FY 2025 Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange Enhancement Program

Background
The FY 2025 Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange (CBYX) Enhancement Program is administered by the Office of Citizen Exchanges of the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA). Established in 1983 through a bilateral agreement between the U.S. Congress and the German Bundestag, the program aims to foster German-American friendship based on shared democratic values. It seeks to create lasting personal and institutional relationships through academic year experiences. Annually, up to 300 American and 300 German youth participate in various components of the program, which has produced over 29,000 alumni. The Enhancement Program specifically seeks to provide German participants in the U.S. with opportunities similar to those offered to American participants in Germany, including civic education workshops.

Grant Details
Eligible applicants can propose civic education workshops for either all 300 CBYX participants or specific groups: 235 high school participants or 65 young professionals. The workshops should enhance understanding of civil society and political life in the U.S., including substantive engagement with Congress. ECA anticipates awarding approximately $150,000 for workshops for young professionals, $600,000 for high school workshops, or a combined total of $750,000 depending on funding availability. The program aims to strengthen ties between American and German youth and promote their roles as ambassadors for future relations.

Eligibility Requirements
U.S. public and private non-profit organizations that meet Internal Revenue Code section 26 USC 501(c)(3) provisions are eligible to apply. Organizations must demonstrate at least four years of experience in conducting international exchanges to qualify for awards exceeding $130,000. Additionally, applicants must have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) number from SAM.gov at the time of application.

Period of Performance
The anticipated period of performance is from January 15, 2025, through August 31, 2028. This consists of one base year plus one non-competitive continuation year subject to satisfactory progress and availability of funds.

Grant Value
The total funding available for this grant opportunity is approximately $1,500,000 across two years (FY 2025 and FY 2026). Individual awards will range from a minimum floor of $150,000 to a maximum ceiling of $750,000 per award.

Place of Performance
The grant activities will primarily take place in the United States.