The 100,000 Strong in the Americas Innovation Fund uses the principle of leveraged innovation with higher education institutions (HEIs) that demonstrate the greatest commitment and innovation toward increasing study abroad opportunities between the United States and countries in the Western Hemisphere. In applying for the Innovation Fund grants, HEIs will be asked to demonstrate how they will assert leadership in implementing the innovations proposed, how they will address on-campus barriers to student mobility, how they will maintain student engagement, and how they will commit to making concrete changes to expand access to study abroad as sending and/or hosting institutions.

The Department of State and Partners of the Americas reserve the right to fund any or none of the applications submitted. Please refer to the requests for proposal (RFPs) below for a complete statement of goals and expected results of the competitions.

Current Open Competitions

STEM Alliance Grant Competition

Thanks to the generous support of the Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs at the U.S. Department of State.

Partners of the Americas, in coordination with the Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs at the U.S. Department of State (WHA/DOS), invites higher education institutions in the United States and eligible countries in Central America and the Caribbean to work in teams to submit proposals for consideration for an award in the 100,000 Strong in the Americas (100K Strong) STEM Alliance Grant Competition.

This 100K Strong STEM Alliance Grant Competition champions American educational excellence, spurs innovation, and creates long-term partnerships that ensure a stronger, safer, and more prosperous Hemisphere.

All higher education institutions (HEIs) in the United States are invited to partner with regional HEIs in eligible countries in Central America and/or the Caribbean to design innovative exchange and training programs that develop critical technical, linguistic, and leadership skills; expand domestic and regional partnerships; and, position the United States as the premier destination for educational exchange and workforce training opportunities. Refer to the Request for Proposals linked below for more eligibility details.

🔬 Program Themes:

• STEM: Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics
• Critical Minerals
• Semi-conductors
• Artificial Intelligence
• Entrepreneurship
• Agricultural & Food Science
• …and more.

💰 Awards Available: Approximately 10 awards of up to $32,000 USD

Informational Webinars: For information on our past and upcoming webinars, including webinar recordings and helpful materials, for this competition, visit our webinars page! 

Application Period: August 11 – October 18, 2026

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