Hurford Youth Fellows Program 2027 in USA (Fully Funded)

Applications are now open for the Hurford Youth Fellows Program 2027, a fully funded four month fellowship in Washington, D.C. offered by the National Endowment for Democracy (NED). The program is for young leaders from around the world who are working to strengthen democracy and increase youth participation in political life. Up to three fellows will be selected.

They will work on a democracy project, build a global network, and complete a product such as an article, toolkit, podcast, or video. The fellowship runs from May 1 to August 31, 2027, and applicants must be 30 years of age or younger. The deadline is November 30, 2026. The official announcement does not mention any application fee. You can check out BS, MS, PhD and postdoc positions here.

Key Details:

• Offered By: International Forum for Democratic Studies at the National Endowment for Democracy (NED)
• Program Type: Youth Fellows Program
• Host Country: United States (Washington, D.C.)
• Open to All Nationalities: Yes
• Funding Type: Fully funded.
• Application Deadline: November 30, 2026
• Recommendation Letters Deadline: December 4, 2026

What This Scholarship Offers:

• A monthly stipend to cover your living costs, including a short term furnished apartment, food, local transport, and other daily needs
• Basic health insurance so you are covered during your stay
• Roundtrip economy class flights to and from Washington, D.C.
• Guidance to develop a personal plan of action for a real democratic challenge in your country or region
• A product you can add to your portfolio, such as an article, handbook, toolkit, podcast, tech tool, or video, in English or another language

Please note that fellows who bring family members must pay for their dependents’ travel and living costs in the United States.

Also Check: AIxBio Fellowship 2027 in Cambridge, UK (Fully Funded)

Eligibility Criteria:

To apply, you should meet the following conditions.

• Be 30 years of age or younger
• Show a strong commitment to advancing youth participation in democracy
• Have experience in advancing youth participation in democracy
• Have a project idea that addresses a democratic challenge in your country or region and its effect on young people

Applications are especially encouraged from leaders linked to civic organizations, human rights groups, and initiatives that work to strengthen democracy. You do not need to study or compare democracy in the United States.

Also Check: Youth Research & Learning Fellowship Program in the USA

Fellowship Project and Required Product:

Each fellow works on a project that connects their own experience with a global democratic challenge. You should also think about how your ideas could help civic action in other countries and regions.

Every fellow must finish at least one product. This can be an article, handbook, toolkit, podcast, tech tool, or video.

Rules for Using AI in Your Application:

NED wants to hear your own voice and story. Using AI to get ideas, editing advice, or translation is acceptable if it does not change your writing style or the content of your application. Copying and pasting AI generated answers is not allowed. Too much reliance on AI can make you a less competitive candidate.

How to Apply:

1. Visit the Online Application System.
2. Create an account.
3. Fill in the application form with your personal background and project idea.
4. Ask your recommenders to submit their letters by December 4, 2026.
5. Submit your application before November 30, 2026.

If you have any questions, you can email [email protected].

Also Check: Caltech Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowships (SURF) 2027