The MCW Young Leaders Fellowship 2026, a transformative fully funded leadership accelerator, invites global change architects to join a global impact hub in New York, NY, and Burlington, VT, USA. Hosted by MCW Global, a non-profit founded in 1999, this year-long empowerment journey equips 50 fellows worldwide to tackle community challenges in education, health, and economic security, aligning with UN SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 3 (Good Health). With a $2 million budget, the program expects 12,000+ applications, fostering 5,000+ community initiatives globally since 2012. Fellows engage in a global leadership network, forging cross-cultural connections with mentors and alumni from 100+ countries.

The global impact hub amplifies community-driven transformation, addressing issues like educational inequities and healthcare access, with 85% of alumni sustaining projects (MCW Report, 2024). The program launches with a one-month virtual Community Needs Assessment, equipping fellows with cutting-edge analytical tools to identify local challenges, such as rural literacy gaps or urban health disparities. A 10-day in-person summit at New York University and Champlain College offers workshops on resilient leadership, global citizenship, and project innovation, led by experts like Dhurata Berisha. Fellows participate in site visits to New York’s community centers and Vermont’s sustainable development hubs, sparking 300+ actionable strategies.

Following the summit, fellows enter a 10-month virtual implementation phase, supported by alumni mentors through quarterly virtual hangouts and continuous coaching, achieving 90% project completion rates. The New York-Vermont leadership journey features Global Impact Dialogues, virtual innovation labs, and elevator pitch competitions, hosted at NYU’s School of Professional Studies, with 10 winners securing MCW seed funding. Partnerships with UNDP, Global Youth Forum, and African Leadership Academy amplify 400+ initiatives annually. MCW’s Inclusive Leadership Initiatives host 200+ virtual events, with 60% fellows from underrepresented communities.

Since 2012, MCW Global has empowered 1,500+ fellows, with cohort launching 200+ projects in Nigeria, Nepal, and Brazil. Plans to strengthen ties with UN Women, World Bank Youth Summit, and Global Changemakers aim to spark 25,000+ collaborations. Conducted in English, with 4–6 hours weekly virtual commitment, the program ensures accessibility. The MCW Framework, rooted in local change through global exchange, champions visionary leadership, community resilience, and global connectivity.

Join global change architects to ignite fully funded leadership accelerator, shape community futures, and drive transformation with MCW Young Leaders Fellowship 2026!

MCW Young Leaders Fellowship in USA:

Host Country:

•United States

Host Institute:

•MCW, New York.

Program Location in the USA:

•The Young Leaders Fellowship will be held from July 15 – 24 in New York, New York, and Burlington, Vermont. Participants will be housed at New York University in New York and Champlain College in Burlington, Vermont.

Program Mode:

•Both In-person and Virtually

Benefits of the MCW Young Leaders Fellowship:

•International Economy Flights for international participants.
•Domestic Economy flights for United States participants.
•Housing from the evening of July 14 – July25.
•Three meals per day from July 15 – July 24.
•Round Trip Travel from New York, New York to Burlington, Vermont.
•Public Transportation to/from JFK, LaGuardia, and Newark Airports.

Eligibility Criteria of the MCW Young Leaders Fellowship:

1. People between the ages of 18 to 26 can apply.

2. Able to demonstrate commitment to the community.

3. Able to complete the community needs assessment and identify the community projects in the areas of education, health, or economic security.

4. Fluent in English (oral or written).

5. Have easy access to the internet for communication with the Global team and the program’s alumni and mentor for the whole tenure of the program.

6. Adhere to the program’s guidelines.

7. Applicants must pay a USD 19 registration fee.

Documents required for the MCW Young Leaders Fellowship:

1. Recommendation letter (if available).

2. Certificate of student status/Certificate of Academic degree.

3. Academic transcript (if required).

4. Proof of Language proficiency (English)/ Medium of Instruction (English).

5. CV (if required).

6. Additional Documents for Special Circumstances.

7. Copy of Valid Passport (Photo and Information Page).

8. Passport Size Photocopy (Professional photo with White Background and size less than 2 MB).

Program Deadline:

• Registration deadline for 2025 has passed.

• Registration for 2026 is now open with a tentative deadline in November 2025!

Note:
We initiate the application process for current year as well as in advance for the next academic year to maximize your chances of success.