Hurford Youth Fellows is accepting applications for 2025.  seeks to build leadership skills, improve organizational talents and harness the potential of emerging democratic leaders from around the world. Through the Fellowship program, youth activists spend three months in Washington D.C., during which they grow their global network, learn lessons from activists from democracy movements around the world, and contribute to the development of the World Movement for Democracy. Fellows will be expected to organize online discussions to develop active engagement among youth activists around the world. Hurford Youth Fellows will engage in strategic meetings, conduct research, and organize and lead presentations, and information-sharing sessions on the following specific areas outlined in the “What’s Next? 

Youth Declaration:” 

•  Expanding Civic Space for Young People 
• Countering Disinformation 
• Building Citizen-Centric Accountability
• Delivering Democracy

Specifically, each fellow will engage in the following activities:  

• Conduct research on a topic related to the democracy themes above.  
• Develop online resources, such as a collection of related publications and training materials.  Facilitate online discussions. 
•  Contribute to the World Movement social media posts.  
• Take part in planning and implementing other activities of the World Movement.  
• Participate in relevant events and discussions in Washington, D.C., to deepen understanding of issues and build working relationships.  
• Identify, compile, present, and creatively share discussion materials and results.
•  Each fellow will also make at least one formal presentation of their work during their fellowship. Presentations may be open to the public or geared to a more select audience and will typically focus on the fellow’s project topic.  

Upon the successful completion of each fellowship at NED, the fellow will serve as a regional/country focal point, working with the Hurford Youth Fellowship Alumni Network to remain involved and take the lead in facilitating World Movement for Democracy youth initiatives.  

The duration of the international fellowship program is 3 months. The program will take place in Washington D.C. from March 1 – May 31. There is no application fee. The candidates will be based on their work and their interests in working with others and the advancement of democracy. The candidates will be selected by the NED regional program staff, World Movement Secretariat staff, and the Hurford Youth Fellowship Alumni Network

The Hurford Youth Leadership Program is fully funded in the USA. All the expenses of the selected participants will be covered by the organization. Each fellow will receive a monthly stipend for living expenses, basic health insurance, and roundtrip travel to and from Washington, D.C. The fellows will have their own office including access to the internet and email. The program will also provide a stipend for long-distance phone calls. Don’t wait any longer and make sure to apply as soon as you can.

 Benefits of the fellowship 

Hurford Youth fellowship provides the following benefits:

• Monthly stipend for living expenses
• Roundtrip travel to Washington, DC
• Basic health insurance
• Well-equipped office space
• Opportunities to engage in research, presentations, meetings, and discussions on democracy-related issues
• Networking opportunities with global youth movements and democratic initiatives

Remember, the program only supports the participants, and does not provide any support for dependents. 

Program Details

Duration: Three months (March 1 – May 31, 2025)

Location: Washington, DC, USA

Financial Coverage: Fully funded

 Eligibility Criteria for Hurford Youth Fellows 2025

If you are interested in the fellowship, you must fulfill the following criteria below;

• Applicants must be under 30 years old
• Must be active social or democratic activists in their communities
• Open to applicants from all countries
• Affiliation with civil society organizations is encouraged
• Proficiency in English is required (no IELTS/TOEFL needed)

Application Process

1. Visit the official application link.

2. Create an account and log in to the application portal.

3. Complete the application form and attach the required documents:

•    Online application form
•    Proposal
•    CV/Resume
•    Two recommendation letters

4. Submit the application before the deadline

Deadline for application 

The last date to apply for the program is  July 31, 2024.

After completing the fellowship, participants may continue their involvement through the Hurford Youth Fellowship Alumni Network and serve as regional/country focal points. They will also have the opportunity to lead initiatives within the World Movement for Democracy.

Don’t miss this chance to enhance your leadership skills and contribute to global democratic movements. Start your application today!

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