Iraqi Young Leaders Exchange Program (IYLEP) for High School Students | Apply Online

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) - Iraqi Young Leaders Exchange Program (IYLEP) for High School Students (Grant Opportunity)

1) What is the IYLEP for High School Students grant opportunity?

The Iraqi Young Leaders Exchange Program (IYLEP) for High School Students is a U.S. Embassy Baghdad-funded exchange and leadership development initiative focused on helping shape the next generation of Iraqi civic and community leaders. The program strengthens leadership skills, promotes understanding of civic rights and responsibilities, builds respect for diversity, and encourages long-term civic engagement.

2) What is the main goal of the program?

The core goals described are leadership development for Iraqi secondary school students, deeper understanding of civic participation, and increased respect for diversity, paired with long-term civic engagement. A central design feature is bringing Iraqi and American youth into direct contact to build mutual understanding.

3) Is a U.S.-based exchange required?

Yes. Proposals must include a meaningful U.S.-based exchange component that brings Iraqi and American youth into direct contact in ways that build mutual understanding.

4) How does this opportunity connect to broader U.S.-Iraq priorities?

The opportunity is described as supporting broader U.S.-Iraq cooperation goals under the 2008 Strategic Framework Agreement.

5) What type of award is expected?

Funding is expected to support one cooperative agreement, subject to the availability of funds.

6) What is the maximum funding amount?

The award ceiling and estimated total funding are up to $1,500,000, contingent on available funds.

7) What is the anticipated project start date and length?

The award is planned to begin around September 1, 2014, and run approximately 15 to 20 months. The period is intended to cover the full program cycle from recruitment through alumni follow-up.

8) What is the legal authority for the grant?

The legal authority is the Mutual Educational and Cultural Exchange Act of 1961 (Fulbright-Hays Act), which supports U.S. government educational and cultural exchanges intended to strengthen international relationships and mutual understanding.

9) Who is eligible to apply?

Eligible applicants include U.S. nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) status, internationally based nonprofit organizations, low-profit limited liability companies (L3Cs), and academic or other institutions where profit is not the primary motive.

10) What organizational experience is expected from applicants?

Applicants must demonstrate proven experience running youth-focused exchange programs.

11) Do applicants need the ability to operate in Iraq?

Yes. Applicants must either have the capacity to operate in Iraq directly or demonstrate strong partnerships with organizations that can operate there.

12) What language capabilities are expected for implementation?

The implementing organization is expected to be able to work in both Arabic and Kurdish.

13) How broad must recruitment and in-country activity coverage be?

The solicitation expects the implementer to be able to run recruitment and other in-country activities across all 18 Iraqi provinces.

14) Are there required registrations or identifiers before funds can be disbursed?

Yes. Like other U.S. federal assistance recipients, awardees must have required registration identifiers in place prior to disbursement, including a DUNS number and a CCR/CAGE-related registration.

15) How many participants are proposals expected to serve?

Proposals are expected to serve about 100 Iraqi students and around 10 adult mentors.

16) What are the age and school-status requirements for student participants?

Students are expected to be 15 to 17 years old and must still have at least one academic year remaining after the exchange.

17) How are students selected?

Student participants are to be selected through an open, competitive process. The solicitation notes that students should demonstrate leadership potential and English proficiency.

18) What is the centerpiece of the program?

The centerpiece is a four-week summer exchange in the United States with substantial interaction with American peers and civic institutions.

19) What types of activities are suggested during the U.S. exchange?

Suggested elements include participation in U.S. high school summer programs, homestays and activities with American families, academic and leadership training (often campus-based), volunteer service with community organizations, and meetings with U.S. youth groups.

20) Are adult mentors required, and what is their role?

Adult mentors are not optional. The solicitation anticipates a parallel mentor track running at the same time and location as the youth exchange. The mentor track is designed to strengthen mentoring, youth counseling, cultural understanding, and group leadership skills.

21) Who is responsible for recruitment and outreach in Iraq?

The awardee is responsible for nationwide outreach and recruitment across Iraq, including activities across all 18 provinces.

22) Where are interviews expected to take place, and who may be involved?

Interview panels are expected in locations such as Baghdad, Basrah, and Erbil (and elsewhere if needed). Panels typically involve program staff, IYLEP alumni, and U.S. Embassy representatives.

23) Who serves as the main point of contact for students and families?

The implementing organization is expected to serve as the main point of contact for students and families throughout the process.

24) What visa category is required for participants?

Participation depends on students being able to obtain the J Exchange Visitor Visa.

25) What is the implementer expected to do regarding DS-2019 forms and visa processing?

The implementer must coordinate with the U.S. Department of State Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs on DS-2019 issuance and manage travel logistics related to visa interviews. The Embassy will assist with coordination with the Consular Section for visa appointment scheduling.

26) What travel and logistics responsibilities fall to the awardee?

The awardee is responsible for international and domestic travel and logistics during the exchange, including transportation, lodging, group meals, and distribution of pocket money.

27) What orientations and wrap-up sessions are required?

Required orientations include a pre-departure orientation in Iraq and a welcome orientation in the United States, followed by a closing session to evaluate results and prepare participants to return home and carry out follow-on work.

28) What does the solicitation require related to participant safety and safeguarding?

The awardee must have a clear plan for supervision, participant well-being, and problem resolution while in the United States. Participant safety and safeguarding are emphasized as major requirements.

29) Are host family placements required or recommended?

Host family placements are recommended for a substantial portion of the exchange. The awardee must screen and brief host families.

30) Are criminal background checks required?

Yes. Criminal background checks are required, including checks against the Department of Justice National Sex Offender Public Registry, for host family adult household members (18 and older) and for all program staff.

31) What timeline does the announcement suggest for major milestones?

The timeline presented anticipates recruitment beginning in September 2014; selection finalized (as stated) in January 2014; visa processing from February to May 2015; orientations in June 2015; U.S. travel in July to August 2015; debriefings from October to December 2015; and alumni activities in February 2016. Applicants are expected to propose a detailed timeline, with final scheduling subject to agreement between the Embassy and the award recipient.

32) When is the exchange intended to take place?

Based on the announcement, the exchange is intended to take place in summer 2015, with final scheduling subject to agreement between the Embassy and the award recipient.

33) How do applicants submit an application?

Applications must be submitted using the Public Diplomacy Grants Program Application form, accessible via Grants.gov or by requesting it from the Embassy.

34) Where should questions and submissions be sent?

Submissions and questions are directed to baghdadpdgrants@state.gov.

35) Is cost sharing required?

Cost sharing is strongly encouraged. It may include allowable direct and indirect costs, but the awardee must maintain auditable documentation for any pledged cost share.

36) How will proposals be reviewed?

Proposals are reviewed by the Embassy Public Diplomacy Grants Committee based on the strength and clarity of the implementation plan (including relevance to IYLEP goals and likelihood of long-term leadership impact), the organization’s capacity and track record (including partners and staffing), and a detailed, realistic budget aligned with allowable cost rules.

37) What is the application deadline?

The deadline for receipt of applications is July 9, 2014.

38) When should applicants expect to hear back?

Applicants are typically notified within 30 days after the deadline.

39) Can the Embassy change the program design, budget, or participant numbers?

Yes. The Embassy retains broad discretion to adjust budgets, program design, and participant numbers based on program needs and funding availability.

40) Does the grant cover the full program cycle through alumni follow-up?

Yes. The planned period of performance (approximately 15 to 20 months) is intended to cover the full cycle from recruitment through alumni follow-up activities.