MCW Young Leaders Fellowship Program 2026 for International Students
Applications are now open for the MCW Young Leaders Fellowship Program 2026 in the United States. MCW Global offers a fully funded exchange and leadership program for participants worldwide. This international leadership initiative is designed for young people aged 18 to 26 who are committed to developing community-focused projects in education, health, and economic security.
The MCW Young Leaders Fellowship Program provides one of the most valuable learning and development experiences for motivated and dedicated individuals. With a mission to create local impact through global collaboration, young participants work together in teams under the guidance of professional mentors. This approach helps them engage their communities effectively through creative ideas and practical, project-based solutions.
The youth leadership program spans about one year and includes key phases such as community needs assessment, project planning, alumni mentorship, and ongoing collaboration. Participants are encouraged to think creatively and develop realistic solutions to the challenges identified in their communities.
The 2025 MCW Global Fellowship is organized by MCW, a nonprofit committed to improving education, health, and economic security in communities worldwide. MCW works to address current community needs by empowering today’s young leaders and preparing the next generation of change-makers. Headquartered in New York, the organization also partners with groups across Africa. Its community development efforts are rooted in values such as honesty, compassion, accountability, integrity, and responsibility.
MCW Young Leaders Fellowship Program 2026 Details
| Offered by: | MCW |
| Duration: | 15-24 July 2025 |
| Scholarship coverage: | Fully Funded |
| Eligible nationality: | All Nationalities |
| Award country: | United States |
| Last date: | 3 December 2025 |
Financial Benefits
MCW Young Leaders Fellowship Program 2026 in USA is a Full Free Program for International Applicants to visit USA free of cost. Details of award coverage is given below:
COSTS COVERED BY MCW:
- International Economy Flights for international participants
- Domestic Economy flights for United States participants
- Housing from the evening of July 20 – July 30, 2026
- Three meals per day from July 21 – July 30, 2025
- Round Trip Travel from New York, New York to Burlington, Vermont
- Public Transportation to/from JFK, LaGuardia, and Newark Airports
COST NOT COVERED BY MCW:
- Passport Fees
- Visa Fees
- In-Country Costs (travel to the airport, extra baggage fees, etc.)
About MCW Young Leaders Fellowship Program
MCW Global’s Young Leaders Fellowship begins with an assessment of the needs of the community – a month of community mapping that requires young people aged 18-26 from around the world to better understand their local communities. Prepares for After the community needs an assessment, young leaders participate in a month-long intensive virtual program that helps them become leaders in positive change in their communities. After virtual learning, participants spend 10 months developing their action plans with the help of alumni mentors.
Eligibility Criteria
Candidates have to meet the given below criteria while applying online for MCW Young Leaders Fellowship Program:
- Demonstrate commitment to their community;
- Identify an issue in their community in the areas of education, health, or economic security;
- Be between the ages of 18-26 at the start of the program (June 1, 2026);
- Be fluent in written and spoken English;
- Commit to doing the Community Needs Assessment in June, attending the 10-day in-person program in July, and spending the following year aiming to execute their community project;
- Have access to email and the internet to allow for consistent communication with the MCW Global Team and Young Leaders Fellowship alumni-mentor for the duration of the year-long program;
- Adhere to Young Leaders Fellowship graduation guidelines (to be provided upon acceptance to the program);
- Leadership directly for further steps;
- Be eligible for appropriate visa and travel documentation;
- Submit a completed application on or before Friday, December 3, 2025, 11:59 PM (NYC EST time).
Documents required
The Following Documents should be upload in the Online Application Form.
- Resume/CV.
- Two Letters of Recommendation.
Selection Timeline
Applicants have to follow the given below timeline while applying for MCW Young Leaders Fellowship Program in USA:
- November 5, 2025: Young Leaders Fellowship Application Opens
- December 3, 2025: Young Leaders Fellowship Application Closes
- December 22, 2025: First-round Decisions Sent Out; Shortlisted Candidates Notified; Second-Round Application Opens
- January 11, 2026: Second Round Application Closes
- February 3 – 12, 2026: Interviews with Alumni
- February 19, 2026: Acceptances Sent Out
- February 26, 2026: Confirmation of Acceptance
- March 5, 2026: Confirmation of U.S. Visa Interview Date and Deposit by Mentees
- June 8 – July 3, 2026: Community Needs Assessment
- July 21 – July 30, 2026: In-Person Training Program – Young Leaders Fellowship
- July 2026 – July 2027: The Entire Young Leaders Fellowship Duration
How to Apply for MCW Young Leaders Fellowship Program?
Complete an Online Application Form & Upload the Required Documents. The Official Link of the MCW Young Leaders Fellowship Program is given below:
