ED and State Departments to Award $80 Million in International Education Grants

Funding for international education provided under Title VI of the Higher Education Act has been reworked into two international education programs under a new interagency agreement between the Departments of Education and State.

In a joint grant competition announcement, the agencies are making $70 million available for Centers Aligned with Areas for National Need (CANN) in place of a Title VI competition, and $10 million for Mutual Education and Cultural Exchange (MECE) programs, in place of Fulbright-Hayes awards.

CANN awards will be made to teach languages of strategic importance to the national security and economic prosperity of the United States, provide instruction on critical regions, and support research and training in international studies. Awards are estimated to range between $1.2 and $1.4 million for 48-month projects. Applications are due July 7, 2026.

MECE awards will be made to promote, improve, and develop the study of modern foreign language training and area studies in U.S. schools, colleges, and universities by supporting visits and study in foreign countries by teachers and prospective teachers. Awards are estimated to range between $2.55 million and $5.1million for 36-month projects. Applications are due July 15, 2026.

For more information, please contact:
Stephanie Giesecke