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April 16th, 2025 at 09:44 am
US Government YLAI Fellowship 2025
The Young Leaders of the Americas Initiative (YLAI) Fellowship Program, organized by the U.S. Department of State, is thrilled to announce that applications are now open for its highly anticipated 2026 cohort. This prestigious program is specifically designed for dynamic and ambitious young entrepreneurs hailing from Latin America, the Caribbean, or Canada.
Suppose you’re looking to elevate your entrepreneurial journey and expand your professional influence across the globe. In that case, this fully funded opportunity offers an invaluable platform to enhance your skills, network with exceptional peers, and gain insights from experienced mentors. The YLAI Fellowship could be the key boost your career needs, providing you with the tools and connections to drive positive change in your community and beyond. Don’t miss the chance to be a part of this transformative experience!
About the YLAI Fellowship
Since its launch in 2015, the YLAI Fellowship Program has supported more than 1,750 rising business leaders by providing them with entrepreneurial leadership abilities and linking them to U.S. companies and organizations. The 2026 program carries on this tradition by offering a comprehensive four-week fellowship experience in the United States, which 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.
Criteria for Selection
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)
Interviews for semifinalists will occur in July 2025, and candidates will receive updates on their status by August 2025.
How to Apply
Application Deadline: The U.S. has opened applications for the 2026 Young Leaders of the Americas Initiative (YLAI) Fellowship Program.
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