Hurford Youth Fellows Program(Fully-funded to Washington D.C.USA and open to all nationalities)

Do you have great ideas about how to promote democracy in your community? Are you ready to build your leadership skills? Would you like to meet other youth leaders from around the world? Now’s your chance! Apply for the Hurford Youth Fellowship! NED start accepting applications for the Hurford Youth Fellowship now.

Details About Hurford Youth Fellowship 2025

• Host Country: USA
• Location: Washington D.C.
• Program Type: Fellowship
• Dates of Fellowship in USA: March 1 – May 31, 2025
• Financial Benefits: Fully Funded
• Deadline: 31st July 2024

About the Host and Sponsor Organizations

National Endowment for Democracy (NED):
Founded in 1983, NED is a private, nonprofit organization dedicated to strengthening democratic institutions worldwide through nongovernmental efforts. NED provides grants to pro-democracy groups globally and is governed by an independent, nonpartisan board.

World Movement for Democracy:
Initiated by NED in 1999, this global network connects democracy activists, practitioners, academics, policymakers, and funders to reinforce democracy where it is weak, revitalize it where it is long-standing, and support pro-democracy groups in non-democratic nations.

Hurford Foundation:
Established to honor John B. Hurford, this foundation supports the Hurford Youth Fellows Program, fostering the leadership and organizational skills of emerging democracy leaders.

International Forum for Democratic Studies:
Founded in 1994 by NED, this preeminent center focuses on the analysis of democratic development. It supports efforts to improve democracy through fellowships, publications, and public seminars.

About the Hurford Youth Fellows Program

The Hurford Youth Fellows Program aims to build the leadership skills of young democracy activists worldwide. Fellows will spend three months in Washington, D.C., expanding their global networks, learning from democracy movements, and contributing to the World Movement for Democracy. Activities include:

• Conducting research on democracy-related topics.
• Developing online resources and facilitating discussions.
• Contributing to World Movement social media.
• Participating in events and discussions in D.C.
• Organizing and leading presentations on their work.

Upon completing the fellowship, fellows will serve as regional focal points, continuing to engage with the Hurford Youth Fellowship Alumni Network.

Eligibility and Application Process

Applicants must be under 30, demonstrate a strong interest in democratic activism, and be affiliated with civil society organizations. A working knowledge of English is required. The program does not support university students, postdoctoral research, or other fellowships.

Selection Process

Fellows are selected based on demonstrated activism, interest in advancing democracy, networking desire, and how the fellowship will benefit their democratic efforts. Selected fellows must work full-time on their projects at the NED office in Washington, D.C.

Fellowship Support

Each fellow receives a monthly stipend, basic health insurance, and roundtrip travel to Washington, D.C. They are provided with office space and access to NED’s Democracy Resource Center.

Application Guidelines

Application Deadline: July 31, 2023
Required Materials:

• Applicant Form
• C.V./Resume
• Two Letters of Recommendation

The project proposal should focus on one of the following themes: expanding civic space for youth, countering disinformation, building citizen-centric accountability, or delivering democracy. Proposals should be clear, concise, and aim to achieve goals outlined in the “What’s Next? Youth Declaration.”

For Further Information:

• Email: youthfellows@ned.org
• Website: World Movement for Democracy

For more detailed information on the application process, project proposal guidelines, and requirements for referees, please refer to the official information booklet provided by the National Endowment for Democracy.

For more details about the fellowship, click HERE.

To apply to the fellowship, click HERE