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The Young Leaders of the Americas Initiative (YLAI) empowers entrepreneurs to strengthen their capacity to launch and advance their entrepreneurial ideas and effectively contribute to social and economic development in their communities. In fall 2018, 250 YLAI Professional Fellows from Latin America and the Caribbean will expand their leadership and entrepreneurial experience through fellowships at businesses and organizations across the United States. Through the YLAI Entrepreneurship Institute and the individualized Fellowships, YLAI Fellows will accelerate their commercial and social ventures’ success and develop specific action plans to carry out upon return to their home countries. YLAI Fellows will build networks, linkages, and lasting partnerships to attract investments and support for their entrepreneurial ventures. YLAI 2018 Fellows will participate in the following program components:
February 5, 2018 | YLAI Professional Fellows Program application opens |
March 4, 2018 | YLAI Professional Fellows Program application deadline |
March – June 2018 | Applications reviewed by the selection committee |
July 2018 | Finalists and alternates notified |
July – September 2018 | Pre-Departure Orientation and program preparation |
September – October 2018 | Travel to the United States (exact dates to be shared with Fellows) |
2019 | Select U.S. Fellowship Hosts travel to YLAI Fellows’ countries |
There is no fee to apply to become a YLAI Professional Fellow. All YLAI Professional Fellows Program expenses are covered by the U.S. government and include the following categories:
Candidates will be considered without respect to race, color, religion, sex, gender, sexuality, national origin, disability or any other protected characteristic as established by U.S. law. Applicants with disabilities are eligible and encouraged to apply for the YLAI Professional Fellows Program. The YLAI Professional Fellows Program is open to young entrepreneurs who meet the following criteria:
The U.S. Department of State and Meridian International Center reserve the right to verify all of the information included in the application. In the event that there is a discrepancy, or information is found to be false, the application will immediately be declared invalid and the applicant ineligible.
Applications not meeting the above technical eligibility requirements will not be forwarded to the selection committee. If you do not meet the technical eligibility requirements for this program, we invite you to visit exchanges.state.gov for information on other U.S. Department of State exchange opportunities.
The YLAI Professional Fellows Program is an open, merit-based competition. There is no cost to apply. After the application deadline of 11:59 PM EST, Sunday, March 4, 2018, a selection panel reviews all eligible applications. Semifinalists will be contacted to schedule an interview in May. All applicants will be notified of their status in July 2018.
The YLAI Professional Fellows Program candidate selection committee will use the following criteria to evaluate applications and interviews:
The purpose of the application is to collect basic information and to better understand applicants’ qualifications for the YLAI Professional Fellows Program. Questions will include candidates’ professional background, experience with their own business or social ventures, and English language proficiency. The application will applicants’ work history and business or organization plans.
See a template of the business/organization plan [PDF].
Additionally, the application will include the following short essay questions:
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