Key details
Applications for the 2021/2022 Hurford Youth Fellowship Program in the USA are currently open.
About the Hurford Youth Fellowship Program
The Hurford Youth Fellowship Program aims to help young democracy activists around the world develop their leadership skills and realize their full potential. Young activists participate in the Program for three months at the World Movement for Democracy’s Secretariat, where they strengthen their global connections, share experiences with other activists from around the world, and contribute to the development of the World Movement for Democracy.
Hurford Youth Fellows participate in strategic meetings, conduct research, and organize and lead presentations, online discussions, and information-sharing sessions on important democratic issues.
Also read: Georg Forster Research Fellowship for Researchers 2021
Following the completion of each fellowship, the fellows act as a regional/country focal point, collaborating with the Hurford Youth Fellowship Program Alumni Network to stay involved and lead youth-related activities.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants interested in the Hurford Youth Fellowship Program must ensure the following:
- Applicants must not be 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.
- The program is open to applicants from any country.
- 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.
Hurford Youth fellowships are not designed to support extensive fieldwork outside the Washington, D.C., area. - The program recognizes the importance of establishing ties with counterparts elsewhere in the United States and abroad and understands that professional obligations may sometimes necessitate domestic or international travel. However, no funds will be available to support fellows’ professional travel.
- Fellows are expected to be in residence at the NED for the entirety of the fellowship period in order to take full advantage of the professional resources available in D.C.
Benefit
- 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.
- The World Movement Secretariat staff plays a vital role in helping fellows realize their fellowship objectives by collaborating with them on their fellowship projects and engaging them in ongoing discussions about their work.
NOTE:
- Applicants should bear 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 fellowship stipends are not calculated to cover the financial needs of a family.
- Fellows who wish to bring family members with them to Washington, D.C. will be expected to cover the costs of their dependents’ roundtrip travel and stay within the United States. The program does not ordinarily cover costs associated with dependents’ health insurance. Please note that all dependents traveling to the United States on a J-2 dependent visa will be required to have basic health insurance coverage
for the full period of their stay.
Visa Issues: - Prior to their arrival in the United States, prospective fellows who are neither citizens nor permanent residents of the United States must secure a J-1 exchange visitor visa. The International Forum for Democratic Studies assists fellows with the documentation.
Also read: ACU Fellowship 2021 for academic & professional staff of ACU member universities
Application Procedure
- Applicants must provide the following documents during application:
- Applicant Form;
- C.V./Resume; and
- Two Letters of Recommendation
Interested candidates who wish to apply can click the button below:
For more information visit the official website of Hurford Youth Fellowship Program