REQUEST FOR APPLICATIONS (RFA) for FY25 U.S. Exchange Alumni & Capacity Building Program
Issuance Date: January 28, 2026
Closing Date: February 28, 2026
I. Summary:
The U.S. Exchange Alumni Network and Capacity Building Program (U.S. Exchange Alumni Program) offers a robust catalog of professional development opportunities for the 500,000-strong U.S. citizen exchange alumni community at every stage of their career trajectories. The U.S. Exchange Alumni Program is sponsored by the U.S. Department of State with funding provided by the U.S. Government and supported in its implementation by IREX.
II. Purpose:
This RFA is seeking applications from qualified organizations to implement in-person regional Career Connections Seminars. A component of the U.S. Exchange Alumni Program, Career Connections Seminars convene U.S. exchange alumni throughout the year for professional development and networking opportunities to learn to leverage their exchange experiences to demonstrate American leadership and innovation, including mobilizing the network in support of local economic growth.
III. Location of Activities:
The geographic focus under consideration includes the following cities for regional activities:
- Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas
- Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
- Phoenix, Arizona
IV. Program Objectives:
The selected organizations will support U.S. citizen exchange alumni in learning more about the regional business industries and local culture and will facilitate valuable connections between exchange alumni and local leaders, businesses, and organizations. Please see below the list of pre-selected Career Connections cities, their proposed event dates, and brief event summary.
Career Connection Dallas-Fort Worth: Small Business Accelerator (May 15-16, 2026)
U.S. exchange alumni will engage in tailored discussions and practical activities to deepen their understanding of small business growth strategies. Through workshops, sessions with regional organizations and entrepreneurs, site visits, and structured networking, participants will gain real‑world insights, strengthen professional networks, and leave with actionable strategies to advance their careers.
Career Connections Pittsburgh: From Steel to Startups (September 25-26, 2026)
U.S. exchange alumni will explore Pittsburgh’s evolution from steel to tech through targeted discussions, hands‑on workshops, and site visits (for example, to advanced manufacturing and robotics hubs). Participants will deepen their understanding of innovation‑driven career pathways, strengthen professional networks, and leave with actionable strategies to pursue opportunities in entrepreneurship.
Career Connections Phoenix: Innovation in the Desert (December 11-12, 2026)
U.S. exchange alumni will explore Phoenix’s rapidly expanding tech sector, including semiconductor and energy industries, through tailored discussions, hands‑on workshops, and site visits to leading firms. Participants will deepen their understanding of high‑growth industry career pathways, build strong professional networks, and leave with actionable strategies to be involved in the Southwest’s evolving tech and manufacturing landscape.
V. Applicants Eligibility Criteria:
Selection of Career Connection Seminar implementing organizations will be based on the organization’s ability to implement a 1.5-day event for 50-60 attendees in one of the selected 2026 cities. We welcome applications from organizations that are deeply embedded in their city’s economic and cultural hubs, with strong, active networks across local businesses, industries, and community leaders, and that have an interest in strengthening the U.S. Government–sponsored exchange alumni network.
VI. Cost Share Requirements
While cost share is not required, the U.S. Exchange Alumni Program/IREX encourages applicants to include any proposed cost-share in the budget.
VII. Award Information
Subject to the availability of funds, IREX expects to award 3 subawards (one per city) of $13,000 each. The total amount available is $13,000 per subaward. The expected duration of IREX’s support or the period of performance is approximately 5 months total, starting 4 months prior to the event’s start date and ending one month after the event’s end date.
IREX reserves the right to fund any or none of the applications submitted. Further, IREX reserves the right to make no awards as a result of this RFA.
VIII. Contact Information:
Please contact the following to receive the Request for Application and the application packet:
Megan Armstrong, Senior Program Officer, U.S. Exchange Alumni Program, IREX
1350 I St NW, Suite 1100, Washington, DC 20005
USexchangealumni@irex.org, 202-942-9135