MCW Young Leaders Fellowship 2027 in USA (Fully Funded)

Overview

The MCW Young Leaders Fellowship is an international exchange program structured around leadership and management development to tackle global challenges in health, education, and economic security. Participants engage in a three-stage structure that begins with a one-month virtual community mapping and needs assessment, continues with a 10-day in-person experience in the United States, and concludes with virtual project implementation back in the participants' home communities.

Who can apply

Applicants from around the world and from any discipline, background, or academic field are eligible to apply, including Bachelor's, Master's, and PhD students. Candidates must be between 18 and 26 years of age at the start of the program and must be fluent in both written and spoken English. Additional personal requirements include the ability to obtain the appropriate travel documentation and visas, as well as the capacity to identify a community issue related to economic security, health, or education.

What you get

The program provides full financial coverage that includes international economy airfare for international participants or domestic economy flights for participants from the United States. Covered provisions also encompass housing accommodations, three daily meals, round-trip travel between New York City and Burlington, Vermont, and public transportation access to and from Newark, LaGuardia, and JFK airports. Accommodations are provided at New York University and Champlain College.

Requirements

Applicants must submit an application form completed in English, a resume, two letters of recommendation, and responses to essay questions.

Key dates

The application deadline is December 3, 2026. The in-person portion of the program runs from July 20 to July 29, 2027.