The Hurford Youth Fellows Program is a prestigious fellowship opportunity for young democracy activists from around the world. The program aims to build the leadership skills and knowledge of emerging democracy leaders by providing them with a three-month fellowship in Washington, D.C., USA
Program Details
- Host Country: United States of America
- Location: Washington, D.C.
- Program Type: Fellowship
- Dates of Fellowship: March 1 – May 31, 2025
- Financial Benefits: Fully Funded
About the Host and Sponsor Organizations
- National Endowment for Democracy (NED): A private, nonprofit organization dedicated to strengthening democratic institutions worldwide through nongovernmental efforts
- World Movement for Democracy: A global network initiated by NED in 1999 to connect democracy activists, practitioners, academics, policymakers, and funders
- Hurford Foundation: Established to honor John B. Hurford, this foundation supports the Hurford Youth Fellows Program
- International Forum for Democratic Studies: Founded by NED in 1994, this center focuses on the analysis of democratic development
Program Objectives
- Build the leadership skills of young democracy activists worldwide.
- Expand the fellows’ global networks and learning from democracy movements around the world.
- Contribute to the development of the World Movement for Democracy
Fellowship Activities
- Conducting research on democracy-related topics
- Developing online resources and facilitating discussions
- Contributing to World Movement for Democracy social media
- Participating in events and discussions in Washington, D.C.
- Organizing and leading presentations on their work
Eligibility Criteria
- Applicants must be under 30 years of age
- Demonstrate a strong interest in democratic activism and the advancement of democracy
- Be affiliated with civil society organizations
- Have a working knowledge of English
Fellowship Support
- Monthly stipend for living expenses
- Basic health insurance
- Roundtrip travel to and from Washington, D.C.
- Fully equipped office space, including internet and email access
- Limited budget for fellowship-related long-distance phone calls
Application Process
- Application Deadline: July 31, 2024
- Required Materials:
- Applicant Form
- C.V./Resume
- Two Letters of Recommendation
- Project Proposal focusing on one of the following themes:
- Expanding civic space for youth
- Countering disinformation
- Building citizen-centric accountability
- Delivering democracy.
Selection Process
Fellows are selected based on their demonstrated activism, interest in advancing democracy, networking desire, and how the fellowship will benefit their democratic efforts.
Post-Fellowship Engagement
Upon completing the fellowship at NED, fellows will serve as regional focal points, continuing to engage with the Hurford Youth Fellowship Alumni Network and leading World Movement for Democracy youth initiatives
FAQs
- Is there an application fee?
No, there is no application fee for the Hurford Youth Fellows Program. - Do I need to submit IELTS or TOEFL scores?
No, IELTS and TOEFL scores are not required for this fellowship. - Can I apply if I am affiliated with a civil society organization?
Yes, applicants affiliated with or recognized by civil society organizations are especially encouraged to apply.
For more information and to apply, please visit the official website of the National Endowment for Democracy (NED) at www.ned.org or contact youthfellows@ned.org
Application Deadline: July 31st, 2024.
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