Applications are currently being accepted for the Young Leaders of the Americas Initiative (YLAI) Fellowship Program 2027 in USA. Interested applicants are to click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
About YLAI Fellowship Program
The YLAI Fellowship Program brings approximately 250 young entrepreneurs between 25-to-35 years-old from Latin America and the Caribbean to the United States to develop their entrepreneurial leadership skills and network with each other and U.S. entrepreneurs and business leaders. This program follows a hybrid model that includes virtual, asynchronous training modules and activities, live virtual events, and in-person travel to the United States to complete a four-week professional placement. The in-person component concludes with the Closing Forum in Washington, D.C.
Benefits of YLAI Fellowship Program
- There are no fees for the 2027 Young Leaders of the Americas Initiative application process.
- Successful applicants will get J-1 visa support. Visa support is not provided for dependents because this is an unaccompanied program.
- Round-trip travel from the applicant’s home city to the US and domestic travel within the US, as required by the fellowship program.
- Access to market-oriented Commercial Execution and Entrepreneurial Leadership coursework and mentoring.
- US Arrival Orientation and Market Immersion in Houston, Texas.
- Closing Forum in Washington, DC.
- Professional placement of four weeks with a US Business Host.
- A limited accident and sickness benefit plan is provided.
- A housing and meal stipend is provided during the YLAI fellowship 2027.
YLAI Fellowship Program Requirements
- Applicants should be between 25 and 35 by 01 January 2027.
- Applicants should be current residents and citizens of any of the participating countries. The participating countries for the YLAI Leadership Program are Antigua and Barbuda, Aruba, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Bonaire, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Curacao, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Grenada, Guatemala, Guyana, Honduras, Jamaica, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Saba, St. Eustatius, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, St. Maarten, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago, Uruguay, and Venezuela. In the specific cases of residency in Aruba, Bonaire, Curacao, Saba, St. Eustatius, and St. Maarten, citizenship in the Netherlands is accepted.
- Applicants should be eligible to receive a US J-1 visa.
- Applicants should have a demonstrated track record of successfully growing their own for-profit business or venture for at least two years.
- Moreover, applicants should not be a US citizen or permanent resident of the United States.
- Applicants should not be a US government employee or related to a US government employee.
- Applicants should be proficient in reading, writing, speaking, and understanding English at a professional level.
- Applicants must provide accurate information, as false information or discrepancies may result in disqualification.
Application Date and Process
- Click on the link to the application website to apply.
Application Deadline
08 November, 2026
Opportunity Application
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YLAI Fellowship Program
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