Applications are now open for the 2027 Young Leaders Fellowship by MCW Global. The deadline to apply is Thursday, December 3, 2026, 11:59 PM (NYC EST time). This year-long fellowship supports young changemakers aged 18 to 26 who want to address community issues in education, health, or economic security.
The program runs from June 2027 to July 2028. It combines a virtual community needs assessment, a 10-day in-person training in the United States, and about 10 months of project implementation with alumni mentorship.
Key Details:
Application Deadline: Thursday, December 3, 2026, 11:59 PM (NYC EST time)
Eligible Countries: Worldwide
Program Duration: Year-long program: 1 month Community Needs Assessment (June 2027), 10-day in-person training (July 20–29, 2027), and ~10 months of project implementation/mentorship (July 2027–July 2028).
Program Location: Virtual (community-based needs assessment and project implementation) and in-person training in New York, NY and Burlington, VT, USA (July 20–29, 2027).
Funding/Benefits: $100 deposit (refunded upon successful completion of the in-person training)
Award Provider: MCW Global
About this Program
The MCW Global Young Leaders Fellowship is designed for young leaders from around the world. First, fellows complete a one-month Community Needs Assessment in June 2027. Next, selected participants attend a 10-day in-person training in New York, NY and Burlington, VT, USA from July 20 to 29, 2027.
After the training, fellows spend about 10 months developing and attempting to carry out a community project. Throughout this stage, they receive virtual support from an alumni mentor.
Eligibility Criteria
- Be between 18 and 26 years old at the start of the program on June 1, 2027
- Demonstrate commitment to their community
- Identify a community issue in education, health, or economic security to address
- Show strong motivation for social projects and provide authentic original responses
- Be fluent in written and spoken English
- Have access to email and the internet for consistent communication
- Be eligible for appropriate visa and travel documentation
- Commit to the full program timeline and graduation guidelines
What Fellows Receive: MCW covers economy-class international and domestic (US) flights related to the program, housing for the in-person training dates, three meals per day during the in-person training, round-trip travel between New York and Burlington, and public transportation to/from JFK/LaGuardia/Newark. Accepted participants pay a $100 refundable deposit.
Program Components
• One-month Community Needs Assessment in June 2027
• 10-day in-person training in the USA from July 20–29, 2027
• About 10 months of project implementation from July 2027 to July 2028
• Alumni mentorship and virtual support during the implementation period
How to Apply
Applicants must complete the application in English through the official application portal. They should prepare the required materials early because the application requires supporting documents and essay responses.
- Completed application in English
- Resume (1 page max)
- 2 letters of recommendation (in English)
- Essay responses (application essay questions)
- Liability waiver
Applicants who are selected must complete the Community Needs Assessment, attend the full in-person training, and remain with the group for the entire in-person program. In addition, they must pay the $100 deposit by March 16, 2027. This deposit is refunded upon successful completion of the in-person training. However, fellows are responsible for passport, visa, and in-country travel costs not covered by MCW.
👉 Visit the official fellowship page for details
