MCW Global, a New York-based non-profit, is accepting applications for its 2027 Young Leaders Fellowship. It’s a year-long leadership programme for young people aged 18–26 from anywhere in the world, including Africa, who want to tackle a problem in their community in education, health or economic security. The highlight is a 10-day in-person training in New York and Vermont, USA, with economy flights, housing and meals paid for by MCW.
The deadline is Thursday 3 December 2026, 11:59pm New York time. That’s 5:59am on Friday 4 December in Lagos, 6:59am in Johannesburg and Cairo, and 7:59am in Nairobi.
At a Glance
| Organiser | MCW Global (New York) |
| Who can apply | Young people aged 18–26 from any country |
| Focus areas | Education, health or economic security in your community |
| In-person training | 20–29 July 2027, New York City and Burlington, Vermont, USA |
| Duration | One year (July 2027 – July 2028) |
| Covered | Economy flights, housing, three meals a day and travel within the programme |
| Not covered | Passport and visa fees, and getting to your home airport |
| Deadline | 3 December 2026, 11:59pm New York time |
How the Fellowship Works
- Community Needs Assessment (1 month, online, June 2027): you map your community and study its needs with tools MCW provides.
- Vision Planning and Project Development (10 days, in person, 20–29 July 2027): workshops, speakers and group work in New York and Vermont to turn your idea into a concrete action plan.
- Project Implementation (10 months, online): you go home and carry out your project, supported by an alumni mentor who has completed the fellowship.
Benefits
- Economy return flights for international participants
- Housing from the evening of 19 July to 29 July 2027, provided by New York University and Champlain College
- Three meals a day during the training
- Travel between New York and Vermont, plus public transport to and from New York’s airports
- Leadership, global citizenship and project-planning training
- A year of mentoring from fellowship alumni
- A worldwide network of young changemakers
Costs to plan for: you pay your own passport and visa fees and in-country costs, such as getting to the airport or extra baggage. Accepted participants also pay a US$100 deposit by 16 March 2027, which is refunded in full after you complete the in-person training.
Eligibility
- Aged 18–26 on 1 June 2027.
- From any country.
- Committed to your community, with a specific issue you want to address in education, health or economic security.
- Fluent in written and spoken English.
- Able to do the needs assessment in June, attend the full 10-day programme in July, and work on your project for the following year.
- Reliable email and internet access for the year-long programme.
- Able to get the US visa and travel documents you need.
How to Apply
- Read the full details on MCW Global’s official page (link below).
- Answer two essay questions in your own words: an issue in your community and how you’d tackle it, and a time you used leadership to solve a challenge.
- Prepare a one-page CV and two recommendation letters from people who know your work. Letters from friends and family are discouraged.
- Submit your application in English before 3 December 2026.
Apply for the MCW Young Leaders Fellowship 2027 (official portal) · Official programme page
Timeline
| Date | Stage |
|---|---|
| 3 Dec 2026 | First-round application closes |
| 21 Dec 2026 | Shortlisted candidates notified; second-round application opens |
| 8 Jan 2027 | Second-round application closes |
| 3–16 Feb 2027 | Interviews with alumni |
| 23 Feb 2027 | Acceptances sent |
| 16 Mar 2027 | US visa interview date confirmed and deposit paid |
| 20–29 Jul 2027 | In-person training in New York and Vermont |
Tips
- Be specific about your community. Name the place, the problem and who it affects.
- Don’t use AI to write your essays. MCW says AI-generated answers will hurt your chances.
- Check your passport now. If you’re accepted, you’ll need to book a US visa interview quickly, and waiting times in some African countries are long.
