YLAI Fellowship Program 2027 | Call for Applications
The U.S. Department of State and IREX invite young entrepreneurs from Latin America and the Caribbean to apply for the Young Leaders of the Americas Initiative (YLAI) Fellowship. The program builds entrepreneurial leadership and business networks across the Western Hemisphere. Applications close on 8 November 2026.
Program Snapshot
- Host Organization: U.S. Department of State, administered by IREX
- Funding: Fully funded; no application fee
- Participants: About 250 young entrepreneurs
- Age Range: 25 to 35 by 1 January 2027
- Format: Online training, plus a four-week professional placement in the United States
- Deadline: 8 November 2026, 11:59 PM EST
Focus Areas
- Entrepreneurial leadership
- Trade and job creation
- Business networking
- Economic development in home communities
About the Fellowship
The program follows a hybrid model. Fellows complete self-paced online modules built by IREX and Arizona State University. They also join live virtual events. Next, they travel to the United States for a four-week placement at a business in their sector. Placements take place in 18 U.S. cities. Fellows work with their U.S. host on a business action plan. They then carry out that plan back home. The program ends with a Closing Forum in Washington, D.C.
Travel is unaccompanied, and fellows must complete every activity. Graduates join an alumni network of more than 2,100 entrepreneurs. They gain access to alumni grants and further development opportunities.
What Fellows Receive
- J-1 visa support
- Round-trip travel to the United States and domestic U.S. travel
- Entrepreneurship coursework, coaching, and mentoring
- Orientation in Houston, Texas
- A four-week placement with a U.S. business host
- A limited accident and sickness benefit plan
- A housing and meal stipend
- Dependents do not receive visa support.
Who Can Apply
Applicants must meet these requirements:
- Be 25 to 35 years old by 1 January 2027
- Be a citizen and resident of a participating country in Latin America or the Caribbean
- Qualify for a U.S. J-1 visa
- Show at least two years of growing their own for-profit business
- Not be a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or government employee, or related to one
- Have professional-level English
- Participating countries include Brazil, Colombia, Mexico, Jamaica, and Peru. Check the official page for the full list.
Required Materials
The online application has eight parts and takes two to three hours. Sections cover personal details, experience, entrepreneurial profile, short essays, and English ability. All answers must be your own. Copied text leads to disqualification.
How to Apply
Complete the online application before the deadline. Reviewers then select semifinalists. U.S. Embassies interview semifinalists in late 2026 or early 2027. Final results arrive by late February 2027. Email apply.ylaifellowship@irex.org with questions.
Click Here to Apply
Conclusion
YLAI offers a rare chance to grow a business with U.S. partners at no cost. Eligible entrepreneurs should start their essays early and apply before 8 November 2026.
