MCW Global's Young Leaders Fellowship 2026–2027

The MCW Global Young Leaders Fellowship aims to mobilize young people with the skills and resources needed to create and implement vision plans in the areas of education, health, and economic security.

The Fellowship begins with the Community Needs Assessment – A one-month community needs mapping that prepares young people, between the ages of 18-26, from around the world to understand their local communities better. After the community needs assessment, Young Leaders participate in a 10-day intensive in-person training program that helps them become leaders of positive change in their communities. After the in-person training program, participants return to their communities to spend ten months developing their action plans with virtual support from alumni mentors.

Program Structure (3 Phases)

1. Virtual: Community Needs Assessment (June 2026 – 1 month)

Fellows research and map out the needs of their own communities.
They learn how to analyze local issues and gather data before starting their projects.

2. In-Person: Vision Planning & Project Development (July 21–30, 2026 – 10 days in New York & Vermont, USA)

Fellows attend a 10-day training with workshops, speakers, and peer learning.
They refine their vision plans and turn them into actionable community projects.

3. Virtual: Project Implementation & Alumni Mentorship (July 2026 – July 2027 – 10 months)

Fellows return home to execute their projects with the support of trained alumni mentors.
Quarterly check-ins and ongoing virtual mentorship are provided.

Eligibility

You must:

Be 18–26 years old by June 1, 2026
Be fluent in English (written and spoken)
Have a clear community issue to address (education, health, or economic security)
Show commitment and leadership potential
Be available for all phases of the program
Be able to obtain a U.S. visa (if required)
Submit a complete application by December 3, 2025 (11:59 PM EST)

What does the Program cover?

Costs covered by MCW:

International or domestic economy flights
Accommodation (July 20–30, 2026)
Meals (3 per day during the program)
Transport within the U.S. (airports & between NYC and Vermont)

Not Covered:

Passport & visa fees
Local travel to the airport in your home country
Extra luggage fees or personal expenses

Deposit:

$100 (refundable after completing the in-person program)

Application Components

General Information
Essay Questions (2 short essays)
CV (1 page)
2 Letters of Recommendation. Your letters should come from people who know your work ethic and commitment to your community. Friends and family members are discouraged from writing letters of recommendation.
Liability Waiver & Agreement

For more information, please visit the official page of the MCW Global Young Leaders Fellowship here.

Now accepting applications from motivated young changemakers (ages 18–26) from around the world for a year-long leadership program, including a 10-day in-person training in New York, USA.