The 2024–25 YLAI fellowship program, intended for young entrepreneurs, is currently accepting applications. Over a thousand fellows have benefited from this fully financed program, which is run by IREX and sponsored by the US Department of State. It provides a remarkable global forum for networking and understanding. It connects participants with US businesses and social enterprises while offering training in entrepreneurial leadership for entrepreneurs. The program promotes diversity and inclusivity and is merit-based and available to everybody.
Through four weeks of professional placement, forums, workshops, an entrepreneurial leadership curriculum, and chances for continuous participation, YLAI Fellows acquire skills. Through the Outbound Exchange Program, fellows can even host US partners in their home countries after completing their work together. For further information on qualifications, benefits, eligibility, and the application process, see this article.
Host Country: United States of America
Host Organization: Young Leaders of the Americas Initiative
Funding Type: Fully funded
Opportunity Type: Fellowships
Program Components:
- YLAI Entrepreneurial Leadership Curriculum,
- YLAI Orientation upon arrival in the United States,
- YLAI Concluding Forum held in the United States,
- Post-Fellowship Continuing Engagement.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Candidate nationals must be citizens or permanent residents of one of the following participating nations: Dominican Republic, Dominica, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Grenada, Guyana, Honduras, Haiti, Jamaica, Mexico, Nicaragua, Paraguay, Panama, Peru, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname, St. Maarten, Trinidad and Tobago, St. Kitts and Nevis, Uruguay, and Venezuela.
- Candidates must be qualified to receive a J-1 US visa.
- Candidates must have at least two years of verified experience managing their own company or charitable endeavour successfully.
- Candidates cannot be US citizens or lawful permanent residents.
- Candidates cannot work for the US government.
Benefits:
- There is no cost associated with applying to the 2025 Young Leaders of the Americas Initiative.
- The J-1 visa application process will be assisted for those who are successful.
- The applicant’s round-trip travel costs from their native nation to the US will be reimbursed.
- If appropriate, the fellowship program will also provide domestic travel reimbursement inside the United States.
- The YLAI Entrepreneurial Leadership Curriculum, the US Opening Orientation, and the Washington, DC Closing Forum will all be accessible to participants.
- Included is a four-week professional placement with a host company.
- Benefits for illnesses or accidents will be given.
- The applicant will receive a living stipend.
- There will be meal stipends available for the YLAI fellowship in 2025.
Deadline: June 5, 2024
