YLAI Fully Funded Exchange Program in USA – 2023

The Young Leaders of the Americas Initiative (YLAI) is a Program that empowers entrepreneurs and innovative civil society leaders to strengthen capacity and advance their entrepreneurial ideas to contribute to social and economic development in their communities and region.

Since the initiative’s launch in 2015, more than 1,000 YLAI Fellows from Canada, Latin America, and the Caribbean have expanded their leadership and entrepreneurial experience through fellowships at businesses and organizations across the United States. Through the YLAI Entrepreneurship Institute and the individualized Fellowships, YLAI Fellows have accelerated their commercial and social ventures’ success and developed specific action plans to carry out upon return to their home countries. YLAI Fellows built networks, linkages, and lasting partnerships to attract investments and support for their entrepreneurial ventures.

Host Country: United States
Organization: YLAI
Financial Coverage: Fully Funded
Deadline: 15th February 2023

Financial Benefits

YLAI Fellowship will cover all the expenses as this is a fully funded exchange program.

No application fees.
J-1 visa support.
Round trip travel from home country to US and vice versa.
4 weeks of professional placement with the host organization.
Health benefit support.
Housing stipend.
Meal stipend.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible, applicants must:

Be between 25 to 35 years old by January 1, 2024
Reside or be a citizen in one of the eligible participating countries
Qualify for a U.S. J-1 visa
Demonstrate a successful track record in business or social ventures for at least two years
Not be a U.S. government employee
Not have U.S. residency or citizenship
Possess proficient English language skills (reading, speaking, and writing)
Individuals with disabilities are highly encouraged to apply
The program is open to all, without discrimination based on age, sex, religion, nationality, etc.

Selection Criteria

The selection criteria for the program include:

Relevant professional experience and expertise
A dedication to making a positive impact in your country
A strong commitment to growing your business
Alignment of your goals with the program’s objectives
Demonstrated leadership abilities.

Beneficiary 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 cases of residency in Aruba, Curacao and St. Maarten, citizenship in the Netherlands is accepted