The Hurford Youth Fellowship Programme seeks to develop the leadership skills and harness the potential of young democracy activists from around the world. Through the Programme, young activists spend three months at the World Movement Secretariat, during which they expand their global connections, share experiences with other activists from democracy movements around the world and contribute to the development of the World Movement for Democracy. Hurford Youth Fellows participate in strategy meetings; conduct research; and organise and lead presentations, online discussions and information-sharing sessions on key democracy issues.

Upon successful completion of each fellowship, fellows serve as a regional/national focal point, working with the Hurford Youth Fellowship Alumni Network to stay involved and take the lead in youth-related activities.

VALUE

• Scholarship Support and Services: Each scholar will receive a monthly stipend for living expenses, as well as basic health insurance and round-trip travel to and from Washington, D.C. The stipends take into account the cost of living in Washington,
  D.C.
• Fellows are provided with a fully equipped office, including internet and email access, and a limited budget for fellowship-related long-distance telephone calls
• Cost of living and dependents: Applicants should keep in mind that the cost of living (housing, furniture, food and other essential living expenses) in the Washington metropolitan area is very high,
  and that scholarships are not calculated to cover a family's financial needs.
• Scholars wishing to bring family members with them to Washington, D.C. must cover the cost of their dependents' return journey and stay in the United States.
• Visa problems: Prior to their arrival in the United States, potential scholarship holders who are not citizens
  nor permanent residents of the United States must secure a J-1 exchange visitor visa. The International Forum for Democratic Studies assists scholars with the necessary documentation for obtaining visas.

ELIGIBILITY

• Applicants interested in the Hurford Youth Fellows Programme must be no more than 30 years old.
  years old.
• They must demonstrate a strong interest in democratic activism and advancement
  of democracy in their respective communities, as well as around the world.
• Young people affiliated to civil society organisations are especially encouraged to apply.
• The Hurford Youth Fellows Programme is open to applicants from any country. It does not provide scholarship funds or any other type of financial aid to university or postgraduate students, nor is it intended to support post-doctoral research. The programme is not an educational programme offering academic courses that
  lead to a diploma. In addition, it does not offer financial support to those seeking to complete professional training programmes, attend conferences or carry out internships in other organisations.
• A working knowledge of English is an important prerequisite for participation in the programme for general communication purposes. All application materials must be submitted in English.

DEADLINE: 31 July 2023

To sign up and find out more, sign up here.