Young Leaders of the Americas Initiative (YLAI) Fellowship 2026

Are you a young entrepreneur with a vision for positive change in your community? The Young Leaders of the Americas Initiative (YLAI) Fellowship 2026 is an exciting opportunity for young leaders between the ages of 25 and 35 to elevate their entrepreneurial ventures. Applications are now open for individuals seeking to expand their leadership and entrepreneurial skills in the United States. This fully funded fellowship program aims to empower entrepreneurs from Latin America, the Caribbean, and Canada to accelerate their commercial ventures and make a lasting impact on their communities.

🗒️ YLAI Fellowship Summary

Location: United States (various cities)
Offered by: U.S. Department of State and IREX
Fellowship Type: Professional development for young entrepreneurs
Target Group: Entrepreneurs between 25 and 35 years old, from eligible countries in Latin America, the Caribbean, and Canada
Fields of Focus: Entrepreneurship, leadership, business development
Coverage: Fully funded, including round-trip airfare, J-1 visa support, housing, meals, accident and sickness benefits, and professional placement
Duration: 4 weeks
Application Deadline: August 2025
Start Date: 2026
Eligible To: Entrepreneurs with at least two years of business experience in the specified countries

🎓 Fellowship Overview

The YLAI Fellowship Program provides an exceptional opportunity for young entrepreneurs to advance their ventures and leadership skills through a range of experiences:

Four-Week Professional Placement: Fellows will be placed with entrepreneurial organizations across the U.S., working on their Entrepreneurial Leadership Action Plan (E-LAP) in collaboration with their host organization.
YLAI Entrepreneurial Leadership Curriculum: This comprehensive curriculum includes both online and in-person training, developed by IREX and Arizona State University, focused on entrepreneurship and leadership development.
Opening Orientation and Closing Forum: Participants will meet for an orientation in the U.S. and attend a closing forum in Washington, D.C., where they will connect with entrepreneurial leaders and U.S. government representatives.
Post-Fellowship Engagement: After the fellowship, participants continue to benefit from professional development opportunities, mentorship, and access to a network of entrepreneurs across the Americas.

🎁 Fellowship Benefits

Fully Funded Program: No application fee. All program costs, including travel, accommodation, meals, and insurance, are covered.
Networking Opportunities: Build lasting partnerships with U.S. organizations and fellow entrepreneurs.
Mentorship: Access to a robust network of professionals and mentors to support your entrepreneurial journey.
Professional Development: Hands-on experience and tailored training to enhance your leadership and business skills.

✅ Eligibility Criteria

Age between 25 and 35 by January 1, 2026.
Citizen and resident of one of the participating countries in Latin America, the Caribbean, or Canada.
At least two years of entrepreneurial experience.
Proficient in reading, writing, and speaking English without AI assistance.
Not a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, and not employed by the U.S. government.

📝 Application Procedure

The application for the YLAI Fellowship is fully online. Interested candidates should ensure they meet the eligibility criteria and submit the required application materials, including a personal statement, work history, and business profile through the online application portal. The selection process is merit-based, and applicants will be notified of their status by August 2025.

ℹ️ For more information on the application process, visit the official [YLAI Fellowship page].

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