The Hurford Youth Fellows Program 2027 is a fully funded fellowship in Washington, D.C., USA, inviting emerging youth leaders from around the world to spend four months strengthening youth participation, civic engagement and democratic governance. Organised by the International Forum for Democratic Studies at the National Endowment for Democracy (NED), the programme selects up to three fellows aged 30 or younger for a fellowship running from May 1 to August 31, 2027.
Complete guide to the Hurford Youth Fellows Program 2027, covering fellowship details, eligibility criteria, financial support and benefits, project expectations, selection and application process, important dates and official links.
Quick Highlights: Hurford Youth Fellows Program 2027
Parameter
Details
Organization
National Endowment for Democracy (NED)
Programme
Hurford Youth Fellows Program
Job Type
Full-Time Fellowship
Location
Washington, D.C., USA
Eligibility
Emerging youth leaders aged 30 or younger
Experience Required
Commitment to and experience in advancing youth participation in democracy
Sector
Democracy, Civic Engagement and Governance
Preferred Applicants
Leaders affiliated with civic organizations, human rights groups and democracy initiatives
The fellowship equips emerging democracy leaders with the skills, networks and practical tools to turn youth energy into democratic change during four months in Washington, D.C., with support from the Hurford Foundation.
Area
Details
Host Organisation
International Forum for Democratic Studies at the National Endowment for Democracy (NED)
Duration
Four months
Fellowship Dates
May 1 – August 31, 2027
Number of Fellows
Up to three (3)
Funder
Hurford Foundation, honouring the late John B. Hurford (1938–2000)
Core Focus
Youth participation, civic engagement and democratic governance
Global Reach
Emerging youth leaders from around the world
Key Responsibilities
Fellowship Project
Responsibility
Details
Project Focus
Address a democratic challenge in the fellow's country or region and its implications for young people
Dimensions Covered
Political, social, economic, legal or cultural dimensions of democracy
Methods
A range of methods and innovative approaches reflecting the fellow's interests and expertise
US Study
A study of, or comparison with, democracy in the United States is not expected
Transnational Angle
Consider how ideas, experiences and strategies inform civic action in other countries and regions
Collaboration
Closer collaboration with NED staff and its core institutes
Programme Activities
Responsibility
Details
Seminars
Participate in seminars on pressing challenges and new approaches to advancing democracy
Roundtables
Join roundtables with democracy practitioners
Field Trips
Take part in field trips and other organised activities
NED Learning
Learn about NED and its core institutes
Networking
Connect with government, civil society, academic and media communities in Washington and beyond
Peer Exchange
Build relationships and exchange ideas with other fellows
Required Output
Complete at least one product such as an article, handbook, toolkit, podcast, tech tool or video
Product Language
Products may be created in English or another language
Project Themes
Theme
Details
Building Bridges between Youth and Civil Society
How youth activists and civic organizations can work together to turn grassroots energy into concrete outcomes
Technology and Democracy
How to harness AI and emerging technologies to deliver democratic results so technology serves rather than undermines democracy
Example Challenges
Countering authoritarian influence, navigating digital technology risks and opportunities, translating youth mobilisation into democratic gains
Minimum Qualifications and Experience
Requirement
Details
Age Limit
30 years of age or younger
Commitment
Demonstrated commitment to advancing youth participation in democracy
Experience
Demonstrated experience in advancing youth participation in democracy
Affiliation
Applications especially encouraged from leaders affiliated with civic organizations, human rights groups and initiatives working to strengthen democracy
Application Guidance
Present original project ideas and personal background in your own voice
Additional Skills That Strengthen an Application
Skill
Details
Project Design
Ability to frame a democratic challenge and design a practical plan of action
Comparative Thinking
Capacity to draw lessons from one context and apply them elsewhere
Civic Leadership
Experience mobilising young people and working with civic organizations
Communication
Ability to share experiences and lead presentations on democracy topics
Original Voice
Authentic, original application writing rather than AI-generated content
Technology Awareness
Understanding of AI and emerging technologies in civic life
Who Should Apply
Background
Details
Young democracy activists
Priority consideration
Leaders affiliated with civic organizations
Priority consideration
Leaders affiliated with human rights groups
Priority consideration
Leaders of initiatives strengthening democracy
Priority consideration
Emerging youth leaders worldwide
Yes
Financial Support and Fellowship Benefits
Detail
Information
Monthly Stipend
Provided to cover living expenses
Stipend Coverage
Short-term furnished rental apartment, food, local transportation and other necessities
Health Insurance
Basic health insurance coverage provided
Airfare
Round-trip economy-class airfare to and from Washington, D.C., at the beginning and end of the fellowship
Family Members
Fellows bringing family are responsible for dependents' round-trip travel and living expenses in the United States
Fully Funded
Yes
Generative AI Guidelines for Applicants
Guideline
Details
Prohibited Use
Wholesale copy and pasting of AI-generated answers into the application
Acceptable Use
Limited use for generating ideas, editorial guidance and translation, without overly impacting writing style or content
Risk
Overreliance on AI may mask your voice and story and introduce misrepresentations or inaccuracies
Selection Impact
Excessive reliance on AI may make you a less competitive candidate
Priority
Applications exhibiting original ideas and authentic voices are prioritised
Q1. What is the Hurford Youth Fellows Program 2027?
A four-month fellowship in Washington, D.C., USA, for up to three emerging youth leaders aged 30 or younger, run by the International Forum for Democratic Studies at NED.
Q2. Who organises the fellowship?
The International Forum for Democratic Studies at the National Endowment for Democracy (NED), with support from the Hurford Foundation.
Q3. What are the fellowship dates?
The fellowship runs from May 1 to August 31, 2027.
Q4. How many fellows are selected?
Up to three (3) fellows.
Q5. Who is eligible to apply?
Emerging youth leaders from around the world aged 30 or younger with commitment to and experience in advancing youth participation in democracy.
Q6. What financial support is provided?
A monthly stipend for living expenses, basic health insurance and round-trip economy-class airfare to and from Washington, D.C.
Q7. Are family travel costs covered?
No, fellows bringing family members are responsible for dependents' round-trip travel and living expenses in the United States.
Q8. What is the application deadline?
November 30, 2026, while recommendation letters are due by December 4, 2026.
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