Start your experience journey in the USA with the help of the YLAI Fellowship Program at the Young Leaders of the Americas Initiative for the academic year 2023-2024.

The YLAI Fellowship Program is open to young International entrepreneurs in any degree program. They have a demonstrated track record of successfully growing their business or social venture for at least two (2) years. YLAI Fellowship Program will cover all program costs.

Established in 2015, the U.S. Department of State’s Young Leaders of the Americas Initiative (YLAI) authorizes emerging business and social entrepreneurs from Latin America, the Caribbean, Canada, and the United States to acknowledge the full economic possibility of the region’s nationals. Connecting an annual fellowship, an active online network, and continuing activities organized by U.S. Embassies and Consulates, YLAI fosters prosperity, inclusive growth, and democratic values.

Why apply to this program? The YLAI Fellowship Program is an annual interaction program for 280 youthful business and sociable entrepreneurs from 37 nations across Latin America, the Caribbean, and Canada, compared with companies and communities across the United States. In complement to entrepreneurial leadership training, YLAI Fellows build new skills, share best techniques, and forge commercial relations.

Application Deadline: 15 February 2023

Brief Description

• University or Organization: Young Leaders of the Americas Initiative
• Department: NA
• Course Level: Any degree program
• Award: Cover all program costs
• Access Mode: Online
• Number of Awards: NA
• Nationality: International
• The award can be taken in the USA

Eligibility

• Eligible Countries: Students from Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Aruba, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Bolivia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Curacao, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Grenada, Guatemala, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Jamaica, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, St. Maarten, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago, Uruguay, Venezuela are eligible to apply.
• Acceptable Course or Subjects: The scholarship will be awarded to any degree program in any subject
• Admissible Criteria: To be eligible, the applicants must meet all the following/given criteria:
• The YLAI Fellowship Program is open to young entrepreneurs who meet the following criteria: applicants will be considered regardless of race, color, religion, sex, gender, sexuality, national origin, disability, or any other protected characteristic established by U.S. law. Applicants with disabilities are eligible and encouraged to apply for the YLAI Fellowship Program.
• They should be between 25 and 35 by January 1, 2024.
• They are a resident and citizen of one of the participating countries: Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Aruba, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Bolivia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Curacao, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Grenada, Guatemala, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Jamaica, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, St. Maarten, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago, Uruguay, Venezuela.
• In the specific residency cases in Aruba, Curacao, and St. Maarten, citizenship in the Netherlands is accepted.
• They are eligible to receive a U.S. J-1 visa.
• They have a demonstrated track record of successfully growing their business or social venture for at least two (2) years.
• They are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents of the United States.
• They are not U.S. government employees.
• Applicants are proficient in reading, writing, and speaking English.

How to Apply

• How to Apply: Applications must be submitted online at irex.org to be considered. If you cannot complete this online application due to a disability, please email apply.ylaifellowship-at-irex.org. The YLAI Team at IREX will coordinate with you directly regarding application accommodations.
• Supporting Documents: The students are required to submit the following documents:
• Official College Transcripts
• Resume or CV.
• Proof of English Proficiency
• A digital photo of yourself for your ID card
• Financial evidence and copy of passport.
• Admission Requirements: Candidates must be between the ages of 25 and 35 by January 1, 2024.
• They have a demonstrated track record of successfully growing their business or social venture for at least two (2) years.
• Language Requirement: Applicants must be proficient in reading, writing, and speaking the English language.

Benefits

The YLAI Fellowship Program will provide all the following:

There is no fee to apply to become a YLAI Fellow. If selected for the YLAI Fellowship Program, the U.S. Government will cover all program costs. Financial provisions provided by the U.S. Government will include:

• J-1 visa support. No visa support will be offered to dependents, as this is an unaccompanied program.
• Round-trip travel from the participant’s home city to the United States and domestic U.S. travel, as required by the program.
• YLAI Entrepreneurial Leadership Curriculum coursework and mentoring;
• Closing Forum in Washington, D.C.;
• Four-week professional placement with host organization;
• A limited accident and sickness benefit plan; and
• Housing and meal stipend during the program.

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