Fully Funded US Leadership Fellowship 2027 Opens Applications
Applications are open for the fully funded MCW Young Leaders Fellowship 2027, a 10-day exchange program in New York, USA, running from July 20-29, 2027, for young leaders aged 18 to 26.
Applications are now open for the MCW Young Leaders Fellowship 2027. This fully funded 10-day exchange program in the United States is for young professionals worldwide. The in-person training will take place in New York from July 20 to 29, 2027. The entire fellowship spans one year, concluding in July 2028.
The program provides comprehensive financial coverage. This includes international and domestic economy airfare, housing, and three daily meals. It also covers round-trip travel from New York to Burlington, Vermont, and public transport to and from major New York airports. Accommodations will be provided by New York University in New York and Champlain College in Vermont.
The fellowship structure begins with a one-month virtual assessment. This is followed by the 10-day in-person program in New York. Participants then enter a 10-month virtual project implementation and alumni mentorship phase. Applications opened on November 5, 2026.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must meet specific age, language, documentation and commitment criteria to qualify for the program. They must be between 18 and 26 years old by June 1, 2027. All candidates must be fluent in written and spoken English and have reliable email and internet access.
A core requirement is a commitment to developing a community project in education, health, or economic security. Eligible young leaders from all fields and backgrounds worldwide can apply, including Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD students. Participants must commit to a Community Needs Assessment in June, the July training, and a full year of project development. They must also adhere to the fellowship's graduation guidelines.
All selected fellows must obtain the appropriate U.S. visa and travel documentation. The selection timeline includes several key dates after the initial application deadline.
| Stage | Date |
|---|---|
| First-round decisions sent | December 21, 2026 |
| Second-round application opens | December 21, 2026 |
| Second-round application closes | January 8, 2027 |
| Interviews with Alumni | February 3-16, 2027 |
| Acceptances sent | February 23, 2027 |
| Confirmation of Acceptance | March 2, 2027 |
| Confirmation of U.S. Visa Interview Date and Deposit | March 16, 2027 |
Application Timeline
Applications open November 5, 2026, with a December 3 deadline and multi-stage selection process through early 2027. The final deadline for all applications is December 3, 2026, at 11:59 PM New York City EST time. One program representative offered simple advice to potential applicants, stating, "I encourage you to go for it."
Applicants must submit their application by December 3, 2026, 11:59 PM NYC EST time to be considered for the program.
