The Young Leaders of the Americas Initiative (YLAI) Fellowship Program Offered by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA), this phenomenal program empowers emerging entrepreneurs from Latin America, the Caribbean, and Canada to strengthen their leadership skills and entrepreneurial capacity.
The YLAI Fellowship Program fosters a dynamic exchange of knowledge and best practices. Selected fellows embark on a fellowship experience in the United States, where they are placed with established businesses and organizations for a customized professional development experience. Throughout this immersive program, participants gain valuable insights into the U.S. entrepreneurial ecosystem, build critical networks, and hone their leadership abilities to ultimately contribute to economic and social development in their home communities.
Short Summary Of the program:
- Organizer: U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA)
- Location: Various locations across the United States
- Program Duration: Approximately six weeks
- Scholarship Value: Fully funded.
Eligibility Criteria for the Program:
Candidates will be considered without respect to race, color, religion, sex, gender, sexuality, national origin, disability or any other protected characteristic as established by U.S. law. Applicants with disabilities are eligible and encouraged to apply for the YLAI Fellowship Program. The YLAI Fellowship Program is open to young entrepreneurs who meet the following criteria:
- Applicants must be between 25 and 35 years old on May 3rd, 2024, the application opening date.
- Are eligible to receive a U.S. J-1 visa.
- Are not a U.S. citizen or permanent resident of the United States.
- Are not a U.S. government employee.
- The program prioritizes citizens of countries bordering the Atlantic Basin, which includes North America, South America, Central America, Africa, Europe, and the Caribbean. However, applications from those residing in these regions but holding citizenship elsewhere are also welcome.
- Strong proficiency in both written and spoken English is essential. You’ll need to demonstrate this through your application materials, including your personal statement and a short video introduction.
Financial Benefits:
- There are no application fees associated with the YLAI Fellowship Program.
- The program covers the cost of round-trip travel to and from the United States.
- All costs associated with your customized professional development experience, including workshops, training sessions, and site visits, are covered by the program.
- The YLAI Fellowship Program provides accommodation throughout the fellowship period.
- You’ll receive a living stipend to help cover your daily expenses during the program.
Documents Required:
- Detailed Online Application Form
- Curriculum Vitae (CV) or Resume (maximum 2 pages)
- Business Plan (Optional)
- English Language Proficiency Documentation (if applicable)
- Two Letters of Recommendation