Hurford Youth Fellows Program 2027: Funded Fellowship in Washington, D.C.

Application Deadline:November 30, 2026

Applications are open for the 2027 Hurford Youth Fellows Program, run by the International Forum for Democratic Studies at the National Endowment for Democracy (NED). The fellowship is open to young democracy advocates from anywhere in the world. The application deadline is November 30, 2026.

Fellows spend four months in Washington, D.C. working on a project of their own, with a stipend, health insurance and return airfare covered. Only three fellows are chosen, so it’s a very small field, but it’s a rare chance to turn local youth activism into work with global reach.

About the Fellowship

Young people have driven democratic protest in many places, from Peru and Nepal to Madagascar, Morocco, Bangladesh, Kenya, Georgia and Serbia. But turning that energy into lasting change is hard. Youth movements and established civic groups often struggle to join forces and push their demands into institutions.

The Hurford Youth Fellows Program, supported by the Hurford Foundation, backs emerging leaders who are working to close that gap. In residence, fellows research their topic, meet peers and practitioners and lead presentations. Topics may include:

• Building bridges between youth and civil society: How activists and civic organisations can work together, build trust and open pathways into political and institutional processes.
• Technology and democracy: How to use AI and new technology to deliver democratic results, and keep it from undermining democracy.

The Fellowship Project

Each fellow pursues a project on a democratic challenge in their own country or region and what it means for young people. The project can look at political, social, economic, legal or cultural aspects of democracy. You don’t need to study the United States.

You work with NED staff to shape the scope and outcome. Each fellow must complete at least one product, such as an article, handbook, toolkit, podcast, tech tool or video. You can create it in English or another language.

Benefits

• A monthly stipend to cover a furnished short-term rental, food, local transport and other needs
• Basic health insurance
• Round-trip economy airfare to and from Washington, D.C.
• Seminars, roundtables and field trips that introduce NED and its core institutes
• Networking with government, civil society, academic and media communities
• Project guidance from NED staff
• Exchange with other fellows

The page doesn’t state the stipend amount. If you bring family, you must cover their travel and living costs.

Who Can Apply

You must:

• Be 30 years old or younger
• Show a commitment to, and experience in, advancing youth participation in democracy

Leaders from civic organisations, human rights groups and democracy initiatives are especially encouraged. The program is open to applicants worldwide.

How to Apply and Key Dates

Create an account on the NED Online Application System and submit your application there.

Key dates:

• November 30, 2026: Application deadline
• December 4, 2026: Recommendation letters due
• May 1 to August 31, 2027: Fellowship period

Questions can go to fellowships@ned.org.

A Note on Using AI

NED asks you to present your project and background in your own voice. Copying and pasting AI-written answers is prohibited. Limited use for brainstorming, editing help and translation is acceptable, as long as it doesn’t change your style or content much. NED says excessive reliance on AI may make you a less competitive applicant.

Tips for a Strong Application

1. Pick one sharp problem. Name a specific democratic challenge and who it affects.
2. Show your track record. Describe what you’ve organised or changed in youth participation.
3. Think beyond your country. NED wants to see how your lessons could help activists elsewhere.
4. Plan your product. Say what you’ll create and who will use it.
5. Ask your referee now. Letters are due four days after the application.
6. Write in your own voice. Honest, specific answers beat polished, generic ones.
7. Aim to apply early. Don’t leave it for the final weekend.

Conclusion

Three places make this a long shot, but each year they go to people with clear ideas and real experience. If you’re a young democracy leader with a project that matters, start your application now.

For more information and to apply, CLICK HERE