Stanford Fisher Family Summer Program 2027 in the USA (Fully Funded)
Applications are open for the Stanford Fisher Family Summer Program 2027, formerly the Draper Hills Summer Fellows Program. Stanford’s Center on Democracy, Development, and the Rule of Law (CDDRL) hosts this three-week programme. It strengthens leadership skills and deepens understanding of democracy, development, and the rule of law. The programme takes 28 to 30 fellows each year.
Program Snapshot
- Host Organization: Center on Democracy, Development, and the Rule of Law (CDDRL), Stanford University
- Funding: Accommodation, meals, and transportation costs covered; small travel fund available
- Dates: July 18 to August 6, 2027
- Location: Freeman Spogli Institute for International Studies, Stanford, California
- Awards: 28 to 30 fellows
- Eligibility: Mid-career professionals from countries where democracy is not well entrenched
- Application Deadline: January 12, 2027
Focus Areas
- Democracy and democratic governance
- Development and good governance
- The rule of law
- Leadership and civic engagement
About the Programme
Fellows live on the Stanford campus. They take classes with leading Stanford faculty. They also explore cutting-edge research and ideas. The programme builds a peer network of democratic leaders. Applicants come from government, academia, law, business, and civil society.
What Fellows Receive
The programme covers accommodation and meals on campus. It also covers transportation costs. A small travel fund helps those who cannot afford to travel to California. Fellows gain faculty access and join a global alumni community. No application fee applies.
Who Can Apply
Applicants must be from, and currently live in, a country where democracy is not well entrenched. The programme excludes highly democratic nations, including the U.S., Canada, Australia, Japan, and EU states. Applicants should be mid-career professionals with a proven record in a relevant field. They must hold a bachelor’s degree. Full-time university students cannot apply. IELTS or TOEFL is not required.
Required Materials
Applicants submit a CV and complete essay questions. They also provide a video submission and financial information. References and letters of recommendation are required. Sections on career information, essays, the video, and references need the most attention.
How to Apply
Submit your online application before January 12, 2027.
Click Here to Apply
Conclusion
This programme offers a highly valuable, largely funded three weeks at Stanford for democracy leaders. Competition is strong, with only 28 to 30 places. Applicants should check country eligibility before starting. Confirm all details through CDDRL’s official page.
