Shawn Brimley Next Generation National Security Leaders Fellowship 2027: Fully Funded Leadership Development Program for Emerging National Security Professionals

Overview

The Shawn Brimley Next Generation National Security Leaders Fellowship 2027 is a year-long, part-time leadership development programme run by the Center for a New American Security (CNAS), an independent research institution focused on national security and defense policy. Each year CNAS selects a bipartisan cohort of 20 to 25 emerging professionals between the ages of 27 and 35. The fellowship is named after Shawn Brimley, one of the founding members of CNAS, in recognition of his leadership and mentoring of future leaders. It brings together people from government, academia, industry, nonprofits, military institutions and the private sector to build leadership skills, networks and strategic insight.

What fellows do

A monthly dinner series gives fellows direct access to nationally recognised leaders who share leadership lessons and views on national security. Past speakers have included Secretary Madeleine Albright, General Stanley McChrystal, Secretary Jeh Johnson, Congressman Mike Gallagher and Ambassador Bonnie Jenkins. The fellowship also includes professional networking events and ends with a week-long international study tour as its capstone. Participation is hybrid, with in-person and virtual elements. Unless announced otherwise, events take place at CNAS in Washington, D.C., United States.

What you get

There is no participation fee because CNAS covers the programme itself. Fellows pay for their own travel to Washington, D.C., transport to fellowship dinners and travel to in-person events unless otherwise specified. Benefits include leadership development from recognised experts, access to policymakers and practitioners, networking with emerging leaders across sectors, bipartisan collaboration, exposure to strategic security issues, the study tour and membership in an alumni network.

Who can apply

The fellowship is for ambitious early-career professionals aged 27 to 35 who work in national security-related fields, show leadership potential, value bipartisan dialogue and are committed to public service.

How to apply

Applications for 2027 are open through the online application, and the fellowship's FAQ page and team can answer questions. No application deadline has been announced.