YLAI Fellowship 2027 is a U.S.-based program that empowers emerging entrepreneurs from the Western Hemisphere through virtual training and a four-week professional placement in the United States. The YLAI Fellowship connects participants with U.S. businesses, mentors, and a sustained alumni network to support business growth and economic development.
The YLAI Fellowship is funded by the U.S. Department of State and administered by IREX, with curriculum contributions from Arizona State University. The program includes virtual upskilling, in-person orientations, a Closing Forum in Washington, D.C., and post-fellowship alumni opportunities.
YLAI Fellowship Benefits
- J-1 visa support (please note that no visa support will be offered to dependents, as this is an unaccompanied program).
- Round-trip travel from the YLAI Participant’s home city to the United States and domestic U.S. travel, as required by the program.
- Market-oriented Commercial Execution and Entrepreneurial Leadership coursework and mentoring;
- U.S. Arrival Orientation in a U.S. city;
- Closing Forum in Washington, D.C.;
- Four-week professional placement with U.S. Business Host;
- A limited accident and sickness benefit plan; and
- Housing and meal stipend during the program.
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YLAI Fellowship Eligibility Criteria
- Are between the ages of 25 and 35 by January 1, 2027.
- Are a current resident and citizen of one of the participating countries*: Antigua and Barbuda, Aruba, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Bolivia, Bonaire, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Curacao, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Grenada, Guatemala, Guyana, Honduras, Jamaica, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Saba, St. Eustatius, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, St. Maarten, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago, Uruguay, and Venezuela. *In the specific cases of residency in Aruba, Bonaire, Curacao, Saba, St. Eustatius, and St. Maarten, citizenship in the Netherlands is accepted.
- Are eligible to receive a U.S. J-1 visa.
- Have a demonstrated track record of successfully growing their own for-profit business or venture for at least two (2) years.
- Are not a U.S. citizen or permanent resident of the United States.
- Are not a U.S. government employee or related to a U.S. government employee.
- Are able to read, write, speak, and understand English at a professional level.
How to Apply for YLAI Fellowship
- Only those applicants who complete and submit a 2027 YLAI application will be considered for the 2027 YLAI Fellowship Program.
- This application consists of 8 parts and will take approximately two to three hours to complete: Personal and Contact Information; Eligibility Information; Educational and Professional Experience; Entrepreneurial Profile; Short Essay Questions; YLAI Fellowship Model; English Language; Background Information.
- All application questions must be answered in English.
- All answers in the application, including written responses to essays, must belong to the applicant.
- Applications must be submitted by 11:59pm EST on November 8, 2026.
- Applications and information submitted through email or other means will not be considered.
- Applications that are mailed, faxed, or emailed to IREX will not be accepted.
- Direct any questions regarding applying for the 2027 YLAI Fellowship Program to apply.ylaifellowship@irex.org.
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Applications close on Sunday, 8 November 2026. We’ll email you 7, 3 and 1 days before.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are the most frequently asked questions about the YLAI Fellowship Scholarship. These answers cover eligibility, benefits, deadlines, and how to apply for the 2027 program.
What is the YLAI Fellowship Program?
The YLAI Fellowship Program, funded by the U.S. Department of State and administered by IREX, empowers emerging entrepreneurs from the Western Hemisphere through virtual training and a four-week professional placement in the United States, concluding with a Closing Forum in Washington, D.C.
Who funds and administers the YLAI Fellowship?
The program is funded by the U.S. Department of State and administered by IREX, with online modules developed by IREX and Arizona State University (ASU), and includes virtual and in-person components.
What are the key benefits provided to participants?
Benefits include J-1 visa support, round-trip and domestic U.S. travel as required, coursework and mentoring, U.S. arrival orientation, Closing Forum in Washington, D.C., a four-week professional placement, limited accident and sickness coverage, and housing and meal stipends.
Who is eligible to apply for the 2027 YLAI Fellowship?
Applicants must be 25–35 years old by January 1, 2027, a current resident and citizen of a participating country, eligible for a U.S. J-1 visa, have at least two years of experience leading a for-profit business they own or co-own, not be a U.S. citizen or government employee, and have professional-level English.
Is there an application fee?
No. There is no fee to apply for or to participate in the YLAI Fellowship Program. The program covers all program costs for selected participants.
What is the application deadline for the 2027 program?
Applications must be submitted by 11:59pm EST on November 8, 2026. No late submissions will be accepted and applications sent by mail, fax, or email to IREX will not be considered.
Can I bring family or dependents to the U.S. portion of the program?
No. The YLAI Fellowship in-person component is unaccompanied; participants may not bring guests, coworkers, family members, or dependents during the in-person portion of the program.
Do I need a passport to apply?
You may apply without a passport, but if accepted you must obtain a valid passport at least two months prior to arrival in the United States and it must be valid for six months past the final day of the in-person portion of the fellowship.
Is a university degree required to apply?
No. A university degree is not required. The application considers formal and informal education, but applicants are evaluated primarily on entrepreneurial experience and merit rather than degree possession.
How will English proficiency be assessed?
English proficiency is assessed through application responses and during a live semifinalist interview with a U.S. Embassy or Consulate representative. Applicants must be able to read, write, speak, and understand English at a professional level.
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