment and selection of participants and other aspects of
the Fellowship;

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b. Work with award recipient on a plan for notifying Congressional
representatives of the participation of Fellows and Reciprocal Exchange
Participants in and from their districts/states and send notification letters;
c. Collaborate on and approve recruitment and outreach plans, including
corresponding materials;
d. Approve participant eligibility requirements and selection criteria;
e. Approve the final selection of Fellows and Fellow placement as well as the
PDE and Reciprocal Exchange participants and locations; the Department of
State will be involved in the selection process and will approve final selection
of all Fellows;
f. Review and provide input on PDE placement sites and plans; and
g. Assist with participant emergencies when necessary, including but not
limited to, serious health issues and crises, evacuations, and repatriation of
remains.
D. Application Contents and Format
Please read the complete announcement before sending inquiries or submitting
proposals.
Applicants must follow all instructions in the Solicitation Package, including the
Proposal Submission Instruction (PSI) document, which contains guidelines for
proposal preparation.
1. Budget Format.
Applicants must submit a budget (SF-424A), detailed line-item budget, and a budget
narrative. Applicants may provide separate sub-budgets for each program
component, phase, location, or activity to provide clarification.
2. Content of Application.
Please see the Proposal Submission Instructions (PSI) for information about the
application and formatting guidelines.
E. Submission Requirements and Deadlines
1. Address to Request Application Package.
The entire Solicitation Package may be downloaded from the Grants.gov website at
https://www.grants.gov or from the ECA website at https://www.state.gov/eca-grant-
opportunities/.

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2. Department of State Contacts.
For questions about this announcement, contact: Natalie Spencer, U.S. Department
of State, Office of Academic Exchange Programs, ECA/A/E/USS, 202-632-9445,
SpencerNR@state.gov.
All correspondence with ECA concerning this solicitation should reference the title
and funding opportunity number listed at the top of this solicitation. Please read
the complete announcement before sending inquiries or submitting proposals.
Once the deadline has passed, ECA staff may not discuss this competition with
applicants until the proposal review process has been completed.
The terms and conditions published in this solicitation are binding and may not be
modified by any ECA representative. Explanatory information provided by ECA that
contradicts published language will not be binding.
3. Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and System for Award Management
(SAM.gov).
Required Registrations
All organizations, whether based in the United States or in another country, must
have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and an active registration in SAM.gov. A UEI is
one of the data elements mandated by Public Law 109-282, the Federal Funding
Accountability and Transparency Act (FFATA), for all Federal awards. An applicant
must maintain an active registration while it has a proposal under review by the
Department and must continue to keep the registration active for the entire
duration of the period of performance of any Federal award that results from this
NOFO.
The 2 CFR 200 requires subrecipients to obtain a UEI. Please note the UEI for
subrecipients is not required at the time of application but will be required before
an award is processed and/or directed to a subrecipient.
Note: The process of obtaining or renewing a SAM.gov registration may take
anywhere from 4-8 weeks. Please begin your registration as early as possible.
Organizations based in the United States or that pay employees within the United
States will need an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the Internal Revenue
Service (IRS) and a UEI prior to registering in SAM.gov.

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All federal award recipients must maintain a current registration in the SAM
database. Recipients must maintain accurate and up-to-date information in
www.SAM.gov until all program and financial activity and reporting is completed on
any issued award. Recipients must review and update the information at least
annually after the initial registration and more frequently if required information
changes or another award is granted. There is no cost associated with registering or
updating SAM.gov accounts.
For more detailed instructions for registering with SAM, refer to:
https://sam.gov/content/entity-registration
Exemptions
An exemption from the UEI and sam.gov registration requirements may be
permitted on a case-by-case basis. See 2 CFR 25.110 for a full list of exemptions.
Organizations requesting exemption from UEI or SAM.gov requirements must email
the point of contact listed in the NOFO at least two weeks prior to the deadline in
the NOFO providing a justification of their request. Approval for a SAM.gov
exemption must come from the warranted Grants Officer before the application can
be deemed eligible for review.
4. Required Registration with MyGrants.
All ECA award recipient organizations and recipient contacts and signatories must be
registered with the U.S. Department of State’s MyGrants system by accessing
https://mygrants.servicenowservices.com and clicking the “create an account” link.
MyGrants is the U.S. Department of State’s grants management system and is
supported by the Department’s Integrated Logistics Management System (ILMS).
Recipient organizations and recipient contacts and signatories that have previously
used MyGrants as a U.S. Department of State award recipient do not need to
register again. If the organization is not able to access the system, please contact
the ILMS Help Desk for help in gaining access.
Support for Recipient Organizations and recipient contacts and signatories is
available 24 hours, 7 days a week (except federal holidays), and can be reached at 1-
888-313-ILMS (4567) or through the ILMS Self Service Portal at
https://afsitsm.servicenowservices.com/ilms/.
5. Submission Instructions.

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Method of Submission
Applications may only be submitted electronically through Grants.gov
(https://www.grants.gov). Complete solicitation packages are available at Grants.gov
in the “Search Grants” portion of the system.
Grants.gov Registration, Application Submission, and Receipt Procedures
Eligible organizations should follow the instructions available in the ‘Get Started’
portion of the site (https://www.grants.gov/applicants/grant-applications/how-to-
apply-for-grants.
How to Register to Apply through Grants.gov
Applicants should read instructions carefully and prepare the information requested
before beginning the registration process. Reviewing and assembling the required
information before beginning the registration process will alleviate last-minute
searches for required information.
The registration process can take up to four weeks to complete. Therefore,
registration should be done in sufficient time to ensure it does not impact your
ability to meet required application submission deadlines. Applicants should check
with appropriate staff within their organizations immediately after reviewing this
NOFO to confirm or determine their registration status with Grants.gov.
Organization applicants can find complete instructions here:
https://www.grants.gov/applicants/applicant-registration
How to Submit an Application to ECA via Grants.gov
For access to complete instruction on how to apply for Notice of Funding
Opportunities on Grants.gov, refer to: https://www.grants.gov/applicants/grant-
applications/how-to-apply-for-grants
Grants.gov Support and Submission Issues
Direct all questions regarding Grants.gov registration and submission issues to:
Grants.gov Customer Support
Contact Center Phone: 800 -518-4726
Business Hours: 24 hours a day, 7 days a week; closed on federal holidays.
Email: support@grants.gov

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6. Submission Dates and Times.
Application Deadline Date
May 26, 2026, 11:59pm Eastern (Washington, DC time).
Applicants have until 11:59 p.m., Washington, DC time of the closing date to ensure
that their entire application has been uploaded to the Grants.gov site. There are no
exceptions to the above deadline. Applications uploaded to the site after the
application deadline date and time will be automatically rejected by the Grants.gov
system and will be found technically ineligible.
Therefore, we strongly recommend that you begin the submission process
through Grants.gov well in advance of the application deadline.
Proof of timely submission is automatically recorded by Grants.gov. An electronic
date/time stamp is generated within the system when the application is successfully
received by Grants.gov. The applicant Grants.gov Authorized Organization
Representative (AOR) will receive an acknowledgement of receipt and a tracking
number (GRANTXXXXXXXX) from Grants.gov with the successful transmission of their
application. Applicant AORs will also receive the official date/time stamp and
Grants.gov Tracking number in an email serving as proof of their timely submission.
When ECA successfully retrieves the application from Grants.gov, Grants.gov will
provide an electronic acknowledgement of receipt of the application to the email
address of the applicant with the AOR role. Again, proof of timely submission shall
be the official date and time that Grants.gov receives your application. Please also
be mindful of any Grants.gov generated error messages that may appear during the
application process as they may result in some documents not transmitting
correctly.
Applicants using slow internet should be aware that transmission can take some
time before Grants.gov receives your application. Grants.gov will provide either an
error or a successfully received transmission in the form of an email sent to the
applicant with the AOR role. The Grants.gov Support Center reports that some
applicants end the transmission because they think that nothing is occurring during
the transmission process. Please be patient and give the system time to process the
application.

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The Grants.gov website includes extensive information on all phases/aspects of the
Grants.gov process, including an extensive section on frequently asked questions,
located under the “Applicant FAQs” section of the website. ECA strongly
recommends that all potential applicants review thoroughly the Grants.gov website,
well in advance of submitting a proposal through the Grants.gov system. ECA will
not notify you upon receipt of electronic applications.
PLEASE NOTE: ECA bears no responsibility for applicant timeliness of submission or
data errors resulting from transmission or conversion processes for proposals
submitted via Grants.gov. Prior to submitting applications through Grants.gov,
please ensure you meet all Grants.gov system and software requirements, including
Adobe software compatibility. You can verify if your version of the Adobe software
is compatible with Grants.gov, by visiting https://grants.gov/applicants/adobe-
software-compatibility
It is the responsibility of all applicants submitting proposals via the Grants.gov
web portal (https://www.grants.gov) to ensure that proposals have been
received by Grants.gov in their entirety, and ECA bears no responsibility for
data errors resulting from transmission or conversion processes.
7. Funding Restrictions for this Announcement.
a. Funding Restrictions for the United Nations Relief and Works
Agency (UNRWA)
None of the funds awarded resulting from this Notice of Funding
Opportunity may be made available for subawards, direct financial support,
or otherwise used to provide any payment or transfer to United Nations
Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA).
b. Certification Regarding Compliance with applicable Federal anti-
discrimination laws
If the place of performance or delivery of any award made under this NOFO
will be within the United States, applicants are advised that they will be
required to certify the following at the time of award:
h. Its compliance in all respects with all applicable Federal anti-
discrimination laws is material to the government’s payment decisions for
purposes of section 3729(b)(4) of title 31, United States Code and;

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ii. It does not operate any programs promoting Diversity, Equity, and
Inclusion that violate any applicable Federal anti-discrimination laws. A
program promoting Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion means a program
whose purpose is to promote preferences based on race, color religion,
sex, or national origins, such as in training or hiring.
c. Certification Regarding Compliance with 20 U.S.C. 1011f
and Any Other Applicable Foreign Funding Disclosure Requirement
for Institutions of Higher Education (IHE).
Applicants are advised that IHEs must certify the following at the time of
award, and that this certification requirement must be included in any
subaward agreements to IHEs:
• Its compliance in all respects with section 1011f of title 20, United
States Code, and any other applicable foreign funding disclosure
requirements is material for purposes of section 3729 of title 31,
United States Code, and for receipt of appropriate Federal grant
funds.
d. Certification of Trafficking in Persons Compliance and
Compliance Plan
Applicants are advised that they will be required to certify the following at the
time of award for awards where the estimated value of services to be
performed outside the United States exceeds $500,000:
• To the best of the recipient’s knowledge, neither the recipient, nor any
subrecipient, contractor, or subcontractor of the recipient or any agent
of the recipient or of such a subrecipient, contractor, or subcontractor,
is engaged in any of the activities described in 2 CFR 175(a);
• The recipient has implemented a Trafficking in Persons compliance
plan to prevent activities described in 2 CFR 175(a) and is compliant
with it; and compliance plan must be consistent with the requirements
of 2 CFR 175(b)(4) and (5).
• That the recipient has procedures to prevent activities described in 2
CFR 175(a) and to monitor, detect, and terminate any subrecipient,
contractor, subcontractor, or employee of the recipient engaging in
them.

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Recipients do not need to submit a copy of the plan. However, they must
provide it to the Grants Officer upon request, and as appropriate, must post
the useful and relevant contents of the plan or related materials on their
website and at the workplace. Recipients must re-certify on an annual basis
for the entire award period of performance.
e. Prohibition on Unmanned Aircraft Systems Manufactured or
Assembled by American Security Drone Act-Covered Foreign
Entities
(a) Definitions.
American Security Drone Act-covered foreign entity means an entity included on
a list developed and maintained by the Federal Acquisition Security Council
(FASC) and published in the System for Award Management (SAM)
at https://www.sam.gov
FASC-prohibited unmanned aircraft system means
an unmanned aircraft system manufactured or assembled by an American
Security Drone Act-covered foreign entity.
Unmanned aircraft means an aircraft that is operated without the possibility of
direct human intervention from within or on the aircraft.
Unmanned aircraft system means an unmanned aircraft and associated
elements (including communication links and the components that control
the unmanned aircraft) that are required for the operator to operate safely
and efficiently in the national airspace system.
(b) Prohibition.
Recipients of funding under this Notice of Funding Opportunity (including
subawards and subcontracts issued by the recipient) will be prohibited from:
1. Delivering any FASC-prohibited unmanned aircraft system, which
includes unmanned aircraft (i.e., drones) and associated elements;
2. Operating a FASC-prohibited unmanned aircraft system in the
performance of the award; and
3. Using Federal funds for the purchase or operation of a FASC-
prohibited unmanned aircraft system.

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(c) Exemptions, exceptions, and waivers.
The prohibitions described above will not apply if the agency determines that
an exemption, exception, or waiver applies and the award indicates that such
a determination has been made. [See sections 1823 through 1825 and 1832
of Public Law 118-31 ( 41 U.S.C. 3901 note prec.) for statutory
requirements pertaining to exemptions, exceptions, and waivers.]
8. Other Submission Requirements.
a. Applications must be submitted electronically through Grants.gov.
b. All proposals must contain a SF-424, executive summary, proposal narrative,
budget (SF 424A), detailed line-item budget, and budget narrative.
c. Key Personnel
ECA recommends that the applicant identify intended key personnel positions
via an asterisk (*) or other marking in the proposal budget, budget narrative,
or a separate appendix. If not provided in the application, recipients must
submit the names, titles, roles and experience/qualifications of key personnel
involved in the program to the Grants Officer and GOR within 30 days of an
award being issued. Applicants should also identify what proportion of their
time will be used in support of the program. Additional information regarding
key personnel requirements can be found in the State Department’s Standard
Terms and Conditions.
d. Intergovernmental Review of Applications
Executive Order 12372 does not apply to this program.
F. Application Review Information
1. Review Process.
ECA will check that all proposals meet the technical requirements in this solicitation.
Proposals that do not meet the guidelines, including those under the eligibility
section above or in the PSI, will be ineligible for further review.
All eligible proposals will be reviewed by the program office before being reviewed
by an ECA grant panel. Applications may also be reviewed by Public Diplomacy
sections overseas, State Department regional bureaus, or other State Department
offices, as appropriate. All reviewers, including the ECA grant panels, will review any
eligible proposals based on the criteria below.

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Proposals recommended by an ECA grant panel will be reviewed for compliance
with Federal and Bureau regulations and guidelines, and assessed for risk. Final
funding decisions are made by the ECA’s Assistant Secretary. Only an ECA Grant
Officer has the final authority to issue assistance awards.
2. Review Criteria.
An ECA grants panel will competitively evaluate all technically eligible applications
according to the criteria stated below. These criteria are not rank ordered, and all
carry equal weight in the proposal review.
a. Quality of the program idea and planning: Proposals should exhibit
originality and clearly demonstrate how the applicant will meet the objectives
laid out in this solicitation. Competitive proposals will be comprehensive and
feasible, presenting a coherent program that clearly promotes ECA’s mission.
b. Institution's record/ability: Proposals should demonstrate the institution’s
record of successful exchange programs and responsible fiscal management.
ECA will consider the past performance of prior ECA recipients, including the
timely submission of reports, and the demonstrated potential of new
applicants. Proposed personnel and institutional resources should be fully
qualified to achieve the project’s goals.
c. Follow-on activities and multiplier effect: Proposals should provide a plan
for continued follow-on activity after the ECA supported program ends,
ensuring that programs are not isolated events. Follow-on activities should
strengthen long-term partnerships and individual linkages.
d. Performance Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E): Proposals should have a
fully developed M&E plan that includes goals, objectives, and indicators. The
plan should be feasible and aligned with the M&E section of this solicitation.
Proposals should include a realistic learning plan that outlines how your
organization plans to review, understand, and incorporate M&E data into
programmatic decisions and practices. All submitted M&E plans will be
reviewed to ensure the applicant has provided at least the required
information outlined in the M&E section of this solicitation and demonstrated
the applicant’s capacity to carry out the M&E plan.
e. Cost-effectiveness and cost share: Proposals should keep the overhead
components of the proposal, including salaries and honoraria, as low as
possible. All costs should be necessary and appropriate. Proposals should
maximize cost share through other private sector support and direct
institutional funding contributions.

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3. Indirect Costs.
If two or more applications receive equivalent scores based on the evaluation
criteria outlined in this NOFO, preference will be given to the applicant with the
lower indirect cost rate, as consistent with Executive Order 14332, Section 4(b)(iii).
This preference will only be applied as a tie-breaking mechanism and does not
supersede the primary evaluation criteria.
4. Risk Review.
Under the merit review as required by 2 CFR 200.206, prior to making a Federal
Award, the Department will review and consider the following risk factors:
a. Financial stability
b. Management systems and standards
c. History of performance
d. Audit reports and findings
e. Ability to effectively implement requirements
5. Responsibility/Qualification Information in SAM.gov.
The Federal awarding agency, prior to making a Federal award with a total amount
of Federal share greater than the simplified acquisition threshold, is required to
review and consider any information about the applicant that is in the U.S.
government designated integrity and performance system accessible through
SAM.gov (see 41 U.S.C. 2313) (see 41 U.S.C. 2313);
An applicant can review and comment on any information in the
responsibility/qualification records available in SAM.gov.
Before making decisions in the risk review required by 2 CFR 200.206, the
Department will consider any comments by the applicant, along with information
available in the responsibility/qualification records in SAM.gov.
G. Award Notices
Final awards cannot be made until funds have been appropriated by Congress,
allocated and committed through internal ECA procedures. Successful applicants
will receive a Federal Assistance Award (FAA) from an authorized Grants Officer in
ECA’s Grants Division. The FAA and the original proposal with subsequent
modifications (if applicable) shall be the only binding authorizing document between
the recipient and the U.S. Government. The FAA will be signed by a Grants Officer

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and transmitted to the recipient’s responsible officer (as identified in the application)
for review and countersignature. The recipient may only start incurring project
expenses beginning on the start date shown on the fully signed award document.
Issuance of this NOFO does not constitute an award commitment on the part of the
U.S. government, nor does it commit the U.S. government to pay for costs incurred
in the preparation and submission of proposals. Further, the U.S. government
reserves the right to reject any or all proposals received. If a proposal is selected for
funding, the Department of State has no obligation to provide any additional future
funding.
Unsuccessful applicants:
Unsuccessful applicants will receive notification of the results of the application
review from the ECA program office coordinating this competition following the
completion of the review process.
Payment Method:
Payments under this award will be made through the U.S. Department of Health and
Human Services (HHS) Payment Management System (PMS).
H. Post-Award Requirements and Administration
1. Administrative and National Policy Requirements.
Before submitting an application, applicants should review all the terms and
conditions and required certifications which will apply to this award, to ensure that
they will be able to comply.
The Department of State will review and consider proposals for funding pursuant to
this NOFO in accordance with OMB guidance located at 2 CFR part 200, all applicable
Federal laws, and relevant Executive guidance, including the following:
• Guidance for Grants and Agreements in Title 2 of the Code of Federal
Regulations (2 CFR), as updated in the Federal Register’s 89 FR 30046 on April
22, 2024, particularly on:
Selecting recipients most likely to be successful in delivering results based
o
on the program objectives through an impartial process of evaluating
Federal award applications (2 CFR part 200.205),
Promoting the freedom of speech and religious liberty in alignment with
o
Promoting Free Speech and Religious Liberty (E.O. 13798) and Improving Free

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Inquiry, Transparency, and Accountability at Colleges and Universities (E.O.
13864) (§§ 200.300, 200.303, 200.339, and 200.341),
Providing a preference, to the extent permitted by law, to maximize use of
o
goods, products, and materials produced in the United States (2 CFR part
200.322), and
Terminating agreements pursuant to the U.S. Department of State
o
Standard Terms and Conditions, including, to the greatest extent
authorized by law, if an award no longer effectuates the program goals or
agency priorities (2 CFR part 200.340).
• 2 CFR 25 - UNIVERSAL IDENTIFIER AND SYSTEM FOR AWARD MANAGEMENT
• 2 CFR 170 - REPORTING SUBAWARD AND EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
INFORMATION
• 2 CFR 175 - AWARD TERM FOR TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS
• 2 CFR 182 - GOVERNMENTWIDE REQUIREMENTS FOR DRUG-FREE WORKPLACE
(FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE)
• 2 CFR 183 - NEVER CONTRACT WITH THE ENEMY
• 2 CFR 600 – DEPARTMENT OF STATE REQUIREMENTS
• U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE STANDARD TERMS AND CONDITIONS
• Recipients must comply with all applicable Executive Orders A searchable list
can be found in the Federal Register: https://www.federalregister.gov/
2. Reporting.
Recipients will be required to submit financial reports and program reports. The
FAA will specify how often these reports must be submitted. All reports must be
submitted in a timely manner. For planning purposes, applicants can expect to
provide ECA with an electronic copy of the following required reports:
a. Performance Progress Reports (PPRs) shall be required at a minimum
annually and no more frequently than quarterly. Annual reports shall be due
90 days after the reporting period; quarterly or semi-annual reports shall be
due 30 days after the reporting period. All reports and supporting
documentation must be uploaded by the recipient as a Post Award Activity
under the corresponding record for this award in MyGrants.

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b. The Federal Financial Reports (FFR SF-425/SF-425a) must be submitted
through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Payment
Management System (PMS). The electronic version of the FFR can be
accessed at: https://www.grants.gov/forms/forms-repository/post-award-
reporting-forms. Once a financial report has been approved by the
Department, the recipient must upload the approved report to MyGrants, in
the same manner specified for the programmatic reports. Failure to comply
with these reporting requirements may jeopardize the recipient's eligibility
for future awards.
c. MODE data (see Program Performance Monitoring and Evaluation section)
shall be required at a minimum annually and no more frequently than
quarterly. MODE data reporting shall be due 30 days after the reporting
period. The frequency of these reports will be determined by ECA/P/MELI
and the Program Officer. Either a standard report template (if using the
MODE Survey Builder) or aggregate data and the raw data file (if Recipient
uses their own survey platform) must be uploaded by the Recipient as an
RPM Performance Report under the corresponding record for this award in
MyGrants.
d. A final program and financial report no more than 120 days after the period
of performance of the award ends or termination of the award.
e. Program Data Requirements: Award recipients will be required to maintain
specific data on program participants and activities in an electronically
accessible database format that can be shared with ECA as required. At a
minimum, the data must include the following:
• Name, address, contact information and biographic sketch of all persons
who travel internationally on funds provided by the agreement or who
benefit from the award funding but do not travel.
• Itineraries of international and domestic travel, providing dates of travel
and cities in which any exchange experiences take place. Final schedules
for in-country and U.S. activities must be received by the ECA Program
Officer at least three workdays prior to the official opening of the activity.
3. Branding and Marking

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The Department of State, its programs, and U.S. Government funding
and assistance should be easily identifiable to the Department's global audiences.
Recipients of federal assistance awards must follow the branding guidance
published at Guidance for Contracts and Grants - U.S. Department of State Brand
System. Branding policy exceptions are outlined in the U.S. Department of State
Foreign Affairs Manual 10 FAM 416, Policy Exceptions.
For more information, visit: https://brand.america.gov/
I. Other Information
Adherence To All Regulations Governing the J Visa
ECA places critically important emphasis on the security and proper administration
of the Exchange Visitor (J visa) Programs and adherence by award recipients and
sponsors to all regulations governing the J visa. Therefore, proposals should
demonstrate the applicant's capacity to meet all requirements governing the
administration of the Exchange Visitor Programs as set forth in 22 CFR 62, including
the oversight of Responsible Officers and Alternate Responsible Officers, screening
and selection of program participants, provision of pre-arrival information and
orientation to participants, monitoring of participants, proper maintenance and
security of forms, record-keeping, reporting and other requirements.
The award recipient will be responsible for issuing DS-2019 forms to participants in
this program.
A copy of the complete regulations governing the administration of Exchange Visitor
(J) programs is available at http://j1visa.state.gov or from:
Office of Private Sector Exchange Designation
U.S. Department of State
SA-5, Floor C2, Room C2L13
2200 C Street, NW
Washington, DC 20522

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FY 2026 Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders (YALI Fellowship) POGI

1
PROJECT OBJECTIVES, GOALS, AND
IMPLEMENTATION (POGI)
FY 2026 Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African
Leaders (YALI Fellowship)
Funding Opportunity Number: DFOP0017991
Office of Academic Exchange Programs,
Study of the U.S. Branch
The POGI guidelines apply specifically to the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO)
issued by the Study of the U.S. Branch located in the Office of Academic Exchange
Programs for the FY 2026 Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African
Leaders (YALI Fellowship). Proposals must conform to the solicitation, the
guidelines in this document, and the standard Proposal Submission Instructions
(PSI). Any application not adhering to these conditions may be deemed technically
ineligible.
These guidelines are in addition to the requirements outlined in the solicitation
and PSI. In the event of a discrepancy between documents, the solicitation takes
precedence.
I. STATEMENT OF WORK
Recipient Responsibilities:
The recipient organization will be responsible for the following:
General Program Management
1. Upon award, work directly with the FY 2024 Mandela Washington Fellowship
for Young African Leaders award recipient to facilitate the transfer of
relevant program data, tools, systems, and/or platforms developed under
the previous award. The recipient must submit a transition plan within 20

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2
days of award that outlines the approach, timeline, and milestones for this
knowledge transfer;
2. Coordinate and administer all components and aspects of the YALI
Fellowship including institutes, Professional Development Experiences
(PDEs), Reciprocal Exchange (RE) component, and follow-on alumni activities;
3. Arrange and purchase all program travel in compliance with the Fly America
Act, when possible, including: international roundtrip travel for all Fellows
to/from their institute in the United States from/to their homes, domestic
travel to PDE sites, RE component travel, and any other alumni/follow-on
activity event travel;
4. Develop content and alumni stories for public-facing YALI and/or ECA
websites and social media accounts;
5. Develop and implement an outreach plan and materials including
brochures, one pagers and/or fact sheets, announcements, and other
materials to communicate program information and demonstrate the
significance of the YALI Fellowship;
6. Create print and electronic materials, including PowerPoint presentations,
for U.S. Department of State staff and others to use at U.S. embassies for
pre-departure orientations and other occasions;
7. Manage and coordinate support for program participants and all Fellowship
components, including the provision of reasonable accommodations;
8. Promptly inform ECA of any serious incidents or issues involving participants
(both Fellows and Reciprocal Exchange participants) that may affect their
participation in the program (including, but not limited to, medical
emergencies and medical evacuations; natural disasters; arrests; or other
serious legal issues or misconduct accusations). Consult with ECA on the
response to any serious incidents and on crisis management decision-
making and operations, including responding to media queries. Provide
timely progress reports on any necessary follow-up action;
9. Develop mandatory pre-departure online modules for all Fellows to
complete prior to their participation in the institutes;
10. Submit all print and online materials provided to or created for
dissemination to applicants, participants, program partners, and U.S.
government agencies, including U.S. embassies and consulates, and other
entities to ECA for review before distribution;
11. Consult with ECA on a plan for notifying members of Congress of the
participation of Fellows and RE participants in and from their districts/states

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and send notification letters;
12. Clear communications with U.S. government agencies or entities involving
the YALI Fellowship with ECA;
13. Conduct performance monitoring that links outcomes of the program to
stated program goals and objectives to ensure that all institutes meet
comparable high levels of quality in fulfilling program goals. The recipient
should complete this through post-program surveys, among other
instruments as needed or requested;
14. Develop and propose cost-effective and innovative ideas for alumni follow-
on activities and creative and effective ways to engage participants after
their exchange;
15. Manage all ECA funds for the Fellowship components, including submitting
required reports to ECA by the established deadlines;
16. Coordinate an annual planning and debrief meeting with key personnel staff
working on the Fellowship from both the recipient organization and ECA;
17. Provide a detailed staffing plan that includes the names, titles, and portfolio
assignments of all staff who will work on the YALI Fellowship. The recipient
must submit any changes to program staffing structures and/or key
personnel (to include program officers and higher) to ECA for approval;
18. Prepare and print certificates for Fellows who successfully complete the
program;
19. Assume overall responsibility for complying with all applicable tax treaties
and federal, state, and local laws on tax withholding and reporting for
participants; and
20. Develop health and safety protocols to protect the welfare of all
participants; protocols should include plans to address participant safety in
relation to any potential global, national, or local health crisis or emergency.
Collection and Maintenance of Program and Participant Data
1. Maintain and regularly update a database of participants and ensure the
protection of personally identifiable information (PII). The recipient will
consult with ECA and the FY 2024 award recipient to assemble and maintain
the database;
2. Maintain accurate and up-to-date records on all Congressional interactions
related to the YALI Fellowship;
3. Submit written weekly updates to ECA during the institutes and PDEs, as
well as required annual and final program reports by the established

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4
deadlines and other ad hoc reporting as appropriate;
4. Enroll all participants in the ECA-sponsored Accident and Sickness Program
for Exchanges (ASPE), for the duration of the program and issue an ASPE
identification card for each participant; and
5. Create and issue DS-2019 forms for the Fellows’ J-1 visas.
Recruitment and Selection
1. Develop and implement recruitment and selection procedures in close
coordination with ECA to administer a competitive application process for
Fellows and work closely with ECA to develop merit-based selection criteria;
2. Develop and implement a recruitment plan and corresponding promotional
materials, including, but not limited to, print materials (flyers, fact sheets,
one pagers, brochures); prerecorded content (radio advertisements,
podcasts, videos, etc.); and online content (website information, social
media campaigns) for dissemination to U.S. embassies and consulates to
support and enhance their recruitment of Fellows;
3. Manage the selection processes for Fellows, institute partners (sub-
awardees), PDEs, RE participants, and other alumni opportunities in
coordination with ECA;
4. Develop and maintain an online application and applicant database system;
5. In close consultation with ECA, develop and coordinate informational
materials and training opportunities targeted for employees of U.S.
embassies and consulates involved in the recruitment and selection
process; and
6. Provide regular updates to ECA on recruitment and selection outcomes
throughout the application and selection periods.
Design, Management, and Monitoring of Institutes
1. Design, implement, and oversee approximately 22 six-week institutes at
accredited U.S. colleges and universities throughout the United States. Each
institute will accommodate approximately 25 Fellows;
2. Identify and propose qualified U.S. educational institutions to conduct
institutes through an invitational competition, and issue guidance on the
development of program content and other activities to ensure consistency
and quality across all institutes;
3. Provide and monitor subawards to the selected partners to conduct the
institutes;

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5
4. Organize and implement a virtual or in-person meeting after selection of
subaward partners, and periodic virtual webinars prior to the start of the
institutes for subaward partners;
5. Manage Fellow placement at institutes in cohorts by track;
6. Support and monitor the institutes through regular communication with the
subaward partners and through site visits;
7. Develop a robust unifying curriculum to implement across all institutes
during the academic program focused around a specific methodology,
practical skill, or other theme that can be standardized and incorporated
into each institute’s curriculum. The standardized curriculum may include
an assessment tool or inventory for Fellows to support active learning;
8. Coordinate, in conjunction with subaward partners, logistical and
administrative arrangements for Fellows such as pre-departure information,
U.S. airport pick-up and drop-off, institute arrival orientation, lodging and
meals, domestic travel and airline baggage allowances, and the
disbursement of program funds including travel allowances, in consultation
with ECA; and
9. Coordinate, in conjunction with subaward partners, logistics related to
necessary medical treatment, emergencies, or management of any special
circumstances including reasonable accommodations.
Design, Management, and Monitoring of Professional Development
Experiences (PDEs)
1. Design and oversee four to five-week follow-on PDEs for approximately 50
Fellows selected in advance from among the approximately 550 YALI Fellows;
2. Manage Fellow placement at PDE sites;
3. Coordinate logistical and administrative arrangements for PDE Fellows such
as orientation, lodging, domestic travel to placement sites, and the
disbursement of program funds including meal allowances, in consultation
with ECA; and
4. Coordinate logistics related to necessary medical treatment, emergencies, or
management of any special circumstances including reasonable
accommodations.
Design, Management, and Monitoring of the Reciprocal Exchange Component
1. Coordinate and support a Reciprocal Exchange component for
approximately 80 U.S. professionals to travel to Sub-Saharan Africa, allowing

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6
for limited virtual participation where in-person implementation is not
possible due to security risks or other considerations as approved by ECA;
2. Develop a merit-based recruitment and selection process to identify project
proposals that address strategic issues, foster lasting partnerships,
contribute to market or network expansion, and increase ties between the
United States and countries in Sub-Saharan Africa; and
3. Prepare and distribute certificates of completion (or an equivalent) for
American participants who successfully complete their projects.
II. PROGRAM SPECIFIC GUIDELINES
A. Program Overview
The Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) of the U.S. Department of
State invites proposal submissions for the design and implementation of the YALI
Fellowship for approximately 550 accomplished young innovators and
professionals from Sub-Saharan Africa.
The main components of the FY 2026 Fellowship will take place in summer 2027 to
include rigorous six-week academic institutes conducted by approximately 22 U.S.
institutions of higher education on their campuses, follow-on PDEs for
approximately 50 Fellows, a Reciprocal Exchange component for approximately 80
U.S. professionals, and follow-on alumni activities. ECA encourages proposals that
incorporate multi-day off-campus field experiences for Fellows to connect with
organizations and individuals connected to institute tracks in locations distinct from
their institute campus and/or to convene with Fellows from other institutes.
Please refer to the NOFO for Fellowship overview. Proposals should describe in
detail the capacity of the applicant to fulfill all requirements of the NOFO and POGI.
Proposals should include a detailed recruitment and selection plan and offer
specific strategies for placement of Fellows at appropriate institutes and at
appropriate organizations for PDEs. Proposals should provide a list of
approximately 25 qualified colleges, universities, and/or non-profit organizations
the applicant, if selected, would invite to submit proposals for subawards to
operate institutes. Proposals should also address the applicant’s regional,
exchange, or other expertise that would contribute to successful administration of
the program. The proposal should explain logistics and reasonable

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accommodations in detail for each Fellowship component.
It is essential that proposals provide a full, detailed, and comprehensive narrative
describing how the award recipient will achieve the objectives of the YALI
Fellowship for all components. The U.S. Department of State will review the
proposal based on its completeness, coherence, clarity, and attention to detail, and
against each of the criteria stipulated in the NOFO.
B. Program Dates
Main activities for the base year of the FY 2026 YALI Fellowship cooperative
agreement will take place in summer 2027. Each institute should be six weeks in
length (approximately 40-45 days, inclusive of travel for field experiences or
convening events, if proposed). All institutes should begin and end on the same
dates. PDEs must be at least four weeks in duration and start immediately
following the institutes. ECA anticipates that Reciprocal Exchanges may occur at
any time during the award’s period of performance and within each individual
project’s pre-determined period of performance.
C. Program Administration
Proposals must include a staffing plan that details how staff will fulfill
responsibilities. Applicants should consider cost-effective strategies to successfully
implement all proposed activities and initiatives while ensuring that staffing levels
and structure are adequate for managing participant health and safety. The full
staffing plan and titles may vary; however, proposals must include a project
director and distinct and separate positions that will oversee the institutes, PDEs,
Reciprocal Exchange component, and follow-on alumni activities; these
components should have at least one designated full-time position.
The award recipient must designate a qualified project director to oversee all
aspects of this program. The proposed project director must demonstrate relevant
past experience that would contribute to their role of coordinating logistical and
administrative arrangements; working with ECA to ensure a fair and transparent
recruitment and selection process; ensuring an appropriate level of consistency
among the different subaward partners; overseeing Reciprocal Exchanges and all
alumni programming; and overseeing the communications plan including the

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website, among other duties. The project director will serve as ECA’s primary point
of contact.
Upon selecting subaward partners, the award recipient must confirm a qualified
academic director employed by each subaward partner institution who will be in-
person for the entire institute to ensure the continuity, coherence, and integration
of all aspects of the six-week program. Each proposed academic director must
demonstrate relevant experience for their role in planning and implementing the
program, overseeing day-to-day management, monitoring Fellows, and reporting to
the award recipient. In addition, the award recipient should confirm a qualified
administrative director or coordinator employed by each subaward partner
institution with demonstrated experience for their role in overseeing all Fellow
support services, including supervision of program participants and budgetary,
logistical, participant health and safety, and other administrative arrangements.
Subaward partners should designate additional staff as appropriate. All staff who
work directly with Fellows must work in person (not remotely) for the duration of
the program except in cases when changing health, environmental, or other similar
circumstances require a suspension or halt of in-person activities.
The award recipient should have the capacity to maintain an alumni database to
electronically manage applicant and participant data for all Fellowship and
Reciprocal Exchange alumni since 2014. The award recipient must protect and
secure all applicant and participant Personally Identifiable Information (PII). All
statistical information that the recipient gathers and compiles on the participants
should be electronically transferable to ECA in a safe and secure manner.
Therefore, proposals must confirm that the intended system for collecting and
storing data on participants protects PII and is compatible with ECA’s systems.
D. YALI Fellows
Each institute will accommodate approximately 25 YALI Fellows. The U.S.
Department of State will determine a final list of eligible countries in Sub-Saharan
Africa.
Fellows will be highly motivated and accomplished young African innovators and
professionals who have demonstrated achievement through academic work,
community involvement, career advancement, and extracurricular activities. They

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will be between the ages of 25 and 35 at the time of application and have a
demonstrated interest in at least one of the Fellowship tracks, in learning more
about the United States, and in developing skills and a professional network in their
field. Recruitment plans should include efforts to reach qualified applicants who
are from rural and urban areas and who have had little or no prior experience in
the United States. All Fellows should have strong English language skills.
The YALI Fellowship is committed to ensuring that all participants are selected
through a merit-based process and can participate fully in the Fellowship. When
necessary, the award recipient will be responsible for working with subaward
partners to provide reasonable accommodations and support to facilitate a full and
engaging experience for all Fellows during the institutes.
E. Recruitment and Outreach
In addition to planning for the recruitment of qualified applicants to the Fellowship,
proposals should include a comprehensive outreach plan to communicate program
information and demonstrate the significance of the Fellowship to relevant
audiences. A detailed plan for recruitment and outreach should include:
• Recruitment materials for dissemination to U.S. embassies and consulates to
support and enhance their recruitment of Fellows, including, but not limited
to, print and online content, social media content, radio advertisements, and
videos;
• Communications guidance materials for exchange participants and partners
of the YALI Fellowship;
• General outreach materials including, but not limited to, brochures, one
pagers and/or fact sheets, announcements, and significant experience or
outcome stories. Outreach materials should include print and virtual
content;
• Community outreach materials to educate U.S. citizens on the YALI
Fellowship, particularly those who will interact with Fellows during the
institutes and PDEs;
• A strategy for creating content to regularly disseminate information about
open applications (when applicable), program significance, alumni
achievements, and other YALI components (when applicable);
• A roadmap for collecting, analyzing, reporting, maintaining, and presenting

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impact data from YALI Fellowship partners and alumni, with special emphasis
on data visualization;
• Providing analytic information and reports about all digital media assets;
• Development of Congressional notification letters and accompanying
promotional inserts for U.S. Members of Congress, highlighting the U.S.
institutions, organizations, and individuals in their respective state or district
who are participating in Fellowship activities, as well as Reciprocal Exchange
participants;
• Appropriate staffing levels and structure to effectively implement all
proposed activities and initiatives; and
• Details on how all activities and materials will comply with all current and
future guidance and regulations from ECA’s Office of Public Affairs and
Strategic Communications.
The award recipient will also be responsible for maintaining the YALI Fellowship
website and all its components in a dynamic and interactive manner, including the
private Fellowship Portal. At a minimum, the website should:
• Be updated regularly and include relevant YALI Fellowship information
including overview, mission, and goals of the Fellowship;
• Maintain alignment with the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) Web
standards and Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act;
• Highlight accomplishments, experiences, and influence of current and past
program participants and partners;
• Provide information about current application and partnership
opportunities;
• Include a link to the online application platform for Fellowship applicants (as
referenced in section F. Fellow Application Screening and Selection Process,
below).
• Maintain a page about any alumni and follow-on activities available to eligible
Fellowship and Reciprocal Exchange alumni;
• Maintain and update a database of all past and current Fellows;
• Maintain a directory of all past and current program partners; and
• Provide a secure Fellowship Portal to contain additional information about
the Fellowship. The Fellowship Portal should be open to Fellowship and
Reciprocal Exchange alumni and selected Fellowship finalists (and alternates,
as necessary).

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Recipients should submit all print and online materials to ECA for review and
approval before distribution. Prior to ECA review, the award recipient should
carefully draft, edit, and revise all materials to meet standards commensurate with
the prestige and character of the YALI Fellowship.
The award recipient should clear any official communication with U.S. government
agencies or entities, including U.S. Members of Congress, involving the YALI
Fellowship with ECA before dissemination.
F. Fellow Application Screening and Selection Process
The award recipient must have a comprehensive and detailed selection plan that
includes specific strategies for placement of all Fellows at appropriate institutes.
The recipient should design an online application form (see section E. Recruitment
and Outreach). At minimum, the YALI Fellowship application form should collect
essay responses, a rank order list of each applicant’s preferred institute track, and
demographic information. The application form should include an essay prompt
requiring each applicant to explain how they will use the experience upon their
return home. The Fellowship application form should include an opportunity for
applicants to apply for PDEs (see section H. Professional Development Experiences
for more information). The online application platform should be integrated with
an online platform for participant selection (see below) and may allow for an open
or invitational application process.
Each eligible applicant must:
• Be a citizen of and reside in an eligible sub-Saharan African country. Persons
holding U.S. citizenship or permanent residency are ineligible;
• Speak, read, and write proficiently in English;
• Be aged 25-35 at the time of application submission;
• Have a proven record of accomplishment in business, trade, emerging
technology, governance, and/or security;
• Demonstrate clear interest in building and maintaining partnerships with
American organizations and businesses that advance shared goals; and
• Illustrate commitment to return to Sub-Saharan Africa and contribute skills
and talents to build and serve their communities.

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ECA welcomes innovative proposals for a merit-based selection process. The award
recipient should conduct a technical review of all submitted applications to narrow
the pool of viable applications for further review stages as part of a multi-stage
process. The technical review should include checks for eligibility, authenticity, and
completeness, including a plan for identifying and managing plagiarized application
essays. Proposals should also explore the potential use of artificial intelligence (AI)
tools to assist with the technical review process and subsequent review stages as
appropriate and reasonable. The recipient should outline its strategy to staff
and/or recruit reviewers and use a transparent, merit-based review process, with
clearly identified criteria for assessing and assigning scores to applications that
align with U.S. foreign policy priorities. The award recipient may recruit American
professionals engaged in fields relevant to the program such as African or other
international affairs, business, trade, emerging technologies, governance, security,
global health, and education to assist with reading and evaluating applications. U.S.
embassies and consulates must receive access to the online applications for
conducting interviews, adding final comments, and ranking finalist candidates
based on mission priorities. U.S. embassies and consulates should receive
assigned application scores no later than late November each year. ECA will
provide final approval of selected Fellows. ECA encourages applicants to submit an
outline of this process and a draft application form in the proposal appendices.
The recipient should use an online platform to facilitate the selection process. The
online selection platform should:
• Allow multiple configurations of user accounts for various stakeholders to
view applications and enter scores, as relevant, including but not limited to
independent evaluators, support staff at U.S. missions abroad, and ECA staff;
• Allow users at U.S. missions abroad to sort, filter, and bulk download
applications based on relevant applicant demographic categories and reader
scores; and
• Provide a dashboard view and/or downloadable reports for select users to
view application statistics including application numbers by citizenship and
resident country and basic demographic information.
The award recipient will collaborate closely with the U.S. Department of State to
develop online training webinars and videos for employees of U.S. missions abroad
who will support outreach, recruitment, and selection. The training materials and
activities should include appropriate content for both new and experienced

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Fellowship stakeholders at U.S. embassies and consulates. Training content should
include a thorough overview of relevant policies and procedures, opportunities to
share best practices, and training activities for relevant online systems and
platforms.
G. Institutes
Please refer to Overview of the Institutes in NOFO section C.3. Program Specific
Guidelines. Proposals should include a list of approximately 25 qualified U.S.
colleges, universities, and/or non-profit organizations that the applicant, if selected,
would invite to apply for subawards to facilitate institutes on a college or university
campus in the United States. Proposed institutions should represent the breadth
of excellence in U.S. higher education and have capacity to carry out institutes as
described below. Proposals should also address the applicant’s regional, exchange,
or other expertise in working with higher education institutions that would
contribute to successful administration of the program.
The Institutes should:
• Cover all logistics including providing Fellows with administrative and
academic orientations to the United States and each institute campus.
Administrative orientation content should fully brief Fellows on the
operational details of the program, including campus and local resources.
Academic orientation content should provide Fellows with a concise
overview of the institute, including principal objectives and major track
themes and focus areas. Fellows should have routine access to program
staff for program-related inquiries;
• Consist of a carefully integrated series of practical academic content that
considers lesson plans, appropriate guest speakers, engaging discussions,
individual and group classroom activities, and reading assignments.
Sessions should be interactive and allow ample time for the free exchange of
ideas among Fellows and presenters;
• Incorporate site visits that are complementary to classroom content.
Locations may include government offices (meetings with executive
representatives, legislators, and judicial representatives), think tanks, non-
governmental organizations, historical sites, schools, businesses, museums,
etc. Any engagement with federal government agencies or officials must

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receive prior approval from ECA;
• Include cultural exchange activities that expose Fellows to American history
and traditions such as Fourth of July celebrations, sports games, and
community events. ECA encourages organized optional cultural and
weekend activities that take place in person or virtually to give Fellows the
opportunity to experience the rich culture of the United States while
fostering group cohesion;
• Allow for free time to pursue individual interests, unstructured networking
and socializing with other Fellows and American peers, exercising, and rest.
The program schedule should also include adequate time for reading and
preparation of academic assignments;
• Incorporate structured and unstructured interaction between Fellows and
Americans, including opportunities to network and exchange ideas; and
• Provide all transportation, housing, and meal arrangements for the Fellows.
Institutes may also optionally include hands-on community service activities during
the six-week program with a local nonprofit or community organization. Any
community service component should be related to the institute track or themes
and include an introduction to volunteerism in the United States.
ECA encourages proposals for institutes that incorporate multi-day off-campus field
experiences or events for Fellows to connect with organizations and individuals
connected to institute tracks in locations distinct from their institute campus and/or
to convene with Fellows from other institutes. Convening field experiences or
events could bring Fellows together based on institute tracks, themes, or
geographic regions.
H. Professional Development Experiences (PDEs)
Please refer to Overview of the Professional Development Experience (PDE) in
NOFO section C.3. Program Specific Guidelines. Proposals should include a detailed
and specific recruitment and selection plan and offer specific strategies for
placement of Fellows at appropriate PDE hosts.
The PDEs should:
• Be at least four weeks long; PDE Fellows should also have the option to

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complete an extended virtual experience or project with the U.S. host;
• Take place immediately following the institutes;
• Take place at a relevant NGO, business, or governmental agency in the
United States;
• Be substantive and appropriate and tie into the Fellow’s institute track,
theme, and/or professional interest to ensure a substantive experience for
both the placement organization and the Fellow;
• Be planned and implemented for approximately 50 of the Fellows; only one,
or in exceptional cases two Fellows may be placed in one organization. In
very limited cases, three Fellows may be placed in distinct offices or work
units of one large organization;
• Encourage opportunities for PDE Fellows and organizations in the same U.S.
region to network during the PDEs;
• Include all housing, meal arrangements, and required transportation; and
• Include at least one on-site U.S. mentor/supervisor within the PDE
organization who will oversee and monitor the PDE Fellow.
I. Reciprocal Exchange Component
The Reciprocal Exchange (RE) component should:
• Provide small grants for approximately 80 U.S. professionals to travel to sub-
Saharan African countries for up to 30 days to collaborate with Fellowship
alumni on projects that address strategic issues of shared interest.
Fellowship alumni from any cohort since the Fellowship’s inception in 2014
should be considered eligible collaborators for RE participants. Individual
projects may include up to four U.S. participants. Hybrid collaborations may
be permissible in lieu of U.S. participant travel to Sub-Saharan Africa with
appropriate justification and approval from ECA; and
• Provide opportunities for Americans and Fellowship alumni to foster lasting
partnerships, expand markets and networks, and increase ties between the
United States and countries in Sub-Saharan Africa. These opportunities
could include virtual engagement pre- or post-travel to enhance the effects
of the in-person exchange.
Proposals should include a detailed and specific outreach and selection plan for the
Reciprocal Exchange component. The recipient must develop a competitive and

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merit-based application process that adheres to the following criteria:
• Projects must include at least one U.S. professional and one alumnus or
alumna of the YALI Fellowship (previously the Mandela Washington
Fellowship for Young African Leaders).
• U.S. professionals must be U.S. citizens currently living in the United States
and must not have previously received more than two YALI Fellowship and/or
Mandela Washington Fellowship Reciprocal Exchange award(s).
• All Fellowship alumni who partner with U.S. participants must be living in
Sub-Saharan Africa, must be considered alumni of the Fellowship by the U.S.
Department of State, and must not have previously received more than two
Reciprocal Exchange award(s).
• Successful applications to the Reciprocal Exchange component should:
• Clearly outline a project that meets program goals and objectives;
• Describe the anticipated effect(s) on the U.S. professional’s home
organization and community;
• Describe the anticipated effect(s) on the Fellow's home institution,
community, and/or country;
• Demonstrate joint engagement between the Fellow and U.S.
professional in project design and implementation;
• Articulate the need for the U.S. professional to travel to implement the
project, or a justification for hybrid implementation; and
• Detail specific project activities and provide measurable project goals.
The award recipient should conduct a technical review of all applications received
for eligibility and completeness. The award recipient should use a transparent,
merit-based review process, with clearly identified criteria for assessing the
applications. U.S. embassies in-country must approve final project locations and
dates. Applicants should demonstrate capacity to support up to 100 U.S. citizens to
travel for Reciprocal Exchange projects should additional funding become available.
ECA will provide final approval of participants and projects.
Each Reciprocal Exchange project should receive up to $6,000 per American
participant, and no project should receive more than $24,000 total in funding,
regardless of the number of American participants. Funding for virtual or hybrid
projects (i.e. those not requiring international travel) should be limited to no more
than $3,000 per project.

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J. Logistical Considerations
• Participant health and safety is an ECA priority. The recipient should
consider the health, safety, and welfare of participants at all times. This
includes assisting participants to understand the ECA-sponsored Accident
and Sickness Program for Exchanges (ASPE) plan. ECA expects the recipient
and subaward partners to assist in health- and safety-related emergencies.
The recipient and subaward partners should also help Fellows understand
and navigate the American healthcare system and national, state, local, and
campus policies.
• Proposals must discuss housing and meal arrangements in detail. In
general, Fellows should be housed in university housing or at an extended
stay hotel within close proximity to classroom sites, ideally within walking
distance, for the duration of the six-week institutes. The proposal should
indicate options for housing and meals that account for dietary, religious,
medical, or other living requirements. If possible, Fellows should have access
to kitchen facilities, either in their own rooms or in a common area. A
cafeteria meal plan combined with a cash allowance for food that will permit
participants to cook or eat at local restaurants is strongly recommended.
Appropriate housing and meals must also be arranged and provided for the
duration of PDEs. To the extent permitted by budget limitations, Fellows may
receive up to the U.S. government per diem rate for meals and incidental
expenses at the various program locales. See http://www.gsa.gov/perdiem
for current U.S. government per diem rates.
• The recipient should plan to process participant forms including, but not
limited to, medical forms, program terms and conditions, and media release
forms. The recipient is responsible for distributing and collecting signed
forms from participants. The recipient should notify ECA of any potential
concerns or issues. The recipient is responsible for safeguarding forms
containing Personally Identifiable Information (PII).
• The recipient will develop and deliver virtual Pre-Departure Orientations
(PDOs) to prepare all participants for the Fellowship. Topics may include, but
are not limited to, program terms and conditions, setting expectations, U.S.
cultural norms, cultural adjustment, health and safety guidelines and
practices, and logistics. If conditions allow, U.S. embassies and consulates
will also provide at least one day of in-person content, in conjunction with

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participant visa interviews, prior to Fellows’ arrival in the United States. The
recipient will be responsible for developing all orientation materials,
including for the in-person sessions at U.S. embassies and consulates. Pre-
departure materials should be available to Fellows and U.S. embassies and
consulates online or emailed in ample time before the institutes start date
and no later than six weeks before the start of the program.
• The recipient is responsible for disbursing at least $200 and up to $400 as a
travel allowance to each Fellow to support them during their travel to and
from the United States. ECA anticipates that most Fellows will receive the
$200 travel stipend, with higher stipends available to participants who must
travel independently to reach an international airport.
• The recipient should conduct performance monitoring and evaluation on
a regular basis to promptly identify and resolve any academic,
administrative, and personnel problems during the institutes, and to
measure program performance as outlined in NOFO section C.5. Program
Performance Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E). The award recipient will
deliver and administer pre-program (baseline) and post-program surveys. At
the conclusion of the institutes, recipients should ensure that Fellows have
time reserved to complete the post-program survey. Additionally, the
recipient may be responsible for conducting alumni surveys as determined in
consultation with ECA. Please note, ECA intends to administer alumni
surveys at regular intervals to collect impact information from all ECA alumni.
ECA will host, administer, and analyze these alumni surveys on ECA’s survey
platform. The award recipient will be responsible for coordinating with ECA
on any alumni surveys to minimize duplicative questions and survey fatigue.
Please note: All Fellows are required to return to their home countries following
the conclusion of the program (either after the institutes or PDEs). Fellows should
be permitted to travel within the United States during their institutes and PDEs as
long as they attend all required activities and receive the necessary approval to
travel. Family or friends may be permitted to visit the Fellows while the latter are in
residence at the institute or PDE placement at the discretion of the award recipient
and in consultation with ECA, provided that such visits will not prove disruptive to
the program. At no time will family or friends be permitted to accompany the
Fellows during scheduled program activities, whether such activities are mandatory
or optional.

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K. Alumni/Follow-on Activities
Proposals should outline clearly developed follow-on activities but should also
remain flexible enough to allow for changes based on program priorities and
availability of funding. The recipient should finance alumni activities using the line
item budgeted for follow-on activities. ECA encourages applicants to provide cost
share towards alumni engagement activities.
Proposals should include minimally the following alumni opportunities:
• An application-based impact award recognizing a member of the Fellowship
alumni network who demonstrates the benefits in partnering with the U.S.
and promotes the significance of the Fellowship (currently the Leadership
Impact Award);
• A digital engagement plan to provide alumni with access to online resources,
databases, and opportunities to further their professional development;
• An opportunity allowing alumni to travel and engage with experts at events
on themes relevant to their business, organization, or profession;
• An application- and merit-based grant supporting follow-on work of
American Reciprocal Exchange alumni in the United States; and
• Funds reserved for on-demand alumni programming that respond to topics
of strategic importance, to be used at ECA's discretion.
The U.S. Department of State will facilitate continued engagement by Fellows in
alumni activities. The Fellows should return home with new ideas, expanded
contacts, and action plans for future months. ECA’s Office of Alumni Affairs will
work with the Department of State’s Bureau of African Affairs and other
government agencies to facilitate follow-on communication and activities with
participants and with U.S. missions abroad.
III. PROPOSAL CONTENTS
Applicants must submit a complete and thorough proposal that addresses the
program’s objectives and requirements. Proposals should be clear, concise, and
responsive to the criteria outlined in the solicitation and PSI.
Since there is no opportunity for applicants to meet with reviewing officials, the
proposal should respond to the criteria set forth in the solicitation and other

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guidelines as clearly as possible.
NOTE: Proposals submitted through Grants.gov may only be submitted in the
following formats:
• Microsoft Word
• Microsoft Excel
• Adobe Portable Document Format (PDF) - Prior to submitting applications
through Grants.gov, please ensure you meet all Grants.gov system and
software requirements, including Adobe software compatibility. You can
verify if your version of Adobe software is compatible with Grants.gov, by
visiting https://www.grants.gov/applicants/adobe-software-
compatibility.html.
• ASCII Text
• Joint Photographic Experts Group (JPEG images)
IV. OTHER AWARD INFORMATION
Adherence To All Regulations Governing The J Visa
Proposals must demonstrate the applicant’s capacity to meet all requirements
governing the administration of Exchange Visitor (J) Programs as outlined in 22 CFR
62. For more information, visit http://j1visa.state.gov.
V. APPLICATION SUBMISSION
The solicitation document specifies the deadline and method for proposal
submission. There are NO EXCEPTIONS to this deadline.