MCW Global Young Leaders Fellowship 2027: Leadership Training and Community Project Support
About this opportunity
The MCW Global Young Leaders Fellowship supports young people worldwide to develop community projects in education, health and economic security. It combines leadership training, project planning and mentorship to help participants turn a local concern into an achievable plan.
Applications close on 3 December 2026 at 11:59 PM (NYC EST time).
In-person training: 20–29 July 2027 in New York and Burlington, Vermont. 2027 announcement.
How the fellowship works
MCW describes the fellowship as a year-long programme with three stages:
- Community Needs Assessment: Spend approximately one month examining local needs and understanding the issue you want to address.
- In-person training: Attend ten days of workshops, discussions and project-development activities.
- Project development and mentorship: Return to your community and work on your action plan with virtual support from alumni mentors over ten months.
Training covers leadership development, global citizenship, self-awareness and vision planning. You will explore how to assess community needs, identify stakeholders, organise activities and measure progress. Programme structure.
Who can apply?
You must:
- Be 18–26 on 1 June 2027.
- Speak and write English fluently.
- Demonstrate community commitment.
- Have email and internet access.
- Meet visa and travel requirements.
- Commit to every programme stage and graduation requirements. Eligibility details.
Funding and participant costs
MCW covers economy flights, training accommodation and meals, New York–Burlington transport, and specified airport transfers.
Passport, visa and home-country travel expenses are excluded.
Accepted participants must pay a $100 deposit by 16 March 2027, refundable after successful in-person completion, subject to cancellation deductions. Delayed visa applications can result in withdrawal of flight support. Read the complete funding and travel conditions before applying.
What to prepare
Submit everything in English:
- Personal information.
- Two essays: a community problem and your proposed response; a challenge you addressed through leadership.
- A resume of no more than one page.
- Two recommendation letters.
- The liability waiver.
Choose recommenders familiar with your work; friends and relatives are discouraged. Avoid AI-generated responses. Application requirements.
Selection timeline
| Stage | Date |
|---|---|
| Shortlisting | 21 December 2026 |
| Second-round deadline | 8 January 2027 |
| Interviews | 3–16 February 2027 |
| Offers | 23 February 2027 |
These dates come from the published 2027 selection schedule.
How to apply
Read the full call, prepare your materials and complete the official online application. Before submitting, check that your examples are specific, your documents are complete and your proposed project reflects a community need you understand.
Official information and application
- Full announcement: MCW Global Young Leaders Fellowship 2027
- Apply online: 2027 fellowship application
- Questions: Contact MCW Global
