ABOUT THE HURFORD YOUTH FELLOWSHIP
The Hurford Youth Fellows Program equips emerging democracy leaders from around the world with the skills, networks, and practical tools to turn youth energy into democratic change. Over the course of four months in Washington, D.C., fellows explore new ideas, initiatives, and innovations, share experiences and lessons learned with activists from other countries, and contribute to the global youth movement for democracy.
Young people are helping to shape the struggle for democracy around the world. From Peru and Nepal to Madagascar, Morocco, Bangladesh, Kenya, Georgia, and Serbia, youth activists have mobilized against corruption, joblessness, and political exclusion. They have brought fresh strategies to civic action, using technology and social media to amplify their concerns, organize their peers, and demand change.
Yet translating the energy and ambition behind these movements into concrete democratic outcomes remains a challenge. Youth movements and established civic organizations often struggle to connect their efforts, build on shared priorities, and translate public demands into institutional change. The Hurford Youth Fellows Program supports emerging leaders working to bridge this gap and create meaningful pathways for young people to influence decisions and advance democracy.
While in residence, Hurford Youth Fellows work on projects that connect their experiences and ideas with the global challenges of democracy. They explore bold new ideas, conduct research in comparative context, pursue outreach and exchange with peers and practitioners, and lead presentations on topics including (but not limited to):
- Building Bridges between Youth and Civil Society: How can youth activists and civic organizations work together to turn grassroots energy into concrete outcomes? Fellows explore ways to build trust, align priorities, strengthen communications, and open pathways for youth participation in political, electoral, and institutional processes.
- Technology and Democracy: As artificial intelligence and emerging technologies reshape civic life, Hurford Fellows examine how to harness innovation to deliver democratic results and ensure technology serves rather than undermines democracy.
CALL FOR APPLICATIONS
The International Forum for Democratic Studies at the National Endowment for Democracy (NED) invites emerging youth leaders from around the world to apply for the 2027 Hurford Youth Fellows Program in Washington, DC.
Fellowship Dates and Selection: Up to two (2) fellows will be selected for a four-month fellowship, from May 1 through August 31, 2027.
Eligibility: Applicants must be 30 years of age or younger and demonstrate a commitment to—and experience in—advancing youth participation in democracy. Applications are especially encouraged from leaders affiliated with civic organizations, human rights groups, and initiatives working to strengthen democracy.
Fellowship Project: Fellows pursue a project addressing a democratic challenge in their country or region and its implications for young people. Projects may explore the political, social, economic, legal, or cultural dimensions of democracy and draw on a range of methods and innovative approaches. They should reflect applicants’ interests and expertise. A study of, or comparison with, democracy in the United States is not expected.
A central feature of the program is closer collaboration with the staff of NED and its core institutes, alongside an emphasis on the transnational implications of fellows’ work. Applicants should consider how their ideas, experiences, and strategies inform civic action in other countries and regions.
In consultation with Fellowships staff and other NED colleagues, fellows develop a tailored plan of action focused on a key challenge, such as countering authoritarian influence, navigating the opportunities and risks of digital technology, or translating youth mobilization into democratic gains. Their work should identify practical approaches and explore how lessons from one context might apply elsewhere.
Program Details: NED staff work with fellows to refine their project’s focus, scope, and intended outcome. Each fellow must complete at least one product, such as an article, handbook, toolkit, podcast, tech tool, or video. Products may be created in English or another language.
Fellows participate in seminars, roundtables, field trips, and other activities that help them:
- learn about NED and its core institutes
- explore pressing challenges and new approaches to advancing democracy
- connect with government, civil society, academic, and media communities in Washington and beyond
- build relationships and exchange ideas with other fellows.
Financial Support: Each fellow receives a monthly stipend for living expenses, basic health insurance coverage, and roundtrip economy-class travel to and from Washington, D.C., at the beginning and end of the fellowship. Stipends are calculated to cover a short-term furnished rental apartment, food, local transportation, and other necessities. Fellows who bring family members are responsible for their dependents’ roundtrip travel and living expenses in the United States.
How to Apply: Visit our Online Application System to create an account and apply. If you have any questions, please contact fellowships@ned.org.
Deadlines:
- Applications:
- Recommendation Letters:
The Hurford Youth Fellows Program is made possible by the generous support of the Hurford Foundation.
