RFAs: American Studies Tour for Canadian Students

Deadline: 17-Jul-2026

The U.S. Department of State Consulate General Toronto is seeking proposals from eligible higher education institutions and nonprofit organizations to implement a study tour program for Canadian university students. The program provides funding between $50,000 and $100,000 to support educational travel in the United States focused on American history, constitutional development, civic values, federalism, and governance, along with post-tour knowledge-sharing activities.

What is the U.S. Department of State Study Tour Program?

The Study Tour Program is an educational exchange initiative designed to help Canadian university students gain a deeper understanding of the historical foundations, constitutional principles, and institutional development of the United States.

Through immersive visits to historically significant locations and engagement with academic experts, participants will explore key events and ideas that shaped the United States, including the American Revolution, the drafting of the Constitution, and the evolution of the federal system.

The program combines experiential learning, academic discussions, cultural exchange, and post-tour outreach activities to strengthen understanding of U.S. history and governance among future Canadian leaders.

Funding Overview

Grant Amount

• Minimum funding: $50,000
• Maximum funding: $100,000

Funding Provider

• U.S. Department of State
• U.S. Consulate General Toronto

Funding Purpose

Funding supports:

• Educational study tours in the United States
• Academic lectures and seminars
• Travel and program implementation costs
• Cultural and institutional visits
• Post-tour educational projects and outreach activities

Program Objectives

The initiative aims to:

• Increase understanding of American history and governance.
• Explore the origins of the United States and its constitutional framework.
• Promote academic engagement between Canada and the United States.
• Foster cross-border educational exchange.
• Develop future leaders in public service, education, diplomacy, and international affairs.
• Encourage participants to share knowledge with broader audiences.

Key Focus Areas

American Founding History

Participants will study:

• The American Revolution
• Colonial history
• Independence movements
• Founding documents
• Nation-building processes

U.S. Constitution and Federalism

The program explores:

• Constitutional development
• Separation of powers
• Federal and state government relations
• Democratic institutions
• Rule of law

Civic Values and Governance

Key themes include:

• Democratic participation
• Civic engagement
• Constitutional rights
• Public institutions
• Political culture

Cultural and Educational Exchange

Participants will engage with:

• Universities
• Museums
• Historical sites
• Research institutions
• Cultural organizations

Program Activities

Educational Study Tour

The core activity is a short-term study tour in the United States that includes:

• Visits to historically significant sites.
• Meetings with historians and scholars.
• Academic lectures.
• Guided discussions.
• Institutional visits.

Academic Learning Components

Participants may take part in:

• Workshops
• Expert presentations
• Panel discussions
• Interactive seminars
• Research-focused activities

Historical Site Visits

Potential destinations may include:

• American Revolution landmarks
• Constitutional Convention sites
• National museums
• Historic government institutions
• Presidential and civic heritage locations

Who is Eligible?

Eligible Applicants

Organizations eligible to apply include:

Higher Education Institutions

• Universities
• Colleges
• Academic institutions with experience managing educational exchange programs

Nonprofit Organizations

• Educational nonprofits
• Cultural organizations
• International exchange organizations
• Public policy and civic education organizations

Applicants should demonstrate the capacity to design, manage, and implement international educational programs.

Who Can Participate?

The program is intended for:

• Canadian undergraduate students
• Canadian graduate students

Priority academic fields include:

• American Studies
• History
• Political Science
• International Relations
• Public Policy
• Related disciplines

Participants must be enrolled at Canadian universities.

Expected Outcomes

The program seeks to produce:

• Improved understanding of U.S. history.
• Greater knowledge of American institutions and governance.
• Stronger academic connections between Canada and the United States.
• Increased civic awareness and leadership development.
• Enhanced cross-border understanding.

Post-Tour Knowledge Sharing Requirements

A unique feature of the program is the requirement for participants to share their learning after returning to Canada.

Examples of Post-Tour Projects

Participants may develop:

• Public presentations
• Academic workshops
• Research papers
• Community discussions
• Educational resources
• Campus events
• Digital content and outreach initiatives

These activities help extend the program’s impact beyond the immediate participants.

Why This Program Matters

Understanding the historical foundations of the United States is valuable for students pursuing careers in:

• Government
• Public policy
• Diplomacy
• International relations
• Education
• Research
• Law

The program encourages critical examination of how historical events and constitutional principles continue to shape contemporary American politics, governance, and public policy.

It also strengthens educational and cultural ties between Canada and the United States.

How to Apply

Step 1: Confirm Eligibility

Ensure your institution or organization qualifies under the program requirements.

Step 2: Design the Study Tour

Develop a detailed program that includes:

• Educational objectives
• Proposed travel itinerary
• Historical and cultural site visits
• Academic engagement activities
• Learning outcomes

Step 3: Develop Participant Selection Criteria

Clearly explain:

• Target student groups
• Recruitment methods
• Selection process
• Diversity and inclusion considerations

Step 4: Create a Post-Tour Engagement Plan

Outline how participants will:

• Share knowledge
• Engage wider audiences
• Disseminate learning outcomes

Step 5: Prepare Budget and Proposal

Include:

• Program costs
• Travel expenses
• Educational activities
• Administrative expenses
• Outreach and dissemination activities

Step 6: Submit the Application

Submit all required documentation according to the funding opportunity guidelines.

Tips for a Competitive Proposal

Demonstrate Educational Impact

Clearly explain how the program will strengthen participants’ understanding of:

• American history
• Constitutional development
• Governance systems

Include Strong Academic Components

Programs should integrate:

• Expert lectures
• Institutional visits
• Research opportunities
• Interactive discussions

Plan Meaningful Follow-Up Activities

Post-tour dissemination plans should be:

• Practical
• Measurable
• Broad-reaching

Show Organizational Capacity

Demonstrate experience managing:

• Educational programs
• Student exchanges
• International travel
• Academic events

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Focusing primarily on tourism rather than education.
• Weak academic content.
• Limited historical relevance in proposed destinations.
• Insufficient participant engagement plans.
• Lack of post-tour dissemination activities.
• Incomplete budgets or implementation plans.
• Poor alignment with program objectives.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Who can apply for funding?

Eligible higher education institutions and nonprofit organizations may apply.

2. How much funding is available?

Awards range from $50,000 to $100,000.

3. Who are the intended participants?

Canadian undergraduate and graduate students studying American Studies, history, political science, international relations, or related fields.

4. What topics should the study tour cover?

The program should focus on American history, the American Revolution, constitutional development, federalism, civic values, and governance.

5. Are post-tour activities required?

Yes. Participants are expected to develop projects that share their learning with wider Canadian audiences.

6. Can nonprofit organizations apply?

Yes. Eligible nonprofit organizations with relevant experience may submit proposals.

7. What is the long-term goal of the program?

The initiative seeks to develop informed future leaders while strengthening educational and cultural understanding between Canada and the United States.

Conclusion

The U.S. Department of State Study Tour Program offers a valuable opportunity for educational institutions and nonprofit organizations to provide Canadian students with first-hand exposure to the historical, constitutional, and civic foundations of the United States. Through academic study, experiential learning, and public knowledge-sharing, the program helps cultivate future leaders with a deeper understanding of American governance, history, and international engagement.

For more information, visit Grants.gov.