The Hurford Youth Fellowship Program applications are now open to international young democracy advocates worldwide. This fellowship program develops the fellows’ leadership abilities and helps them realize their full potential. Young activists participate in the Hurford Youth Fellowship Program by spending three months at the World Movement for Democracy‘s Secretariat in Washington, D.C. They share experiences with other activists, strengthen global connections, and contribute to developing the World Movement for Democracy.

Hurford Youth Fellows participate in strategic meetings, conduct research, organize and lead presentations, and information-sharing sessions on the following specific areas outlined in the “What’s Next? Youth Declaration:”

• Expanding Civic Space for Young People
• Countering Disinformation
• Building Citizen-Centric Accountability
• Delivering Democracy

After the fellowship completion, the fellows operate as a regional/country focal point, working with the fellowship Alumni Network to stay involved and lead youth-related activities.

Key Details:

Organized by: World Movement for Democracy
Host Organization: National Endowment for Democracy
Application Deadline: July 31, 2024
Program Duration: 3 months (March 1 to May 31, 2025)

Fellowship Coverage

Hurford Youth Fellowship will cover the following costs and expenses:

• Monthly stipend
• Health insurance
• Roundtrip tickets to and from Washington D.C.
• Fellows will be able to research a specific democratic topic.
• Fellows will be part of the World Young Movement and social and recreational activities.
• A well-equipped Washington, D.C. office
• A limited budget for long-distance phone calls.
• The International Forum for Democratic Studies aids fellows in obtaining visas by assisting them with the necessary paperwork.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants should meet the following criteria:

• The Hurford Youth Fellows Program application is open to candidates from any country.
• The applicant must be under the age of 30.
• They must be a social or democratic activist in their communities or around the world.
• If participants are affiliated with or recognized by civil society, they will be encouraged to apply.
• Applicants must be able to communicate in English and provide their documents in English.

Fellows’ Activities

Fellows will be responsible for the following activities during their fellowship:

• Research one topic linked to the democracy mentioned above themes.
• Create online resources, such as a library of related books and training materials.
• Facilitate online debates and discussions.
• Become a part of the World Movement’s social media posts.
• Participate in the design and implementation of other World Movement events.
• Participate in pertinent Washington, D.C. events and discussions to better grasp issues and develop professional ties.
• Identify, compile, present, and creatively share discussion materials and outcomes.

Required Documents

The application has four sections, and all candidates should submit these documents as part of their application package:

• Applicant Form
• Project Proposal (Max. 1200 words)
• V./Resume
• Two Letters of Recommendation

Important Guidelines

Please read the following guidance for Project Proposals and Recommendation Letters:

• The applicant’s proposal is very important and must correspond to one of the following themes of the fellowship:

1. Expanding Civic Space for Young People
2. Countering Disinformation
3. Building Citizen-Centric Accountability
4. Delivering Democracy

Any other information the referees feel is important to share concerning the candidate.

Please make sure to respond to the following particular questions in your proposal:

1. What is your proposed research topic for your fellowship project based on the three democratic themes listed above?
2. What are three specific questions that your study topic will attempt to answer?
3. How will the outcomes of your research and project (white paper, research essay, video series, toolkit, etcetera) help to advance democratic actions and initiatives in your region and around the world?
4. What would you do to help the World Movement for Democracy’s Youth initiatives flourish further?

• For the Letter of Recommendation referees’ comments must be on the following:

1. The period and context in which the referee has known the applicant.
2. Referees’ opinion of the applicant’s background, qualifications, accomplishments, and experiences.
3. They appraise the proposed project and the applicant’s ability to complete it on time.
4. Referees’ views on the suitability of the applicant and their project to the Hurford Youth Fellows Program.

How to apply for Hurford Youth Fellowship Program?

Eligible youth leaders can apply online for Hurford Youth Fellowship Program through the link below.

Apply Now

For additional information about Hurford Youth Fellowship Program, please visit World Movement for Democracy’s website or read the application instructions.

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