Applications open for STEM Alliance Grant Competition

The 100,000 Strong in the Americas Innovation Fund, supported by the U.S. Department of State and Partners of the Americas, invites higher education institutions (HEIs) from the United States, Central America, and the Caribbean to apply for the STEM Alliance Grant Competition. This initiative promotes educational excellence and fosters innovation in STEM fields across the Western Hemisphere. The deadline for applications is 18 October 2026.

Opportunity at a Glance:

- Provider: Partners of the Americas and the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs

- Opportunity Type: Grant Competition

- Funding: Up to $32,000 USD per award; approximately 10 awards available

- Eligible Applicants: Higher education institutions in the U.S., Central America, and the Caribbean

- Eligible Countries: U.S., Belize, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Panama, Antigua & Barbuda, The Bahamas, Barbados, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Grenada, Jamaica, Saint Kitts & Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad & Tobago, Suriname

- Application Deadline: 18 October 2026

- Program Duration: Not specified in the source

About the Opportunity

The STEM Alliance Grant Competition is designed to enhance collaboration between U.S. and regional HEIs in Central America and the Caribbean to create innovative exchange and training programs. These programs aim to develop critical skills in technical, linguistic, and leadership areas, while strengthening educational and workforce partnerships across the hemisphere.

Funding and Benefits:

- Award Amount: Up to $32,000 USD per recipient

- Number of Awards: Approximately 10

- Benefits: Financial support to design and implement exchange and training programs in STEM and related fields

Who Is Eligible?

- Eligible Applicants: Higher education institutions in the United States and eligible countries in Central America and the Caribbean

- Partnership Requirement: Proposals must include at least one HEI from the U.S. and one from an eligible country in Central America or the Caribbean

Eligible Activities or Priority Areas:

- Programs must focus on themes such as: - Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) - Critical Minerals - Semiconductors - Artificial Intelligence - Entrepreneurship - Agricultural and Food Science

Why This Opportunity Matters:

This grant competition provides a unique opportunity for HEIs to expand international partnerships, enhance educational programs, and position the U.S. as a leading destination for global educational exchanges. It supports the development of essential skills that are crucial for addressing regional and global challenges.

How to Apply:

- Join the Innovation Network: Register for free to receive updates and resources.

- Review the Request for Proposals (RFP): Access the RFP for detailed eligibility and proposal requirements.

- Prepare Your Proposal: Design a proposal that includes collaboration between U.S. and regional HEIs focusing on the specified priority areas.

- Submit Your Application: Use the official application portal to submit your proposal by 18 October 2026.

Application Tips or Common Mistakes:

- General Advice: Attend informational webinars available in English and Spanish to better understand the eligibility and proposal requirements.

- Common Mistakes: Ensure all partnership requirements are met and proposals are aligned with the program themes.

Frequently Asked Questions:

What is the maximum funding amount available per award? Each award can provide up to $32,000 USD. Which countries are eligible to participate? Eligible countries include the U.S., Belize, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Panama, and several Caribbean nations. What are the main focus areas for proposals? Proposals should focus on STEM, critical minerals, semiconductors, artificial intelligence, entrepreneurship, and agricultural and food science. When is the application deadline? The deadline to submit applications is 18 October 2026. Where can I find more information on eligibility and application requirements? Refer to the Request for Proposals (RFP) linked on the official opportunity page.

Next Steps:

Eligible institutions are encouraged to review the official guidelines and prepare their proposals ahead of the deadline. Joining the Innovation Network will provide access to valuable resources and updates that can assist in the application process.