FY 2026 English Language Fellow, Specialist, and Virtual Educator Program
Agency: Bureau Of Educational and Cultural Affairs
Assistance Listings: 19.421 -- Academic Exchange Programs - English Language Programs
Description
The U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs Office of English Language Programs (ECA/A/L) announces an open competition to support the FY 2026 English Language Fellow, Specialist, and Virtual Educator Program (ELFSVEP). ECA/A/L plans to issue one cooperative agreement to support approximately 385 participants for $14,000,000, pending the availability of funds.
The English Language (EL) Fellow, Specialist, and Virtual Educator Program (ELFSVEP) places top-tier American experts in the field of English teaching in strategic projects at key institutions to advance U.S. interests in strategic countries. The program sends highly qualified experts on approximately ten-month Fellow exchanges, short-term (two weeks or more) Specialist assignments, or three-week to six-month Virtual Educator assignments at educational institutions in all world regions.
English Language programs advance American influence with critical audiences and have a cascading reach and strategic returns. The initiatives go beyond teaching English; they advance America’s national interest by embedding the global language of diplomacy, business, and science abroad. American expertise is in high demand by foreign governments, educational institutions, and workplaces. Providing American English Educators abroad allows U.S. Missions to build trusted networks in fragile regions, reinforce alliances through shared language and values, and promote U.S. economic interests. When America leads in English Language teaching, we set the terms of engagement; when America steps back, competitors fill the void. These programs ensure foreign partners turn first to the United States for English education, vocational upskilling, and secure partnerships, delivering on the Department’s America First mission.
Please see the Notice of Funding Opportunity for additional information.
Eligibility
Eligible applicants
Miscellaneous
- Other
Nonprofit
- Nonprofits non-higher education with 501(c)(3)
Education
- Public and state institutions of higher education
- Private institutions of higher education
Additional information
Grantor contact information
Description
bainke@state.gov
Documents
| File name | Description | Last updated |
|---|---|---|
| FY_2026_ELFSVEP_NOFO.pdf | FY 2026 English Language Fellow, Specialist, and Virtual Educator Program NOFO | Feb 13, 2026 01:18 PM UTC |
| performance_monitoring_plan_mode_2.3_02.03.2025-4.docx | ECA Performance Monitoring Plan (PMP) (DOCX) | Feb 13, 2026 01:19 PM UTC |
| performance_monitoring_plan_mode_2.3_02.03.2025.pdf | ECA Performance Monitoring Plan (PMP) (PDF) | Feb 13, 2026 01:19 PM UTC |
Link to additional information
Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs Organizational Funding Opportunities
Closing: April 24, 2026
Award
$--
Program Funding
1
Expected awards
$14,000,000
Award Minimum
$14,000,000
Award Maximum
Funding opportunity number:
DFOP0017779
Cost sharing or matching requirement:
Funding instrument type:
Cooperative agreement
Opportunity Category:
Discretionary
Opportunity Category Explanation:
Category of Funding Activity:
Other
Category Explanation:
Please see full announcement.
History
Version:
2
Posted date:
February 13, 2026
Archive date:
May 24, 2026
