YLAI Fellowship Program for International Students in USA

Eligibility Criteria

• Eligible Countries: Students from Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Aruba, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Bolivia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Curacao, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Grenada, Guatemala, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Jamaica, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, St. Maarten, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago, Uruguay, Venezuela are eligible to apply.
• Acceptable Course or Subjects: The scholarship will be awarded to any degree program in any subject
• Admissible Criteria: To be eligible, the applicants must meet all the following/given criteria:
• The YLAI Fellowship Program is open to young entrepreneurs who meet the following criteria: applicants will be considered regardless of race, color, religion, sex, gender, sexuality, national origin, disability, or any other protected characteristic established by U.S. law. Applicants with disabilities are eligible and encouraged to apply for the YLAI Fellowship Program.
• They should be between 25 and 35 by January 1, 2024.
• They are a resident and citizen of one of the participating countries: Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Aruba, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Bolivia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Curacao, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Grenada, Guatemala, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Jamaica, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, St. Maarten, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago, Uruguay, Venezuela.
• In the specific residency cases in Aruba, Curacao, and St. Maarten, citizenship in the Netherlands is accepted.
• They are eligible to receive a U.S. J-1 visa.
• They have a demonstrated track record of successfully growing their business or social venture for at least two (2) years.
• They are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents of the United States.
• They are not U.S. government employees.
• Applicants are proficient in reading, writing, and speaking English.

Offered Benefits

The YLAI Fellowship Program will provide all the following:

There is no fee to apply to become a YLAI Fellow. If selected for the YLAI Fellowship Program, the U.S. Government will cover all program costs. Financial provisions provided by the U.S. Government will include:

• J-1 visa support. No visa support will be offered to dependents, as this is an unaccompanied program.
• Round-trip travel from the participant’s home city to the United States and domestic U.S. travel, as required by the program.
• YLAI Entrepreneurial Leadership Curriculum coursework and mentoring;
• Closing Forum in Washington, D.C.;
• Four-week professional placement with host organization;
• A limited accident and sickness benefit plan; and
• Housing and meal stipend during the program.

Application Process

• How to Apply: Applications must be submitted online at irex.org to be considered. If you cannot complete this online application due to a disability, please email apply.ylaifellowship-at-irex.org. The YLAI Team at IREX will coordinate with you directly regarding application accommodations.
• Supporting Documents: The students are required to submit the following documents:
• Official College Transcripts
• Resume or CV.
• Proof of English Proficiency
• A digital photo of yourself for your ID card
• Financial evidence and copy of passport.
• Admission Requirements: Candidates must be between the ages of 25 and 35 by January 1, 2024.
• They have a demonstrated track record of successfully growing their business or social venture for at least two (2) years.
• Language Requirement: Applicants must be proficient in reading, writing, and speaking the English language.