STEM Alliance Grant Competition

Overview

Partners of the Americas (POA), in coordination with the Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs at the U.S. Department of State (WHA/DOS), invites higher education institutions (HEIs) in the United States and eligible countries in Central America and the Caribbean to work in teams to submit proposals for consideration for an award in the 100,000 Strong in the Americas (100K Strong) STEM Alliance Grant Competition. 

This 100K Strong STEM Alliance Grant Competition champions American educational excellence, spurs innovation, and creates long-term partnerships that ensure a stronger, safer, and more prosperous Hemisphere. 

HEIs in the United States are invited to partner with regional HEIs in eligible countries in Central America and/or the Caribbean to design innovative exchange and training programs that develop critical technical, linguistic, and leadership skills; expand domestic and regional partnerships; and, position the United States as the premier destination for educational exchange and workforce training opportunities. 

This regional 100K Strong competition will provide approximately ten (10) awards of up to $32,000 each to teams of HEIs in the United States with regional HEIs in Central America or the Caribbean. 

Teams of HEIs are encouraged to create partnerships and design targeted exchange programs in eligible thematic areas and according to the requirements outlined in this RFP. HEIs are strongly encouraged to join the informational webinars focused on best practices for 100K Strong grant proposals that POA will conduct in late August and early September. 

Please note: If selected, HEIs need to carry out proposed 100K Strong programming from December 2026 through December 2027. Awards are subject to the proposal evaluation, recommendations, and final selection processes.

Educational exchanges advance priorities throughout the United States and Latin America by expanding education opportunities and workforce development, building institutional capacity, strengthening economic ties, and building trusted alliances. 

The 100,000 Strong in the Americas (100K Strong) regional education initiative is coordinated by the Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs (WHA/DOS) and Partners of the Americas (POA), with support and engagement from U.S. embassies and regional public, private, and academic partners. 100K Strong champions American excellence, spurs innovation, and ensures a more safe, secure, and prosperous Hemisphere. 100K Strong’s cross-sector partnerships advance priorities in the Western Hemisphere by: 

• Strengthening Security: Fosters regional cooperation and builds networks of trusted cross-sector partners with shared values. 
• Increasing Prosperity: Develops technical skills and creates innovative partnerships that drive opportunity and economic growth. 
• Positioning America as Preferred Partner: Establishes long-term, multi-sector alliances that deepen connections between the United States and regional leaders. 
• Leveraging America's Leadership in Higher Education: Advances U.S. excellence and innovation in science, technology, and business, to prepare future leaders. 

Proven Track Record: Over thirteen years (2013-2026), the 100K Strong Initiative has: 

• Awarded 352 grants on competitive basis to 618 higher education institutions (HEIs) in 26 countries and 48 U.S. states 
• Engaged and benefitted 13,800+ students and faculty – and counting 
• Created education and business networks in the United States and Latin America 
• Showcased American excellence, innovation, technology leadership 

The digital 100K Strong Network of 4,200+ members, including 2,300 HEIs, provides a trusted online platform that provides opportunities to build partnerships that expand U.S. and regional education cooperation.

Institutions may submit multiple proposals.

Proposals must include at least one (1) HEI in the U.S. and at least one (1) HEI in an eligible country in Central America and/or the Caribbean. 

Teams of HEIs can build on current or create new partnerships for this regional 100K grant competition. HEIs with credit-bearing programs, including two-year and four-year degreeissuing universities/colleges (public and private), U.S. community colleges, and postsecondary institutions in the eligible countries listed above are invited to submit proposals. 

First-time applicants, or HEIs that have not previously received a grant, are encouraged to apply. The 100K Strong Review Committee, coordinated by POA, in collaboration with WHA/DOS, reserves the right to give preference to HEIs that have not previously received grants; however, all HEIs (including previous winners) are eligible to submit proposals for consideration.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Grant Competitions.

[RD Note: This opportunity requires a partnership between at least one U.S. higher education institution and an institution in an eligible Central American or Caribbean country, with proposed activities centered on international exchange and/or training.]