In an ever-shrinking world, cultural exchange stands as a beacon of understanding, forging connections that transcend borders. The Office of Citizen Exchanges, Youth Programs Division (ECA/PE/C/PY) within the Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) is thrilled to announce the commencement of the FY 2024 (Academic Year 2025-2026) Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange (CBYX) program and the outbound Congress-Bundestag/Bundesrat Staff Exchange (CBBSX). These initiatives are not just about exchange; they are about nurturing the American-German friendship on the foundation of democratic values, fostering lifelong connections, and driving international collaboration.
Empowering Tomorrow's Leaders: The Vision of CBYX and CBBSX
CBYX and CBBSX transcend geographical boundaries to empower young Americans and Germans with cultural immersion and diplomatic dialogue. Rooted in democracy, these initiatives breathe life into the ethos of international friendship and cooperation.
Objective and Essence: Shaping Diplomatic Futures
At its core, CBYX is designed to immerse American and German youth in each other’s societies, igniting cross-cultural understanding through educational exchanges. More than just promoting friendships, the programs aim to foster the participants' roles as young ambassadors, equipped to influence future American-German relations. The programs also serve as a bridge, strengthening ties between members of Congress and their counterparts in the Bundestag.
Program Components: Building Bridges and Facilitating Exchange
The structure of the program encompasses various components, each aimed at distinct facets of transatlantic relationships:
- Administrative Component: An organization will be selected to oversee this facet, responsible for producing and disseminating promotional materials, managing application websites, coordinating promotional activities, and orchestrating logistical aspects such as the re-entry workshop for American participants.
- Secondary School Component: Up to five organizations will be entrusted with recruiting, selecting, and preparing American secondary school students for an academic year exchange in Germany. Similarly, they will manage the placement and welfare of German students in the United States.
- Vocational Component: One organization will focus on enlisting and preparing graduating U.S. secondary school seniors for an academic year of cultural and hands-on work experience in Germany.
- Young Professionals Component: Another organization will recruit, select, and prepare U.S. citizens between 18.5 and 24 years of age for an academic year of cultural, educational, and practical work experience in Germany. This component also involves placing and managing the well-being of German participants in the United States.
- Congress-Bundestag/Bundesrat Staff Exchange (CBBSX): This component provides an outbound exchange opportunity for 10 American congressional staffers, who participate in a two-week parliamentary exchange in Germany.
Funding and Commitment: Nurturing Exchange
The allocation of funds reflects the program's commitment to excellence:
- Minimum Floor of Award: Around $130,000, pending fund availability.
- Maximum Ceiling of Award: Approximately $1,400,000, reflecting fund availability.
- Administrative Component: About $244,000, with an additional $90,000 for the 2026 bilateral partner meeting.
- Secondary School Component: Approximately $584,400 per region.
- Vocational Component: Around $130,000.
- Young Professionals Component: About $929,000, plus an additional $35,000 for CBBSX.
Sculpting Futures: The Road Ahead
The anticipated project completion date is February 28, 2029, marking the conclusion of an enriching chapter of exchange and collaboration.
Eligibility Criteria: Building Bridges Together
Eligible applicants include U.S. public and private academic, cultural institutions, exchange-of-persons, and other non-profit organizations. Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) numbers are required for all organizations seeking awards. There is no limit to the number of components that eligible organizations may apply for, offering flexibility in shaping exchange proposals.
As the world grows interconnected, initiatives like CBYX and CBBSX illuminate pathways for shared understanding, forge friendships, and set the stage for a harmonious future. To delve into the specifics and explore opportunities, visit Grants.gov and be a part of transatlantic harmony.
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