As in previous years, Representative Hank Johnson (D-GA-4) and Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) are circulating bipartisan sign-on letters in support of FY2026 funding for educational and cultural exchange programs.
In this short video message, I share a few thoughts about our ongoing efforts to recruit host families and send students abroad. I’ll also provide insight on the White House’s proposed budget and what it means for programs like ours.
Released this past Friday, the President’s FY26 budget proposal would essentially eliminate State Department international exchange programs. I am writing to you, as I need you to write to your members of Congress now and tell them to reject this budget proposal!
On behalf of everyone at AFS-USA, I want to extend our heartfelt gratitude for your participation in advocating for the timely distribution
Rep. Chellie Pingree is leading a Dear Colleague letter to Secretary Rubio about the grants freeze. You can see the text of the letter here. We ask that you please reach out to your Members of Congress to ask them to co-sign the letter.
We need immediate action from Congress to demand the Department of State release these critical funds. We urge you to contact your Senators and Representatives and share the real impact of this funding freeze—on students, host families, and communities across the U.S.
If you’re wondering what you can do to help during this very challenging time, let me tell you in a very straightforward way – we need you to welcome a student into your home for a few weeks this fall to ensure they can participate on the program and start school.
View the message from the President of AFS-USA, here!
Please take a few minutes to watch this video message.
Please consider welcoming one or more of these students into your home for a few weeks while a permanent family can be found.