2024 Benjamin Franklin Transatlantic Fellowship

Deadline: 16-Apr-2024

The Office of Citizen Exchanges, Youth Programs Division, of the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA), announces an open competition for the FY 2024 Benjamin Franklin Transatlantic Fellowship.

Purpose

• The Benjamin Franklin Transatlantic Fellowship began in 2006 to honor the 300th anniversary of the birth of Benjamin Franklin, the legendary American statesman and diplomat, whose career, interests, and studies took him across the Atlantic Ocean, bringing about greater understanding between Americans and Europeans. His life offers inspiration to today’s young citizens. As a diplomat and a printer, he used the power of diplomacy and the media to increase the exchange of information between Americans and the people of other countries. The Fellowship aims to foster relationships among the younger generation of Americans and Europeans to build strong linkages and an awareness of shared values. The program also explores how young people interact with the media, both as consumers and producers of information, and how freedom of expression provides rights to citizens and imposes responsibilities.
• The group of diverse and intellectually probing students will participate in an intensive, four-week exchange program in the United States. These participants will engage in a variety of activities such as training sessions, workshops, community and/or school-based programs, and cultural events through the framework of Franklin’s legacy; they will work together on joint projects that present and promote the program’s stated goals.

Goals

The goals of the Fellowship are to:

• Develop a sense of civic responsibility and a commitment to cooperation among youth;
• Foster relationships among youth from different ethnic, religious, and national groups;
• Promote mutual understanding between the people of the United States and the people of Europe; and
• Develop a cadre of young leaders who will share their knowledge and skills with their peers through positive action.

Funding Information

• Fiscal Year Funds: FY 2024 – $250,000 base year funding amount; FY 2025 – $250,000 NCC year-one; FY 2026 – $250,000 NCC year-two, pending successful performance and the availability of funds.
• Approximate Total Funding: $750,000.
• Approximate Number of Awards: One.
• Approximate Average Award: $250,000.
• Minimum “Floor” of Award: $250,000, pending the availability of funds
• Ceiling of Award Range: $250,000, pending the availability of funds.
• Anticipated Award Date: September 1, 2024.
• Anticipated Award Completion Date: December 31, 2027.
• A cooperative agreement will be awarded for a period of 15 months (base year) with NCCs for two additional 12-month periods (NCC years one and two).

Outcomes

With the specific focus of the Fellowship, the following outcomes will indicate a successful project:

• European participants will demonstrate an improved understanding of the United States and its people, and the American participants will better understand the interests of the people of Europe.
• Participants will work together to identify and overcome misunderstandings or lack of understanding among nations both during the program and after they return to their homes.
• Participants will develop critical thinking skills that empower them to be literate consumers and creators of media.
• Participants will demonstrate a better understanding of international relations and issues.
• Participants will gain an understanding of the roles of the media and public perceptions in diplomacy and global issues.

Program Specific Guidelines

• The program will take place on a U.S. university or college campus, or at a similar venue. For a portion of the program, the fellows will be housed together at a dormitory on campus to facilitate greater cooperation on the project and training. For at least one week of the program, all fellows should have homestays with local American families.
• The program may take place in one or two communities and should offer the participants exposure to American diversity, including a one-week educational tour to another geographical region of the United States, and a program conclusion in Washington, DC. ECA will organize a half-day of activities and the award recipient will arrange other activities in Washington, DC that offer insight into leadership, diplomacy, and the media.
• The program will primarily explore global issues through interactive activities, practical experiences, and other hands-on opportunities that will teach participants about democratic practices, volunteer service, conflict resolution, problem solving, communication skills, critical thinking, tolerance and respect for diversity, youth leadership, team building, and the media.

Participants

• The Benjamin Franklin Transatlantic Fellowship will be designed for approximately 55 students ages 16-18 from all of Europe and the United States. Participants should demonstrate a strong interest in learning more about global issues and diplomatic relationships, the role of the press and the freedom of expression (such as advocacy and debate in a democracy), and/or an interest in public or community service. The program will have one fellow from each participating European country for a total of 45 and 10 competitively selected participants from the United States.

Eligible Applicants

• U.S. public and private academic and cultural institutions, exchange-of-persons, and other not-for-profit organizations meeting the provisions described in Internal Revenue Code section 26 USC 501(c)(3) may submit applications for this competition.
• Eligibility Requirements
  • ECA’s grant guidelines require that organizations demonstrate at least four years of experience in conducting international exchanges to be eligible for awards exceeding $130,000 in ECA funding. As noted in section B above, ECA anticipates issuing one cooperative agreement for $250,000. Therefore, organizations that do not demonstrate four years of experience in conducting international exchanges in your proposal are ineligible to apply under this competition.
  • All proposals must comply with the requirements stated in the NOFO, POGI (if applicable), and the PSI; non-compliance will result in your proposal being declared technically ineligible and given no further consideration in the review process.

For more information, visit Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs.