The U.S. Department of State has opened applications for the 2025 Young Transatlantic Innovation Leaders Initiative (YTILI) Fellowship Program, aimed at emerging entrepreneurs from Europe. This initiative will welcome a cohort of young European entrepreneurs from 45 countries to participate in an extensive fellowship program in the United States.
Applications are currently being accepted and will close on December 5, 2024, at 10 am Eastern Time. The program will run in a single cycle with all fellows visiting the U.S. in the fall of 2025.
The YTILI Fellowship Program offers young European business professionals the chance to expand their networks and engage with the U.S. business sector. The program includes virtual components, a five-week fellowship in the United States, and opportunities for continued engagement after returning home.
Each selected fellow will participate in leadership and professional development activities throughout the program and be matched with a three-week full-time fellowship placement host within a U.S. organization related to their work at home. Fellows will gain firsthand knowledge about U.S. business institutions, build relationships with American counterparts, receive comprehensive support during the program, including travel and living arrangements covered as well as emergency health benefits, and become part of an alumni network.
Eligibility criteria include being a citizen and resident of an eligible country, aged between 25 to 35 years old with two years relevant work experience, demonstrating commitment to develop or lead an existing venture with a well-articulated action plan, showing viability of current ventures through various indicators such as investment to date or social impact analysis, being self-directed and committed to diversity principles, and having proficiency in English.
"YTILI Fellows are not allowed to bring dependents (including spouses and children) during the U.S. Fellowship," states the announcement.
The Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs aims for its programs to reflect societal diversity both within the U.S. and abroad by encouraging involvement from traditionally underrepresented audiences without discrimination based on race, color, sex or other personal attributes.
For more information on this program or other exchange opportunities offered by the U.S. Department of State visit www.exchanges.state.gov.