FY 2026 Study of the U.S. Institutes for Scholars

The Office of Academic Exchange Programs, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA), invites proposal submissions from U.S. public and private academic and cultural institutions, including community colleges, liberal arts colleges, and public and private universities, and other not-for-profit organizations meeting the provisions described in Internal Revenue Code section 26 USC 501(c)(3) (see section B. Eligibility) for the design and implementation of three (3) programs under the Study of the U.S. Institutes for Scholars (SUSIs for Scholars). Three SUSIs for Scholars will take place over five weeks in summer 2027. Each SUSI will focus on a specific theme: 1) Critical Minerals, 2) Digital Transformation, and 3) Economics and Business. See details in Section C. Program Description. 

SUSIs for Scholars are post-graduate level seminars held at U.S. academic institutions for groups of approximately 18 foreign university faculty, researchers, and practitioners, who serve as “multipliers” for students and colleagues abroad. The program goal is to provide influential scholars and experts with content and resources that enhance teaching and research about the United States in other countries. SUSIs for Scholars also promote collaboration in research, teaching, and other activities between foreign and American scholars and practitioners. 

Each of the three SUSIs for Scholars focuses on a theme or topic in U.S. studies and will include an approximately four-week intensive summer residency at a U.S. educational institution and an approximately one-week integrated academic field experience that will bring participants to a U.S. region distinct from their residency location. Each SUSI must highlight American success and innovation with regard to the SUSIs for Scholars themes. The academic residency should take place on a U.S. university or college campus and should include coursework, time for independent research, and interaction with American peers. The SUSIs for Scholars should include opportunities for continued follow-on engagement once the participants return home. 

The award recipient will be responsible for planning, overseeing, and implementing the program, including administering the three SUSIs for Scholars and overseeing all subaward recipients. 

Please see the Notice of Funding Opportunity for additional information.