The YLAI Fellowship Program 2026, a fully financed opportunity for young business leaders and entrepreneurs throughout the Americas, is currently accepting applications. Through leadership development and global cooperation, the U.S. Department of State’s Young Leaders of the Americas Initiative (YLAI), carried out by IREX, fosters the next generation of innovators. More than 1,000 fellows have been empowered by the program since its start, offering a venue for cross-cultural interaction and company expansion.
Through a four-week professional placement with U.S. companies, a structured leadership curriculum created in collaboration with Arizona State University, and in-person events like the Closing Forum and the YLAI Welcome Workshop in Washington, DC, the YLAI Fellowship brings participants to the United States for an immersive experience. Fellows have access to professional development opportunities, ongoing interaction, and the opportunity to invite their U.S. host to visit their home country through the Outbound Exchange Program, even after the program concludes.
Applying to the program is totally free and is based on merit. It gives participants the chance to hone their entrepreneurial abilities, create enduring professional networks, and, when they return, meaningfully impact their home communities. YLAI is dedicated to diversity, equity, and inclusion and welcomes applications from all backgrounds. We especially encourage young entrepreneurs with impairments to apply.
The YLAI Fellowship Program 2026 is a chance you shouldn’t pass up if you’re an aspiring business owner hoping to make a bigger impact and network internationally.
Host Country: United States of America
Host Organization: Young Leaders of the Americas Initiative
Opportunity Type: Fellowships
Eligibility Country: International Students
Financial Coverage: Fully Funded
Eligibility Criteria:
- Candidates must be between the ages of 25 and 35 on January 1, 2026.
- They must be inhabitants and citizens of one of the member countries of YLAI, which includes countries in the Caribbean, Latin America, and Canada.
- must be qualified to obtain a J-1 visa to the United States.
- should have successfully operated their own firm for at least two years.
- Candidates cannot be citizens or permanent residents of the United States.
- They must not be U.S. government workers.
- It is necessary to be proficient in speaking, writing, and reading English.
Benefits:
- There is no cost to apply for the 2026 YLAI Fellowship Program.
- Selected applicants will receive help for J-1 visas.
- The cost of round-trip airfare between the applicant’s nation of origin and the US is reimbursed.
- If necessary for program activities, a domestic travel stipend within the United States is given.
- The YLAI Entrepreneurial Leadership Curriculum, the Opening Orientation in the United States, and the Closing Forum in Washington, DC, will all be accessible to fellows.
- Included is a four-week professional placement with a host organization located in the United States.
- Insurance against illness and accidents is offered throughout the fellowship.
- Throughout the program, there is a stipend for lodging and meals.
Deadline: May 15, 2025
