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Study in USA | US Government YLAI Fellowship 2026
The Young Leaders of the Americas Initiative (YLAI) Fellowship Program, organized by the U.S. Department of State, is now accepting applications for its 2026 cohort. This program targets young entrepreneurs from Latin America, the Caribbean, and Canada.
If you want to advance your business and expand your global reach, this fully funded fellowship offers a great opportunity to develop your skills, connect with fellow entrepreneurs, and learn from experienced mentors. The YLAI Fellowship can help you make a positive impact in your community and beyond. Don’t miss out on this transformative experience!
About the YLAI Fellowship
The YLAI Fellowship Program, launched in 2015, has helped over 1,750 emerging business leaders by enhancing their entrepreneurial skills and connecting them with U.S. companies. The 2026 program continues this tradition with a four-week fellowship experience in the United States that includes:
- Professional Placement: Participants will be paired with U.S.-based host companies relevant to their entrepreneurial field to create and enhance their Entrepreneurial Leadership Action Plan (E-LAP).
- Entrepreneurial Leadership Program: Created by IREX together with Arizona State University, this hybrid online and face-to-face curriculum offers technical training and leadership growth. Digital learning platform.
- Inaugural Orientation & Final Forum: Participants will commence the program with an official welcome and wrap up with an engaging forum in Washington, D.C., featuring elite networking opportunities with U.S. government representatives and business executives.
- Post-Fellowship Assistance: Once back home, YLAI Fellows retain ongoing access to mentorship, alumni events, and might also invite their U.S. placement partner via the Outbound Exchange Program.
Should travel be limited during the program duration, activities will be held online to maintain safety and ongoing participation.
Financial Coverage
Chosen Fellows will obtain extensive financial assistance, comprising:
- Round-trip plane tickets to and from the U.S.
- Sponsorship for J-1 visa (please note: dependents are not permitted)
- Housing and meal allowances
- Insurance coverage for health during the program
- Travel domestically in the U.S. for fellowship-related events.
- No fees for applications or participation
Eligibility Requirements
Candidates must fulfill the following requirements:
- Must be aged 25 to 35 years by January 1, 2026.
- Be a citizen and resident of one of the qualifying countries*
- Possess at least two (02) years of experience managing their own business.
- Do not possess U.S. citizenship or permanent residency.
- Qualify for a J-1 visa
- Possess excellent English skills and submit all application answers without relying on generative AI.
- Be dedicated to utilizing their entrepreneurial abilities for the betterment of the community.
Most countries in Latin America and the Caribbean are eligible, along with Canada, Aruba, Curacao, and St. Maarten. For Aruba, Curacao, and St. Maarten, Dutch nationality is recognized.
Selection Criteria
Choosing candidates is very competitive and based on merit. There will be an assessment of candidates based on:
- Exhibited entrepreneurial skills and business development.
- Participation in the community and involvement in public service
- Strong alignment between individual aspirations and YLAI program aims.
- Traits of leadership, determination, and proactivity
- Capability to convey ideas clearly in English (assessed during in-person interviews)
How to Apply
Application Deadline: The U.S. has opened applications for the 2026 Young Leaders of the Americas Initiative (YLAI) Fellowship Program. Interviews for semifinalists will occur in July 2025, and candidates will receive updates on their status by August 2025.
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