Fisher Family Summer Fellows Program 2026

Applications are now open for the 2026 Fisher Family Summer Fellows Program on Democracy and Development, hosted by Stanford University’s Center on Democracy, Development and the Rule of Law (CDDRL). This prestigious three-week training program targets mid-career practitioners in the fields of democracy, development, and the rule of law from transitioning countries. The application deadline is January 15, 2026, 11:59 PM PST. The program is partially funded, covering accommodations, meals, and transportation, but fellows are expected to cover round-trip airfare, with a limited travel fund available for those in need. Eligible applicants include policy-makers, academics, legal professionals, social entrepreneurs, and civil society leaders aged 28 or older with 10-12 years of experience, residing in countries where democracy is fragile. There is no application fee, and applications are submitted via the Slideroom portal. You can check out BS, MS, PhD and postdoc positions here.

Key Details

• Program Dates: July 19 – August 7, 2026
• Location: Stanford University, California, USA
• Fields: Democracy, development, and the rule of law
• Eligibility: Mid-career practitioners (28+ years old) with 10-12 years of experience, from transitioning countries (not U.S., Canada, Australia, Japan, or EU), with strong English proficiency
• Funding: Partially funded (covers accommodations, meals, transportation; fellows cover airfare, with limited travel subsidies available)
• Application Fee: None
• Application Deadline: January 15, 2026, 11:59 PM PST
• Program Size: 28-30 fellows

Program Highlights

The Fisher Family Summer Fellows Program offers a dynamic curriculum combining:

• Academic Sessions: Led by Stanford’s interdisciplinary faculty, including renowned experts like Larry Diamond, Francis Fukuyama, and Michael McFaul, these sessions cover topics like political development, democratic transitions, and global health policy. Participants engage with advanced academic readings and six-hour daily seminars.
• Case Study Workshops: Analyze real-world policy reforms to understand strategic decision-making and overcome political and cultural challenges.
• TED-Style Talks: Fellows deliver a 7-minute presentation about their work and motivation, fostering personal connections. Preparation for this talk begins before the program.
• Guest Lectures: Hear from prominent figures in public service, technology, and philanthropy to build strategic connections.

Check Also: East-West Center Graduate Degree Fellowship in USA (Fully Funded)

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify, applicants must meet the following requirements:

1. Professional Experience: At least 10-12 years in democracy, development, or rule of law, with significant leadership roles.
2. Residency: Must reside in a country where democracy is not well-established. Exceptions may apply for those displaced due to war or conflict.
3. Age: Minimum 28 years old by July 2026.
4. English Proficiency: Strong written and spoken English skills for active participation and a required TED-style talk.
5. Availability: Commit to attending the full three-week program (July 19 – August 7, 2026) without professional interruptions.
6. Non-Students: Not currently enrolled in full-time university degree programs.

While 99% of alumni hold a bachelor’s degree, it is not mandatory. Practical experience is prioritized over academic credentials.

Application Process

Applications are submitted via the Slideroom online portal. The process includes:

• Applicant Information: Personal and contact details.
• Academics & Career Information: Outline your educational and professional background.
• Resume/CV: 1-3 pages in English (.doc or .pdf format), listing professional experience, education, awards, and publications.
• Essay Questions: Answer eight questions (150 words each) about your work, impact, motivation, and goals. Provide context about your country’s democratic challenges.
• Video Submission: A 2-minute “elevator pitch” explaining why you should be selected (MP4 or MOV, max 250 MB).
• Letters of Recommendation: Submit 2-3 letters from professional contacts (not family/friends), including at least one from your current supervisor. Letters must be in English, on official letterhead, and uploaded by January 15, 2026.
• Financial Information: Detail your ability to cover travel costs or need for a partial travel subsidy.
• Personal Certification: Confirm the accuracy of your application.

See also: Yenching Academy Scholarship in China (Fully Funded)

Program Costs

Stanford covers accommodations, meals, and transportation during the program. However, fellows are expected to cover round-trip airfare. A limited travel fund is available for those with financial need, prioritized by destination and cost. Some fellows may seek employer sponsorship or fundraise after selection in April 2026.

Family Policy: Stanford cannot fund or house families, and children under 18 are not allowed on campus. Fellows are encouraged to attend without family to focus on networking and program activities.

Also check: France Excellence Eiffel Scholarship Program (2026)

How to Apply

Create an account on Slideroom and submit your application by January 15, 2026, 11:59 PM PST. Selection decisions will be announced in April 2026. For questions, contact [email protected] after reviewing the program details.