Applications are now open for the 2025 Hurford Youth Fellowship Program. The Hurford Youth Fellowship Program seeks to build the leadership skills and harness the potential of young democracy activists from around the world.

Through the Fellowship program, youth activists spend three months in the Washington D.C during which they expand their global network, learn lessons from activists from democracy movements around the world, and contribute to the development of the World Movement for Democracy. Fellows will be expected to organize online discussions to generate active engagement among youth activists around the world.

Hurford Youth Fellows will engage in strategic meetings, conduct research, and organize and lead presentations, and information-sharing sessions on the following specific areas outlined in the “What’s Next? Youth Declaration:”

  • Expanding Civic Space for Young People
  • Countering Disinformation
  • Building Citizen-Centric Accountability
  • Delivering Democracy

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

Eligibility:

  • Applicants interested in the Hurford Youth Fellows Program must be no older than 30 years of age.
  • They must demonstrate a strong interest in democratic activism and in the advancement of democracy in their respective communities, as well as worldwide.
  • Youth affiliated with civil society organizations are especially encouraged to apply.
  • English Language Requirement: A working knowledge of English is an important prerequisite for participation in the program for general communication purposes. All application materials must be submitted in English.

Residency Requirements:

  • Fellows are expected to work full-time on their fellowship projects at the NED office in Washington, D.C. Fellows may not hold any other fellowships or be otherwise employed during the fellowship period without the express permission of World Movement Secretariat staff.
  • Additional fellowships or work opportunities that coincide with the fellowship period must be brought to the attention of World Movement Secretariat staff prior to the candidate’s acceptance of a Hurford Fellowship.
  • Failure to do so may result in the revocation of the fellowship.

Benefits

  • Each fellow will receive a monthly stipend for living expenses, plus basic health insurance and roundtrip travel to and from Washington, D.C.
  • 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 phone calls.

Method of Application

Applicants are asked to submit the following:

  • Applicant Form;
  • C.V./Resume; and
  • Two Letters of Recommendation
  • All application materials should be uploaded to the application portal.

For More Information,

Visit the Official Webpage

Application Deadline: July 31st, 2024.