YLAI Entrepreneurship Fellowship in the US
- Organization: U.S. Department of State, administered by IREX
- Type: Fellowship
- Location: Global
- Deadline: November 8, 2026
- Funding: Fully Funded
The Young Leaders of the Americas Initiative (YLAI) Fellowship Program is funded by the U.S. Department of State and run by IREX. It brings about 250 entrepreneurs aged 25 to 35 from Latin America and the Caribbean to the United States for a four-week placement inside a U.S. business in their own sector, after three months of online training. Every programme cost is covered, and there is no fee to apply. **What you get:** - Round-trip travel from your home city to the United States, plus domestic U.S. travel the programme requires - J-1 visa support for you (the programme is unaccompanied, so no support for dependents) - A housing and meal stipend during the programme, and food and lodging at all in-person events - A four-week professional placement with a U.S. business in your sector, in one of 18 U.S. cities - Online entrepreneurship and leadership coursework built with Arizona State University, plus coaching and mentoring - A limited accident and sickness benefit plan while you are in the United States - Entry to the YLAI alumni network of over 2,100 entrepreneurs, with access to alumni grants and further development **What you'll do:** - Complete self-paced online modules, live virtual sessions and assignments from March to June 2027 - Attend an arrival orientation and market immersion in Houston, Texas - Work alongside a U.S. Business Partner for four weeks on a Commercial and Business Leadership Action Plan you carry out back home - Finish at the YLAI Closing Forum in Washington, D.C., with networking events with business leaders and U.S. government representatives **Key dates:** - Applications close November 8, 2026 at 11:59pm EST - Semifinalist interviews with the U.S. Embassy in your country in late 2026 or early 2027 - Final decisions by late February 2027 - Online programme runs March 8 to June 20, 2027, with the kick off on March 12, 2027 - Pre-departure orientation June 2 to 4, 2027 - In-person programme in the United States June 22 to July 29, 2027 **More information:** - The FAQ answers questions on eligibility, residency, English and AI use: https://ylai.state.gov/fellowship/faq/ - The 2027 Key Participation Policies summarise what selected finalists must agree to: https://ylai.state.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/30/2026/10/2027-YLAI-Key-Participation-Policies.pdf - Questions about applying go to apply.ylaifellowship@irex.org
