Deadline: December 3, 2025
Applications are now open for the MCW Global Young Leaders Fellowship 2026 — an extraordinary, year-long programme designed to empower young people worldwide to become catalysts for change in their communities. This transformative initiative focuses on equipping emerging leaders with the skills, knowledge, and resources to design and implement a “vision plan” addressing pressing local issues in the areas of education, health, and economic security.
The MCW Global Young Leaders Fellowship 2026 combines virtual learning, in-person training in the United States, and a guided implementation phase that enables fellows to put their ideas into action.
About the Opportunity
The MCW Global Young Leaders Fellowship is an intensive, fully funded leadership experience that helps young changemakers tackle community challenges through innovative solutions. Fellows begin by identifying an issue within their local environment and developing a targeted approach to drive sustainable impact.
The fellowship consists of three key stages:
- Community Needs Assessment (June 2026): Fellows map and analyse the needs of their local communities to create the foundation for their projects.
- In-Person Training (21–30 July 2026): Participants engage in a 10-day leadership and skill-building session in the United States — hosted in New York City and Burlington, Vermont.
- Project Implementation (10-Month Period): After the training, fellows return home to implement their vision plans with ongoing virtual support and mentorship from MCW Global alumni.
This unique structure ensures that participants not only gain knowledge but also apply it practically in their communities for long-term impact.
Eligibility
Applicants must meet the following criteria to qualify for the MCW Global Young Leaders Fellowship 2026:
- Be between 18 and 26 years old as of 1 June 2026.
- Demonstrate fluency in spoken and written English.
- Have consistent access to email and internet throughout the 10-month action period.
- Identify a community issue related to education, health, or economic security and show strong commitment to addressing it.
- Be eligible to obtain and travel with the necessary passport and visa documentation to the United States.
Benefits / Award Details
The MCW Global Young Leaders Fellowship is fully funded for international participants. The following expenses are covered:
- Round-trip economy flights to and from the United States.
- Accommodation from 20–30 July 2026 during the in-person programme.
- Three meals per day throughout the training period.
- Round-trip travel between New York City and Burlington, Vermont.
- Public transportation to and from major New York airports (JFK, LaGuardia, Newark).
Costs Not Covered
Participants are responsible for:
- Passport and visa application fees.
- In-country travel to the airport of departure.
- Extra baggage fees and other personal expenses.
Application Requirements / Documents
Applicants are expected to submit all required materials online before the stated deadline. These typically include personal information, a detailed description of a community issue, and a proposed plan for addressing it. Original, thoughtful, and authentic responses are strongly encouraged, as genuine reflections are prioritised over generic or AI-generated content.
Timeline / Key Dates
- Application Deadline: Wednesday, 3 December 2025 at 11:59 PM (New York EST).
- Community Needs Assessment: June 2026.
- In-Person Training (New York and Vermont): 21–30 July 2026.
- Project Implementation: August 2026 – May 2027.
Selection Process
The selection committee will evaluate applications based on leadership potential, clarity of vision, commitment to community change, and alignment with the fellowship’s focus areas. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further stages in the selection process.
Additional Information / Terms
Participants are expected to actively engage in all phases of the fellowship and maintain consistent communication with mentors and MCW Global staff. Fellows must demonstrate a strong commitment to completing their projects and sharing progress updates throughout the 10-month implementation period.
The programme fosters collaboration among young leaders from diverse cultural and professional backgrounds, offering a supportive environment for innovation and peer learning.
How to Apply
Interested candidates are encouraged to apply online before the deadline. All applications must be submitted through the official MCW Global application portal. Late submissions will not be considered.
For full details about the fellowship, eligibility, and application process:
👉 Read More About the Programme
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