Global Leadership Fellows Program 2026 – Transforming Early-Career Professionals into Global Leaders

In an interconnected world where local success increasingly depends on global fluency, developing leaders who understand international systems, cross-sector collaboration, and complex problem-solving is vital. To support this development, the Global Leadership Fellows Program 2026 offers emerging professionals a structured, transformative experience designed to cultivate globally fluent leadership for Atlanta and beyond.

Hosted by the World Affairs Council of Atlanta, this 10-month leadership program brings together a cohort of early-career professionals with diverse backgrounds in business, government, nonprofit, and civic sectors. The fellowship combines classroom master classes, personalized leadership coaching, and an international immersion experience that strengthens participants’ global perspective and equips them with tools to lead effectively in a complex world.

Program Overview

The Global Leadership Fellows Program is designed for candidates with 5 to 15 years of professional experience who are motivated to expand their leadership capabilities and broaden their global outlook. Over the course of the program, fellows engage in a series of structured learning modules, peer collaboration, strategic leadership exercises, and experiential immersion designed to enhance their ability to navigate global issues and make meaningful impact in their organizations and communities.

Key components of the program include:

• Dynamic Master Classes on leadership frameworks, global trends, and strategic thinking.
• Professional Leadership Coaching tailored to each fellow’s growth and development.
• International Immersion involving travel abroad to engage with global institutions, learn cross-cultural leadership skills, and observe decision-making in international contexts.
• Networking and Peer Learning opportunities that foster long-term professional relationships and community impact.

Why This Opportunity Matters

As globalization reshapes local economies and social systems, leaders must be equipped to operate beyond familiar boundaries. This program fills a crucial gap for mid-career professionals who may not have access to formal international leadership training but are poised to influence decision-making, drive innovation, and contribute to civic and economic development.

The combination of strategic coursework, mentorship, real-world examples, and immersion abroad builds a leadership foundation that extends beyond traditional professional development. Fellows learn not just to respond to change but to anticipate, shape, and lead through it.

For Atlanta — a city with growing global influence — building this talent pipeline helps ensure that the next generation of leaders is prepared to represent the city on the world stage and generate sustainable impact within their organizations and communities alike.

Who Should Apply

The program targets a wide range of professionals, including:

• Emerging leaders who have demonstrated leadership potential and are eager to grow.
• Professionals with a global mindset who want to deepen their understanding of international affairs.
• Cross-sector innovators from business, government, nonprofit, or civic organizations.
• Community builders and aspiring change makers committed to driving positive impact locally and globally.
• Candidates who value continuous professional and personal growth.

Participants are expected to bring their professional experience, collaborative spirit, and curiosity to the cohort, enriching the learning experience for themselves and their peers.

Application Details and Requirements

The 2026 application period opens on Monday, February 2, 2026, and closes on Friday, April 3, 2026 (11:59 p.m. EST). Applications submitted after the deadline or incomplete applications will not be accepted.

A $500 participation fee is required upon acceptance into the program.

Participants selected for the international immersion experience receive a travel grant that includes:

• Partial round-trip airfare from Atlanta (standard coach class; upgrades and airline miles are not reimbursed).
• Accommodations and local transportation for planned itinerary activities.
• Meals based on U.S. Department of State foreign per diem rates.
• Admission to scheduled museums, tours, and public or government sites on the itinerary.
• Excluded from the travel grant are:
• Meal costs outside per diem rates.
• Activities not on the official itinerary.
• Personal transportation, incidentals, travel insurance, and visa costs if required.

Commitment and Participation Expectations

Fellows must attend all scheduled Master Classes, leadership sessions, and the international immersion component. Attendance and active participation are critical aspects of the program, designed to ensure a cohesive learning experience for each cohort.

Supervisor approval is required before participation, confirming that each fellow can balance professional responsibilities with program engagement. Applicants must submit a signed Supervisor Approval Form as part of their application.

Application Timeline

Application opens: 2 February 2026
Application deadline: 3 April 2026 (11:59 p.m. EST)

Prospective applicants are encouraged to gather all required materials, including recommendation letters that speak to leadership potential and professional impact, before beginning the online submission.

For full application requirements, dates, and instructions, visit the official program page.

Looking for more opportunities? Check out the Opportunities for Youth website!