YLAI Fellowship Program 2025 | Empowering Young Entrepreneurs Across the Americas

Empowering Young Entrepreneurs Across the Americas: The YLAI Fellowship Program 2025

Are you a passionate entrepreneur from Latin America, the Caribbean, or Canada with a drive to grow your business and make a meaningful impact in your community? The Young Leaders of the Americas Initiative (YLAI) Fellowship Program might be the perfect opportunity for you. Launched by the U.S. Department of State in 2015, YLAI is more than just a professional development program—it's a transformational experience designed to empower young business leaders through hands-on training, mentorship, and international collaboration. With the 2025 application cycle now open, this is your chance to join a dynamic network of changemakers and accelerate your entrepreneurial journey. Let’s dive into what makes YLAI one of the most sought-after fellowships for emerging business leaders in the Western Hemisphere.

What is the YLAI Fellowship?

Launched in 2015, the YLAI Fellowship Program is a flagship U.S. government initiative that empowers emerging entrepreneurs from Latin America, the Caribbean, and Canada. To date, more than 1,750 entrepreneurs have benefited from this dynamic exchange, gaining hands-on experience in the U.S. and expanding their leadership and business skills.

At the heart of the program is the idea that strong entrepreneurship drives economic growth and creates sustainable, community-level impact. By the end of the fellowship, participants return to their home countries equipped with a concrete action plan, enhanced skills, and new international partnerships.

Key Components of the YLAI Fellowship

Four-Week U.S. Placement: Fellows are matched with U.S. businesses or organizations relevant to their industry. This immersive experience allows them to develop practical skills and collaborate on an Entrepreneurial Leadership Action Plan (E-LAP) to implement back home.
Entrepreneurial Leadership Curriculum: Developed in collaboration with IREX and Arizona State University (ASU), the program blends in-person and virtual training focused on entrepreneurship and leadership.
Orientation & Closing Forum: The experience kicks off with a welcome orientation in a U.S. city and concludes with a forum in Washington, D.C., where fellows engage with U.S. policymakers, business leaders, and fellow entrepreneurs.
Ongoing Alumni Engagement: After completing the program, fellows continue their journey through alumni networks, professional development opportunities, and even the chance to host their U.S. mentors in their home countries via the Outbound Exchange Program.

Note: If in-person travel is not feasible, the program will be delivered virtually.

What Does the Fellowship Cover?

Selected fellows receive full financial support from the U.S. government, including:

J-1 visa processing (for fellows only)
Round-trip travel from home country to the U.S.
Travel within the U.S. as needed for program activities
Coursework and mentoring
Four-week placement with a host organization
Orientation and Closing Forum
Housing and meals stipend
Limited accident and sickness insurance

Who Can Apply?

The YLAI Fellowship Program is open to:

Entrepreneurs aged 25–35 by January 1, 2026
Citizens and residents of eligible countries in Latin America, the Caribbean, and Canada (including Aruba, Curacao, and St. Maarten with Dutch citizenship)
Founders or key decision-makers of a business that has been operating successfully for at least two years
Individuals proficient in English (spoken and written), without relying on generative AI for applications
Applicants who are not U.S. citizens, residents, or government employees

YLAI encourages applicants from all backgrounds, including those with disabilities, to apply.

What Makes a Strong Application?

Applications are reviewed through a competitive and merit-based process. The selection committee evaluates candidates based on:

Entrepreneurial experience and business success
Dedication to community service, volunteerism, or mentorship
Clear alignment of personal goals with YLAI’s objectives
Demonstrated leadership, resilience, and commitment
Effective communication in English (original content only—no AI-generated or plagiarized content)

How to Apply

Applications must be completed online at ylai.irex.org
All questions should be answered in English
You can save your application and return to it anytime before submission
Ensure your responses are your own original work—no AI tools or plagiarism allowed
If you require accessibility accommodations, email: apply.ylaifellowship@irex.org

Applications must be submitted by the deadline. Incomplete or ineligible applications will not be considered.

Timeline

July 2025 – Semifinalists are contacted for interviews
August 2025 – Applicants are notified of their status

Why Apply?

The YLAI Fellowship is more than a learning experience—it’s a launchpad. Whether you’re scaling your startup, seeking international exposure, or aiming to strengthen your impact in your community, this program is designed to help you thrive.

Ready to take your entrepreneurial journey to the next level?

How to Apply

Interested and qualified? Go to Scholarship at Uniplus Global to apply