Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs

**About ECA** The Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs' (ECA) mission is to increase mutual understanding between the people of the United States and the people of other countries by means of educational and cultural exchange that assist in the development of peaceful relations. ECA strives to embed diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) in all aspects of its work. **What We Do** As mandated by the Mutual Educational and Cultural Exchange Act of 1961, the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) works to build friendly, peaceful relations between the people of the United States and the people of other countries through academic, cultural, sports, and professional exchanges, as well as public -private partnerships. **Who We Engage** In an effort to reflect the diversity of the United States and global society, [ECA programs](http://exchanges.state.gov), funding, and other activities encourage the involvement of American and international participants from traditionally underrepresented groups, including women, racial and ethnic minorities, and people with disabilities. Opportunities are open to people regardless of their race, color, national origin, sex, age, religion, geographic location, socioeconomic status, disability, sexual orientation or gender identity. The Bureau is committed to fairness, equity and inclusion. Artists, educators, athletes, students, [youth](http://eca.state.gov/youth-programs), and rising leaders in the United States and more than 160 countries around the globe participate in academic, [cultural](http://eca.state.gov/cultural-diplomacy), [sports](http://eca.state.gov/programs-initiatives/sports-diplomacy), and professional exchanges.