MCW Global (Miracle Corners of the World) has opened applications for its Young Leaders Fellowship 2027–2028, a year-long leadership programme for young people aged 18–26 from anywhere in the world. Fellows plan and run a community project in education, health or economic security, starting with a funded 10-day training in New York and Vermont, USA. Applications close on 3 December 2026.
Key Details
- Organiser: MCW Global
- Age: 18–26 on 1 June 2027
- Duration: one year (July 2027 – July 2028)
- In-person training: 20–29 July 2027, New York City and Burlington, Vermont
- Focus: education, health or economic security
- Deadline: 3 December 2026, 11:59 pm New York time (5:59 am WAT / 7:59 am EAT on 4 December)
How the Fellowship Works
- Phase 1 – Community needs assessment (1 month, virtual, June 2027): map your community and identify the issue you want to tackle
- Phase 2 – Vision planning and project development (10 days, in person, July 2027): workshops, speakers and group work in New York and Vermont to turn your idea into an action plan
- Phase 3 – Project implementation (10 months, virtual): run your project at home with support from an MCW alumni mentor through quarterly meetings
Benefits: What MCW Global Covers
- round-trip economy flights to the US
- accommodation from 19 to 29 July 2027 (provided by New York University and Champlain College)
- three meals a day during the training
- transport between New York and Burlington, and public transport to and from JFK, LaGuardia or Newark
- leadership training, an alumni mentor and a global network of young changemakers
What you pay: US visa fees, travel to your home airport, extra baggage and personal expenses. Accepted fellows also pay a US$100 deposit by 16 March 2027, which is refunded in full after you complete the July training (it is kept only if you cancel after 1 April 2027).
Eligibility
- aged 18–26 on 1 June 2027
- fluent in written and spoken English
- strong motivation to create change and interest in social projects
- able to commit to the June assessment, the July training and a year of project work
- reliable email and internet access
- able to obtain a passport and US visa
What the Application Includes
- general information
- two essays: an issue in your community and how you’d address it; and a time you used leadership to solve a challenge
- a one-page resume
- two recommendation letters (not from friends or family), with the recommender’s name, position, contact and relationship to you at the top
- a liability waiver
Everything must be in English. MCW says AI-generated answers will hurt your chances — write in your own words.
Timeline
- 3 December 2026: applications close
- 21 December 2026: first-round decisions; shortlisted candidates get a second-round application
- 8 January 2027: second round closes
- 2 March 2027: acceptance confirmed
- 16 March 2027: confirm US visa interview date and pay deposit
- 20–29 July 2027: in-person training
How to Apply
- Read the full call on the official MCW Global page.
- Ask two referees for letters now.
- Complete the online application before 3 December 2026.
- If accepted, book your US visa interview early — waits can be long in many African countries.
Tips
- Pick a specific local problem — for example girls dropping out of school or lack of clean water in your community.
- Use real details about your community; avoid generic answers.
- Show a past moment where you led others to solve a problem.
- Check US visa interview wait times in your country before you apply.
Related Opportunities
- Sir Cyril Taylor Young African Leaders Program 2027
- GEAF Ambassador Programme 2027
- CEPS Climate Leadership Programme 2026–2027
Deadline: 3 December 2026, 11:59 pm New York time.
