The U.S. Department of State has announced the opening of applications for the "Young Leaders of the Americas Initiative (YLAI) 2026" fellowship program, beginning on April 11, 2025. This initiative aims to gather young leaders from Latin America, the Caribbean, and Canada each year to enhance their leadership, innovation, and entrepreneurship skills. The program also focuses on helping participants expand their networks and form international collaborations.
This year, the program offers 17 exclusive spots specifically for young Brazilian entrepreneurs. The candidates will participate in skill-building workshops and exchange experiences with their American counterparts, aiming to foster growth and learning in an international setting.
The fellowship is structured over six weeks, with four weeks spent in-person in the U.S. and other activities conducted asynchronously. Applications are open until May 15, 2025, and interested candidates can find more information and apply at https://ylai.state.gov/fellowship.
Eligible applicants must be Brazilian citizens aged between 25 and 35 at the start of the program. They need to have at least two years of proven experience leading their own business or social venture and must be proficient in English. For inquiries regarding the application process, potential applicants can reach out via email to YLAIFellowship@irex.org.