The Hurford Youth Fellows Program 2027 offers young democracy advocates time in Washington, DC, to develop a practical project and exchange experience with fellow civic leaders. The National Endowment for Democracy provides financial support for selected participants.
Checked 9 November 2026. Applications are open according to the official announcement. Review the provider’s current instructions before submitting.
Table of Contents
Opportunity overview
| Host | National Endowment for Democracy (NED) |
|---|---|
| Location | Washington, DC, United States |
| Dates | 1 May–31 August 2027 |
| Places | Up to three |
| Application deadline | 30 November 2026 |
| Recommendation deadline | 4 December 2026 |
Hurford Youth Fellows Program 2027 eligibility
Applicants worldwide must be aged 30 or younger and have experience advancing youth participation in democracy. Leaders connected to civic and human-rights organisations are particularly encouraged.
Your proposed project should address a democratic challenge in your country or region and its implications for young people. Think carefully about what you have already learned through your work and what you could usefully investigate during the residency.
Financial support and practical costs
Fellows receive a monthly living stipend, basic health insurance and economy-class roundtrip travel. The stipend is intended to cover furnished accommodation and everyday needs. No fixed stipend amount is published; dependents’ travel and living expenses remain the fellow’s responsibility.
Before committing, consider your availability for the complete residency and any responsibilities at home. If bringing family, request written clarification of the arrangements rather than assuming all household costs are included.
What fellows work on
Participants develop their projects with NED staff and complete at least one output, such as a toolkit, article or video. Activities include seminars, field trips and professional exchanges.
A useful project outline identifies a specific problem, explains why it matters to young people and describes an achievable output. Avoid proposing a subject so broad that four months would be insufficient to make meaningful progress. Explain what practical experience you bring and what questions you still need to explore.
How to apply for the Hurford Youth Fellows Program 2027
- Read the current call and check the age and experience requirements.
- Use the official Hurford application portal and follow its account instructions.
- Prepare your project ideas and evidence of relevant work in your own words.
- Arrange recommendations early and check the portal for document requirements.
- Submit by 30 November and ensure recommendations arrive by 4 December 2026.
The announcement does not specify a closing time or timezone. Submit early rather than assuming a local midnight deadline. NED prohibits wholesale submission of AI-generated answers, while allowing limited editorial, translation and idea support.
Hurford Youth Fellows Program 2027: Frequently asked questions
Is this the Reagan-Fascell fellowship?
No. Hurford is a separate youth-focused programme. Use its own application route and deadlines.
Is there a guaranteed place for eligible applicants?
No. Eligibility allows you to compete; it does not guarantee selection.
How should I choose a project output?
Choose a format that serves the people who would use it. Explain its purpose and how you could reasonably produce it during the fellowship.
What should I confirm before accepting?
Clarify travel arrangements, accommodation budgeting and any personal circumstances affecting your ability to attend. Keep the written offer for reference.
Keep a copy of the submitted application and confirmation email. Contact the programme team through the official portal if a technical problem prevents submission, and do not wait until the final day to request help.
Opportunities Feed Assessment
This opportunity may suit an emerging civic leader with a concrete question arising from real work. A focused proposal and a realistic plan for using the learning afterward will make the application more coherent. Check the financial arrangements against your circumstances before making commitments.
Read the official announcement
Opportunities Feed is an independent publisher and is not affiliated with the provider. We do not receive or assess applications. The official announcement and application portal take precedence if information changes.
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