Our network comes up with innovative solutions to community-based challenges. We fund exchanges for them to build solutions that work across the Western Hemisphere.
The Education and Culture Program aims to bridge the capacities and networks of volunteers, civic and community leaders, NGOs, educators, social entrepreneurs, and professionals in the United States, Latin America and the Caribbean to serve as change agents in their communities and allows participants to share best practices, design community solutions, and build long-lasting relationships. Since 1983, the Education and Culture Program has been funded by the U.S. Department of State and implemented by Partners of the Americas.
The Program connects leaders, educators, volunteers, and professionals from across the Americas through people-to-people exchanges. These opportunities build skills, spark collaboration, and strengthen communities while highlighting shared priorities like education and economic growth.
In 2025, the program will support up to 26 exchange participants under the themes of (1) economic growth and entrepreneurship and (2) education:
- Group Exchanges (9 + 9 participants) – Apply as an individual to pre-designed programs that bring participants together around common themes such as workforce development, education, and innovation.
- Individual Self-Designed Exchanges (8 participants) – Flexible opportunities for participants to design their own 7–10 day agenda in partnership with a host Partners Chapter or organizational member. Applicants and hosts work together in advance to shape goals, plan visits, and include cultural activities that deepen understanding.
Through these exchanges, participants gain new skills, strengthen professional networks, and grow personally. At the same time, they share their own expertise and perspectives, ensuring the exchanges are collaborative and mutually beneficial. Together, these experiences contribute to safer, stronger, and more prosperous communities across the Hemisphere.
Apply By October 31, 2025 at 11:59pm ET!
What opportunities are available?
Individual Exchanges: Agenda planned independently with chosen host.
Group Exchange: Individual applies to a pre-planned exchange program.
| Individual Exchanges (Between US and Latin America) | Group Exchange (Mexico to US) | Group Exchange (Latin America to US) | |
| Title | Individual Exchanges | TechnoCreatives: Educators and Creators for a Tech Skills Future for Youth | STEAM Education Alliance of the Americas: An Entrepreneurial Look Into the Sciences |
| Dates | Between January 20 – April 10 (7-10 days) | February 8-15, 2026 | February 23 – March 8, 2026 |
| Theme(s) | Economic Growth and Entrepreneurship OR Education | Education | Economic Growth and Entrepreneurship |
| Host | Partners Chapter or Organizational Member | ProSociedad | Colorado Chapter |
| Locations | Between the United States and an Education and Culture Program country listed under “eligibility” | Jalisco, Mexico to Florida and Washington, DC, United States | Education and Culture Program Countries to Colorado, Wyoming, and Washington, DC, United States |
| Agenda | Applicants and hosts design it together | Pre-designed | Pre-designed |
| Learn More | Call for Applications | Call for Applications | |
| Apply | Application | Application | Application |
Opportunity Timeline
| Stage | Date |
| Open Application | Wednesday, October 1, 2025 |
| Deadline | Friday, October 31, 2025 at 11:59pm ET |
| Informational Session | Thursday, October 16, 2025 – 4-4:30 PM ET (English) |
| Award Notification | December 15, 2025 |
| Travel Dates (Group Exchanges) | EcoCreatives: Educators and Creators for a Tech Skills Future for Youth – February 8-15, 2026 STEAM Education Alliance of the Americas: An Entrepreneurial Look Into the Sciences – February 23 – March 8, 2026 |
| Exchange Dates (Individual Exchanges) | Anytime between |
Eligibility
Applying for a group exchange? Please review any additional eligibility requirements in the call for applications above. All applicants must:
- Be 18 years old or older by the time the program begins
- Be a citizen and resident of one of the following countries (reside in the same country one is a citizen of):
- Antigua and Barbuda; Argentina; Bahamas; Barbados; Belize; Bolivia; Brazil; Chile; Colombia; Costa Rica; Cuba; Dominica; Dominican Republic; Ecuador; El Salvador; Grenada; Guatemala; Guyana; Haiti; Honduras; Jamaica; Mexico; Nicaragua; Panama; Paraguay; Peru; Saint Kits and Nevis; Saint Lucia; St. Vincent and the Grenadines; Suriname; Trinidad and Tobago; The United States; Uruguay; Venezuela
- Not a Partners of the Americas employee
- If traveling to the US, be eligible to obtain a U.S. J-1 visa
- Including proficiency in English.
- Learn more about the J-1 visa here.
- Note: If selected, a social media review will be a part of the J-1 visa process.
- Have a valid passport for six months post-travel
- Be able to attend the virtual and in-person programming
- Ability to submit the application online by the application deadline
- Priority will be given to applicants who have not received a US-government funded exchange grant in the past two years.
Themes
All applicants must apply under the following theme. Click on the theme to learn more.
Economic Growth and Entrepreneurship
Exchanges should equip individuals and organizations with the skills, networks, and resources needed for long-term economic success, supporting stable and legal employment pathways that contribute to regional prosperity and security. Programs should strengthen job markets and align technical training with industry demands, ensuring participants can apply lessons learned to foster growth in their home communities and support host communities in their strengthening as well.
Example focus areas: Vocational and entrepreneurial training, workforce development exchanges, small business support, and strategies that promote economic security and expand opportunity.
Education
Exchanges should expand educational opportunities and strengthen learning ecosystems that strengthen individuals and communities across the Hemisphere. Programs should engage participants/host communities in capacity development, workforce-aligned education, and strategies that improve education quality.
Example focus areas: Classroom innovation, STEAM education, after-school academic enrichment, literacy initiatives, and skills-based training that prepare individuals to meet evolving workforce needs.
Application Resources
- Informational Session
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Calls for Applications
- Contact Us Form
The Education and Culture Program is sponsored by the U.S. Department of State with funding provided by the U.S. Government and supported in its implementation by Partners of the Americas.