The Hurford Youth Fellowship Program seeks to build the leadership skills and harness the potential of young democracy activists from around the world. Through the Program, young activists spend three months at the World Movement’s Secretariat, during which they expand their global connections, share experiences with other activists from democracy movements around the world, and contribute to the development of the World Movement for Democracy.
Hurford Youth Fellows engage in strategic meetings; conduct research; and organize and lead presentations, online discussions, and information-sharing sessions on key democracy issues. Upon the successful completion of each fellowship, the fellows serve as a regional/country focal point, working with the Hurford Youth Fellowship Alumni Network to remain involved and take the lead in youth-related activities.
Specifically, each fellow will engage in the following activities:
- Conduct research on one topic related to the democracy themes above.
- Develop online resources, such as a collection of related publications and training materials
- Facilitate online discussions.
- Contribute to the World Movement social media posts.
- Take part in planning and implementing other activities of the World Movement.
- Participate in relevant events and discussions in Washington, D.C., to deepen understanding of
- issues and build working relationships.
- Identify, compile, present, and creatively share discussion materials and results.
- Each fellow will also make at least one formal presentation of their work during their fellowship.
- Presentations may be open to the public or geared to a more select audience and will typically focus on the fellow’s project topic.
Upon the successful completion of each fellowship at NED, the fellow will serve as a regional/country
focal point, working with the Hurford Youth Fellowship Alumni Network to remain involved and take
the lead in facilitating World Movement for Democracy youth initiatives.
Hurford Youth Fellowship Program Eligibility Criteria:
Applicants interested in the Hurford Youth Fellowship Program must be no older than 30
years of age. They must demonstrate a strong interest in democratic activism and in the advancement
of democracy in their respective communities, as well as worldwide. Youth affiliated with civil society
organizations are especially encouraged to apply.
Please Note: The Hurford Youth Fellows Program is open to applicants from any country. It does not
provide scholarship funds or any other type of financial aid to university or graduate students, nor is
4 it designed to support postdoctoral research.
The program is not an educational program offering academic courses leading toward a degree. In addition, it does not provide financial support to those seeking to complete professional training programs, attend conferences, or pursue internships at other organizations.
English Language Requirement:
A working knowledge of English is an important prerequisite for participation in the program for general communication purposes. All application materials must be submitted in English.
Selection Process:
Fellows will be selected by the World Movement Secretariat staff, NED regional
program staff, and the Hurford Youth Fellowship Alumni Network following an application process.
Selection will be based on a set of criteria including demonstrated activism or interest in the advancement of democracy, a desire to network with others, and a clear explanation of how the fellowship will
benefit their own efforts for advancing democracy.
Residency Requirements:
Fellows are expected to work full-time on their fellowship projects at the
NED office in Washington, D.C. Fellows may not hold any other fellowships or be otherwise employed
during the fellowship period without the express permission of World Movement Secretariat staff. Additional fellowships or work opportunities that coincide with the fellowship period must be brought to the attention of World Movement Secretariat staff prior to the candidate’s acceptance of a Hurford Fellowship. Failure to do so may result in the revocation of the fellowship.
Hurford Youth fellowships are not designed to support extensive fieldwork outside the Washington,
D.C., area. The program recognizes the importance of establishing ties with counterparts elsewhere in
the United States and abroad and understands that professional obligations may sometimes necessitate
domestic or international travel. However, no funds will be available to support fellows’ professional
travel. Fellows are expected to be in residence at the NED for the entirety of the fellowship period in
order to take full advantage of the professional resources available in D.C.
Hurford Fellowship Program Support and Services
Each fellow will receive a monthly stipend for living expenses, plus basic health insurance and roundtrip travel to and from Washington, D.C. Stipends take into account the cost of living in Washington, D.C. Fellows are provided with a fully equipped office, including internet and email access, and a limited budget for fellowship-related long-distance phone calls.
Application Deadline:
All application materials must be submitted by July 31, 2024.
Submitting Your Application: Applicants are asked to submit the following:
Applicant Form;
- Two Letters of Recommendation
- All application materials should be uploaded to the application portal.
VISIT THE PAGE HERE AND APPLY
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Article by: Ngonge Meiva
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