Apply for the 2027 Hurford Youth Fellows Program in Washington, D.C.| Open to young Democracy Leaders Worldwide (includes stipend, airfare and health insurance)

Overview

The Hurford Youth Fellows Program brings emerging youth leaders to Washington, D.C., United States, for a four-month residency to strengthen democratic participation and civic engagement. Organized by the International Forum for Democratic Studies at the National Endowment for Democracy and supported by the Hurford Foundation, the initiative accepts up to three participants worldwide. The residency runs from 1 May to 31 August 2027.

Who can apply

Applicants must be 30 years of age or younger and come from anywhere in the world. Candidates should exhibit a dedication to promoting youth involvement in democracy, possess relevant background in civic participation or democracy-related initiatives, and propose a project tackling a democratic issue in their home region or country. Individuals associated with civil society groups, human rights entities, youth-led programs, and democracy advocacy organizations are particularly encouraged to apply.

What you get

Selected participants are awarded a monthly living stipend to help pay for furnished housing, meals, local transit, and other essential daily costs. The program also supplies round-trip economy-class airfare to and from Washington, D.C., alongside basic health insurance coverage for the duration of the fellowship. During the residency, fellows engage in networking, seminars, roundtable discussions, and field visits while developing individual research projects.

Requirements

Participants are expected to spend the four-month residency period in Washington, D.C., working alongside National Endowment for Democracy staff to conduct research, exchange ideas with international activists, and engage with democracy experts. Each fellow must complete a project output, such as a policy or academic article, a handbook, a practical toolkit, a podcast, a tech-based tool, or an educational or documentary video. Outputs may be produced in English or another language.

How to apply

Candidates must submit their applications by the specified deadline. Additionally, letters of recommendation are required and must be submitted by their separate designated deadline.

Key dates

The application deadline is 30 November 2026. Recommendation letters must be submitted by 4 December 2026. The fellowship takes place from 1 May to 31 August 2027.