Stanford University’s Center on Democracy, Development and the Rule of Law (CDDRL) is accepting applications for the 2027 Fisher Family Summer Fellows Program on Democracy and Development. It’s a three-week leadership programme on Stanford’s campus for about 28–30 mid-career practitioners from countries where democracy, good governance and development are fragile. Stanford pays for accommodation, meals and local transport during the programme.
Africans are strongly represented. Stanford says that Africa and Eurasia together make up almost half of the programme’s alumni, who include presidential advisers, judges, journalists, lawmakers and civil society leaders.
The deadline is Tuesday 12 January 2027 at 11:59pm Pacific Standard Time, which is 8:59am on 13 January in Lagos, 9:59am in Johannesburg and Cairo, and 10:59am in Nairobi.
At a Glance
| Host | CDDRL, Freeman Spogli Institute for International Studies, Stanford University |
| Formerly | Draper Hills Summer Fellows Program (running since 2005) |
| Dates | 18 July – 6 August 2027, on campus in California |
| Cohort | About 28–30 mid-career practitioners |
| Covered | Accommodation, meals and transport during the programme |
| Not covered | Usually round-trip airfare (a small, need-based travel fund exists) |
| Experience | At least 10–12 years |
| Deadline | 12 January 2027, 11:59pm PST |
Benefits
- Three weeks of training at Stanford University with leading scholars of democracy and development, including core faculty Larry Diamond, Francis Fukuyama, Erik Jensen, Michael McFaul and Kathryn Stoner
- Accommodation, meals and transport paid by Stanford for the whole programme
- Academic sessions on democratic transitions, rule of law, economic development, public administration, transitional justice, food security and global health
- Case study workshops based on real policy reforms in developing countries
- A chance to give a 7-minute “TED”-style talk about your work
- Guest lectures from leaders in public service, technology and philanthropy
- Lifelong membership of a network of more than 560 alumni from about 100 countries
Costs to Plan For
Stanford asks selected fellows to contribute towards their participation, usually by paying their own round-trip airfare. Some fellows ask their employers to pay, or fundraise after selection in April 2027. A small travel fund is available for fellows who can’t afford travel, with priority based on need and on routes where fares to California are very high. Families can’t be funded or housed on campus.
Eligibility
- A mid-career practitioner with at least 10–12 years of experience. More experience makes you more competitive.
- Actively working in democracy, development or the rule of law, for example as a policymaker, lawyer, judge, journalist, civil society leader, social or business entrepreneur, trade unionist, or member of a professional association.
- In a leadership role with real influence on your country’s political, economic or social development.
- From and currently living in a country where democracy isn’t well entrenched. Exceptions may be made for people displaced by war or conflict. Applicants from countries such as the US, Canada, Australia, Japan and EU member states aren’t accepted.
- At least 28 years old by July 2027. The average fellow is 38.
- Not enrolled in a full-time university degree.
- A solid command of written and spoken English.
- A bachelor’s degree isn’t required, though 99% of alumni had one.
- Able to attend the entire programme, 18 July – 6 August 2027.
Stanford stresses this is for practitioners, not academics. Scholars are admitted only if they’re active in government, policy, civil society, economic development or the rule of law.
How to Apply
- Read the official application guidelines and FAQs in full. Stanford asks applicants not to email questions that the FAQs already answer.
- Create an account on the SlideRoom application portal.
- Complete the application, including your resume, essay questions (keep to the character limits) and a video submission, all in English.
- Ask two referees to submit letters of recommendation through the portal.
- Submit the complete package by 12 January 2027, 11:59pm PST. Stanford recommends applying as early as possible.
Applicants hear whether they’ve been selected by April 2027.
Official application guidelines and portal: Fisher Family Summer Fellows Program 2027
Tips for African Applicants
- Lead with impact. Selectors look for people who have already changed things: laws drafted, campaigns run, institutions built, cases won.
- Show where you’re going. Explain how three weeks at Stanford will help you have an even greater impact at home.
- Sort out your airfare early. Ask your employer or a donor now, and apply to the travel fund if you genuinely can’t pay.
- Plan your US visa. If selected in April, start your visa process straight away, as appointment waits can be long.
