The MCW Young Leaders Fellowship Program 2026 offers a fully funded leadership opportunity for young individuals aged 18-26 from around the world. This program focuses on community projects in areas such as education, health, and economic security. Participants will develop their leadership skills through a year-long program that includes community need assessments, project development, and mentoring.

  • 🌍 Program Purpose: The Young Leaders Fellowship mobilizes youth (18–26) to create community projects in education, health, and economic security.
  • 🗺️ Community Needs Assessment (Virtual, 1 Month): Participants map and assess their local community’s needs before in-person training.
  • 🏫 In-Person Training (10 Days): Intensive workshops, vision planning, and skill-building to transform ideas into actionable community projects.
  • 💻 Project Implementation & Mentorship (Virtual, 10 Months): Alumni mentors guide participants remotely, supporting project execution and leadership growth.
  • ✅ Eligibility: Age 18–26, fluent in English, committed to community projects, authentic ideas (avoid AI-generated responses), access to internet/email, and eligible for visa/travel documentation.
  • 📅 Timeline: Application opens Nov 5, 2025 → closes Dec 3, 2025. Program runs June 8, 2026 – July 2027, including virtual assessment, in-person training, and year-long project execution.
  • 📝 Application Requirements: English application, essays on community issues and leadership experience, 1-page CV, 2 recommendation letters, liability waiver; avoid AI-generated responses.
  • 🏨 Logistics & Costs: Program hosted in NYC & Burlington, Vermont. MCW covers economy flights, housing, meals, and local travel. Participants pay $100 refundable deposit. Passport, visa, and additional personal costs not covered.
  • ⚖️ Liability Release: Participants assume responsibility for medical costs, legal liabilities, and follow all program rules. Confidentiality and respectful behavior required.
  • 🎓 Resources: Free online leadership course and downloadable Toolkit available for applicants to prepare and learn about program.

Designation

Young Leaders Fellow

Research Area

10 Master’s Students at Universität Hamburg, Germany
Read more10 Master's Students at Universität Hamburg, Germany

Community Development, Leadership, Global Citizenship, Health, Education, Economic Security

Location

United States (Training and project execution)

Eligibility/Qualification

  • Ages 18-26 at the program’s start (June 1, 2026)
  • Commitment to community work, identifying issues in education, health, or economic security
  • Fluency in written and spoken English
  • Access to email and the internet for ongoing communication
  • Adherence to the fellowship graduation guidelines
  • Eligible for appropriate visa and travel documentation

Job Description

  • Conduct a community needs assessment during the program
  • Participate in a month-long virtual program to develop leadership skills
  • Undertake a 10-day in-person training program
  • Work collaboratively on a community project over the course of a year with guidance from alumni mentors

How to Apply

  1. Complete the online application form available on the official website.
  2. Upload required documents, including:
  • Resume/CV
  • Two letters of recommendation

Last Date to Apply

Italian Government Scholarship for MSc and PhD Students
Read moreItalian Government Scholarship for MSc and PhD Students

03 December 2025, at 11:59 PM (NYC EST)

For further details and to apply, visit the [official page of the MCW Young Leaders Fellowship Program](insert official link if available).

Apply
Official Link