Senator Paul Simon Study Abroad Program Act of 2026

This bill would direct the Secretary of State to rename the existing IDEAS Program as the Senator Paul Simon Study Abroad Program and expand it. The program would award competitive grants to colleges and universities, alone or in groups, that submit plans to increase study abroad, including health and safety procedures. The program's stated goals are for at least 1 million U.S. undergraduates to study abroad each year within 10 years, for participants to reflect the makeup of the undergraduate population, and for more students to study in less common destinations such as developing countries. Grant funds would go to direct student costs, and the Secretary would report to Congress each year. The bill authorizes such sums as may be necessary starting in fiscal year 2027.

Full text and official record on Congress.gov

Sponsors

• Bradley Scott Schneider Democrat sponsor
• 1 cosponsors