Hurford Youth Fellows Program 2027 in Washington, DC – Fully Funded Fellowship Opportunity
The Hurford Youth Fellows Program 2027 is inviting applications from emerging young democracy leaders from around the world. The four-month fellowship will take place in Washington, D.C., from May 1 to August 31, 2027, providing young activists with an opportunity to develop their ideas, expand their networks and contribute to the global movement for democracy.
The programme is organised by the International Forum for Democratic Studies at the National Endowment for Democracy (NED) and supports emerging leaders working to strengthen youth participation in democratic processes.
Up to three fellows will be selected for the 2027 programme. Applications are open until 30 November 2026, while recommendation letters must be submitted by 4 December 2026.
Hurford Youth Fellows Program 2027
The Hurford Youth Fellows Program is designed for young leaders who are actively involved in advancing democracy and increasing meaningful youth participation in civic and political life.
During the four-month fellowship, participants will explore new ideas and innovative approaches to democratic change while exchanging experiences with activists and practitioners from different countries.
The programme recognises the important role young people play in democratic movements around the world. Youth activists have increasingly used civic action, technology and social media to challenge corruption, political exclusion and other barriers to democratic participation.
However, turning youth mobilisation into sustainable democratic outcomes can be challenging. The Hurford Fellowship therefore focuses on helping emerging leaders build stronger connections between youth movements and established civil society organisations.
Fellowship Project
Each fellow will develop and pursue a project addressing a democratic challenge affecting their country or region and its implications for young people.
Projects may examine political, social, economic, legal or cultural dimensions of democracy and can use different research and innovative approaches.
Applicants are expected to develop projects that reflect their own interests and expertise. A study of democracy in the United States is not required.
A key feature of the fellowship is collaboration with NED staff and its core institutes. Fellows will also be encouraged to consider the transnational implications of their work and how lessons, strategies and experiences from one country may be relevant in other regions.
Potential areas of work include countering authoritarian influence, understanding the opportunities and risks of digital technology, and translating youth mobilisation into concrete democratic gains.
Fellowship Activities
During their residence in Washington, D.C., fellows will participate in seminars, roundtables, field trips and other activities designed to strengthen their knowledge and professional networks.
Participants will have opportunities to learn more about NED and its core institutes while exploring pressing challenges facing democracy.
The fellowship will also provide opportunities to connect with government, civil society, academic and media communities in Washington and beyond.
Fellows will exchange ideas and experiences with one another, helping create an international network of emerging democracy leaders.
Each fellow must complete at least one final product during the programme. This could include an article, handbook, toolkit, podcast, technology tool or video. Products may be developed in English or another language.
Hurford Youth Fellows Eligibility
Applicants must be 30 years of age or younger and demonstrate both a commitment to and experience in advancing youth participation in democracy.
Applications are particularly encouraged from emerging leaders affiliated with civic organisations, human rights groups and initiatives working to strengthen democracy.
Candidates should be able to demonstrate a clear understanding of the democratic challenge they want to address and explain how their proposed project could contribute to meaningful change.
Financial Support
The Hurford Youth Fellows Program provides financial assistance to selected participants.
Each fellow receives a monthly stipend for living expenses, basic health insurance coverage, and roundtrip economy-class travel to and from Washington, D.C.
The monthly stipend is calculated to cover expenses associated with a short-term furnished rental apartment, food, local transportation and other basic necessities.
Fellows who travel with family members are responsible for the roundtrip travel and living expenses of their dependants in the United States.
Application Process
Interested applicants should apply through the official Hurford Youth Fellows online application system.
Applicants should present their project ideas and personal background in their own voice. The programme specifically notes that applicants may use generative AI in limited ways, such as brainstorming, editorial guidance and translation, but wholesale copying of AI-generated application responses is prohibited.
The fellowship prioritises original ideas and authentic voices, so applicants should ensure that their application accurately reflects their own experiences, interests and proposed project.
Hurford Youth Fellows Program 2027 – Quick Details
The Hurford Youth Fellows Program 2027 offers emerging democracy leaders an opportunity to spend four months in Washington, D.C., while developing a practical project, building international networks and learning from organisations and individuals working to strengthen democratic participation around the world.
