The U.S. Department of State have officially opened applications for the 2026 Young Leaders of the Americas Initiative (YLAI) Fellowship Program, offering a game-changing opportunity for rising entrepreneurs from Latin America, the Caribbean, and Canada.
This fully funded, four-week professional exchange fellowship brings together forward-thinking business founders and social impact leaders to collaborate with U.S.-based businesses, enhance their entrepreneurial skills, and build a cross-continental network of changemakers. If you’re ready to grow your business, gain hands-on professional experience, and become part of a dynamic network of more than 1,500 alumni, this is your chance.
What is the YLAI Fellowship?
The YLAI Fellowship, launched by the U.S. Department of State, is designed to strengthen ties between entrepreneurs in the United States and the Western Hemisphere. Fellows engage in a unique blend of in-person and virtual learning experiences, including:
- Four-week immersive placement with a U.S. organization aligned with your business goals
- Leadership and entrepreneurship coursework delivered online and in person
- Professional training, networking events, and site visits across the U.S.
- Lifelong connection to the YLAI Alumni Network and U.S. entrepreneurship ecosystem.
Who Can Apply?
Applicants from Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Dominica, Grenada, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines are eligible if they meet the following criteria:
- Aged 25 to 35 at the start of the program (April–June 2026)
- Citizen and current resident of one of the eligible countries
- Have a minimum of two years’ experience as a founder or executive of a business or social venture
- Not a U.S. citizen or permanent resident
- Fully available to travel to the United States during the fellowship period in 2026
This program is not just for traditional business entrepreneurs – social innovators, changemakers, and founders of impact-driven ventures are all encouraged to apply.
What’s Covered?
YLAI is a fully funded program, meaning all travel, accommodation, health insurance, and fellowship-related expenses will be covered by the U.S. Department of State. Fellows will also receive support throughout the program, including professional mentorship, cultural orientation, and access to top-tier networking events.
Call: https://bb.usembassy.gov/apply-for-the-ylai-fellowship-program/
Apply: https://ylai.state.gov/.
Application Deadline
The last date to apply for the 2026 YLAI Fellowship is May 15, 2025, at 11:59 PM (EST).
