CONDUCT OF CERTAIN EDUCATIONAL AND CULTURAL EXCHANGE PROGRAMS.

SEC. 402. CONDUCT OF CERTAIN EDUCATIONAL AND CULTURAL EXCHANGE PROGRAMS. Section 102 of the Human Rights, Refugee, and Other Foreign Relations Provisions Act of 1996 (Public Law 104–319; 22 U.S.C. 2452 note) is amended to read as follows: “SEC. 102. CONDUCT OF CERTAIN EDUCATIONAL AND CULTURAL EXCHANGE PROGRAMS. “(a) In General.—In carrying out programs of educational and cultural exchange in countries whose people do not fully enjoy freedom and democracy, the Secretary of State, with the assistance of the Under Secretary of State for Public Diplomacy, shall provide, where appropriate, opportunities for significant participation in such programs to nationals of such countries who are— “(1) human rights or democracy leaders of such countries; or “(2) committed to advancing human rights and democratic values in such countries. “(b) Grantee Organizations.—To the extent practicable, grantee organizations selected to operate programs described in subsection (a) shall be selected through an open competitive process. Among the factors that should be considered in the selection of such a grantee are the willingness and ability of the organization to— “(1) recruit a broad range of participants, including those described in paragraphs (1) and (2) of subsection (a); and “(2) ensure that the governments of the countries described in subsection (a) do not have inappropriate influence in the selection process.” .