What does Preamble of Senator Paul Simon Study Abroad Program Act of 2026 do?

This bill aims to increase the number of students graduating college with international knowledge and experience. It proposes the establishment of the Senator Paul Simon Study Abroad Program within the Department of State. The stated goal is to equip students with skills necessary for success in the global economy.

What does SHORT TITLE. of Senator Paul Simon Study Abroad Program Act of 2026 do?

This bill is formally titled the Senator Paul Simon Study Abroad Program Act of 2026.

What does FINDINGS. of Senator Paul Simon Study Abroad Program Act of 2026 do?

This section outlines findings related to study abroad opportunities for U.S. college students. It asserts that study abroad programs are crucial for preparing students for the modern global economy, providing international knowledge, language skills, and cultural understanding. Currently, only 10% of U.S. college students study abroad before graduation, with minority, first-generation, community college, and students with disabilities being particularly underrepresented. The Lincoln Commission, established in 2004, recommended expanding study abroad opportunities, especially in developing nations. The Commission emphasized the importance of administrative and faculty leadership in promoting study abroad. Student health, safety, and security during study abroad are identified as priorities. Study abroad participation significantly decreased during the 2020-2021 academic year and has not fully recovered. Increasing access to study abroad is deemed critical for maintaining U.S. leadership and ensuring student success in a global economy.

What does PURPOSES. of Senator Paul Simon Study Abroad Program Act of 2026 do?

This Act aims to increase student access to quality study abroad opportunities, particularly for low-income students and students of color. The Act seeks to ensure that the diversity of students studying abroad mirrors the diversity of students and institutions of higher education in the United States. It encourages expanding study abroad destinations, especially to developing countries. The Act intends to promote greater commitment from U.S. institutions of higher education to expand study abroad opportunities.

What does SENATOR PAUL SIMON STUDY ABROAD PROGRAM. of Senator Paul Simon Study Abroad Program Act of 2026 do?

This section establishes the Senator Paul Simon Study Abroad Program. The program aims to rename the IDEAS Program (or its successor) and enhance it. The objectives of the program include increasing the number of undergraduate students studying abroad to at least 1,000,000 annually within 10 years. The program also seeks to increase participation from underrepresented groups and expand study abroad opportunities to nontraditional destinations, particularly in developing countries. The Secretary of State will award competitive grants to institutions of higher education, either individually or through a consortium, to achieve these objectives. Priority for grants will be given to minority-serving institutions, eligible institutions qualifying for the Strengthening Institutions Program, and institutions with significant world language learning components. The Secretary of State is directed to consider recommendations from the Lincoln Commission, emphasizing student cost support, diversity, and quality control. The Secretary of State must consult with diverse institutions and organizations in implementing the program. An annual report detailing the program's implementation will be submitted to the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations and the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.

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Senator Paul Simon Study Abroad Program Act of 2026

Last updated: 5/14/2026 · Introduced: 5/14/2026

Author: Bradley Schneider (D-IL)

TL;DR (AI)

This bill establishes the Senator Paul Simon Study Abroad Program to increase the number of U.S. undergraduate students studying abroad to at least 1,000,000 annually within 10 years.
The program will award grants to institutions of higher education, prioritizing minority-serving institutions and those with world language learning components, to expand study abroad opportunities, particularly to developing countries.
The Secretary of State will oversee the program, considering recommendations from the Lincoln Commission and submitting annual reports to Congress on its implementation.

119th Congressin committeeS. 4541(In Committee)Official page

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Includes provisions on preamble, short title., and 3 more.

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