MCW Young Leaders Fellowship Program 2025 for International Students
Applications are now open for the MCW Young Leaders Fellowship Program 2025 in the United States. Organized by MCW Global, this fully funded exchange and leadership program invites young leaders from around the world. The fellowship is designed for individuals aged 18 to 26 who are committed to community projects focusing on education, health, and economic security.
Program Overview
The MCW Young Leaders Fellowship provides a unique opportunity for passionate young individuals to develop their leadership skills and engage in community service. Participants will collaborate with peers and experienced mentors to create innovative solutions that address community needs. The program includes:
- Community needs assessment
- Project development
- Alumni mentoring and collaboration over approximately one year
About MCW Global
MCW is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving education, health, and economic security in communities worldwide. Based in New York, the organization emphasizes values such as honesty, compassion, accountability, and responsibility in its community development efforts.
Fellowship Details
- Duration: July 15-24, 2025
- Coverage: Fully funded
- Eligible Nationalities: Open to all nationalities
- Award Country: United States
- Application Deadline: November 10, 2024
Financial Benefits
The fellowship covers the following expenses for international participants:
- International economy flights
- Domestic economy flights for U.S. participants
- Accommodation from July 5 to July 15, 2025
- Three meals per day from July 6 to July 15, 2025
- Round-trip travel from New York to Burlington, Vermont
- Public transportation to/from JFK, LaGuardia, and Newark Airports
Note: Costs not covered include passport and visa fees, as well as in-country expenses (e.g., travel to the airport, extra baggage fees).
Program Structure
The fellowship begins with a month-long community mapping exercise, allowing participants to assess local needs. Following this, a month-long intensive virtual training prepares young leaders for action planning. Participants then have 10 months to develop their projects with guidance from alumni mentors.
Eligibility Criteria
To apply for the MCW Young Leaders Fellowship Program, candidates must:
- Demonstrate a commitment to their community.
- Identify an issue related to education, health, or economic security.
- Be between the ages of 18 and 26 as of June 1, 2025.
- Be fluent in written and spoken English.
- Commit to conducting the Community Needs Assessment in June, attending the in-person program in July, and executing their community project in the following year.
- Have access to email and the internet for ongoing communication.
- Adhere to graduation guidelines provided upon acceptance.
- Be eligible for the necessary visa and travel documentation.
- Submit a completed application by November 10, 2024, at 11:59 PM (NYC EST).
Required Documents
Applicants should upload the following documents in the online application:
- Resume/CV
- Two letters of recommendation
Selection Timeline
- October 9, 2024: Application opens
- November 10, 2024: Application closes
- December 1, 2024: First-round decisions announced; shortlisted candidates notified, and second-round applications open
- December 12, 2024: Second-round application closes
- January 7-16, 2025: Interviews with alumni
- January 23, 2025: Acceptance notifications sent
- February 1, 2025: Confirmation of acceptances
- February 6, 2025: Visa interview date confirmation
- June 1-30, 2025: Community Needs Assessment
- July 6-15, 2025: In-person training in New York and Burlington, Vermont
- July 15-24, 2025: Fellowship duration
How to Apply
Interested candidates can complete the online application form and upload the required documents. For more information and to apply, please visit the official MCW Young Leaders Fellowship Program website.