Exchanges Aren’t Going Anywhere: Leaked State Department Memo and What It Means for Exchanges

119 Congress47 Presidential Admini...
Written By Mark Overmann

On Monday, April 14, The Washington Post broke the news that a leaked internal Administration memo proposed cutting the State Department by 48% and eliminating the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) and its exchange programs. 

While the memo is concerning and must be taken seriously, context is key: the memo is a proposal of a potential proposal and doesn’t mean the imminent elimination of ECA and exchange programs. 

This memo is a part of an annual process for creating the President’s Budget Request, or PBR. The memo is the State Department’s response to the Office of Management and Budget’s (OMB) request for input on funding levels as it creates the PBR for FY26. And ultimately, it’s Congress that determines final funding numbers. If you’re interested in learning more about this process, I highly encourage you to read Alliance Assistant Director and Head of Advocacy and Government Relations Adrienne Jacobs' excellent analysis here.  

Exchange programs aren’t going anywhere, not if we have anything to say about it. We at the Alliance, along with our members, supporters, and partners, are working tirelessly to promote and protect international exchange programs. For those interested in staying up to date on the latest policy news and advocacy opportunities, visit our 47th Presidential Administration webpage. 

Mark Overmann

Executive Director

Mark Overmann joined the Alliance as Executive Director in 2022, after having served as Assistant Director and Deputy Director from 2009-2015. Mark has nearly 20 years of experience in the NGO, association, federal, and university sectors. He excels at association management, government relations, including extensive work with the U.S. Department of State and Congress, strategic communications, and organizational development.

Mark also served as a Senior Manager at Accenture Federal Services supporting global health and diplomacy programs; Vice President of External Affairs at InterExchange; Director of College Communications at Georgetown University; and Program Associate for Communications at Global Ties U.S.

Mark has a bachelor’s in English from the University of Notre Dame and a master’s in International Communication from American University’s School of International Service. He is co-author with Sherry Mueller of Working World: Careers in International Education, Exchange, and Development (Georgetown University Press, 2008, 2014). He studied abroad during college in Angers, France, and taught English in Yanji, China, along the North Korean border.

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