Are you a young changemaker eager to build leadership skills and make a difference in your community? The MCW Young Leaders Fellowship 2026 in the USA offers an incredible fully funded opportunity to connect, learn, and grow with passionate individuals from around the world.
This prestigious fellowship brings together young leaders aged 18–26 who are committed to driving local impact through innovative ideas in the areas of education, health, and economic security. The program is carefully designed to help participants turn their vision into actionable community projects that create sustainable change.
Over the course of a year, selected fellows will undergo a transformative journey that combines virtual learning, hands-on training, mentorship, and field experience. The highlight of the fellowship is a 10-day in-person session in New York and Burlington, Vermont (July 21–July 30, 2026) where participants engage in leadership workshops and cross-cultural collaboration with experts and peers.
The fellowship is fully funded, which covers all travel, accommodation, and meal expenses. Moreover. There is no IELTS or TOEFL is required to apply making it accessible to students and young professionals from diverse academic and cultural backgrounds.
Whether you are a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD student, or a young professional working for social impact, this program offers the guidance and global experience to help you grow as a leader. You can apply for the MCW Young Leaders Fellowship in the USA before the deadline December 3, 2025.
Summary of the MCW Young Leaders Fellowship 2026
| Program Name | MCW Young Leaders Fellowship 2026 |
| Host Country | United States |
| Locations | New York & Burlington, Vermont |
| Duration | 1 Year (including 10 days in-person) |
| Program Dates | July 21–July 30, 2026 |
| Financial Coverage | Fully Funded |
| Eligible Age | 18–26 years |
| Deadline | December 3, 2025 |
| Test Requirement | No IELTS/TOEFL required |
Program Structure
The MCW Young Leaders Fellowship runs for one year and consists of three key phases designed to guide participants from learning to implementation:
1. Virtual Community Assessment (1 Month)
The journey begins online with an intensive one-month training focused on community mapping and needs assessment. Fellows will analyze challenges in their communities and develop a clear understanding of the root causes behind them.
2. In-Person Fellowship in the USA (10 Days)
In July 2026, participants will travel to the United States for 10 immersive days in New York and Burlington, Vermont. During this phase, they will engage in interactive workshops, mentorship sessions, and networking events to refine their leadership skills and design actionable solutions for community challenges.
3. Virtual Project Implementation
After returning home, fellows will apply their learning by implementing their community-based projects. MCW Global provides continued virtual mentorship and support to ensure participants achieve meaningful and measurable outcomes.
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Fellowship Locations
The in-person sessions will be hosted at:
- New York University (NYU) – New York City
- Champlain College – Burlington, Vermont
These locations offer an inspiring environment where innovation, leadership, and cultural exchange come together.
Financial Benefits
The MCW Young Leaders Fellowship 2026 is a fully funded program that ensures financial barriers do not prevent deserving candidates from participating. The fellowship covers:
- International economy airfare for global participants
- Domestic flights for participants within the USA
- Accommodation and housing during the fellowship period
- Three meals per day
- Round-trip travel between New York and Burlington
- Public transportation to/from JFK, LaGuardia, and Newark airports
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the MCW Young Leaders Fellowship 2026, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Applicants must be aged between 18 and 26 years at the start of the program.
- Candidates must be fluent in written and spoken English to effectively participate in all program activities.
- Applicants must be eligible to obtain a U.S. visa and necessary travel documents required for participation.
- Candidates may come from any academic field or background, as the program welcomes diversity in disciplines.
- Applicants must identify a community issue they wish to address in one of the three focus areas:
- Education
- Health
- Economic security
Required Documents
Applicants must prepare and submit the following materials:
- Completed application form (in English)
- Updated resume or CV
- Two letters of recommendation
- Essay responses (included in the application form)
Important Note:
All selected participants are required to pay a $100 deposit fee by March 2026, which will be fully refunded upon arrival in the USA.
How to Apply for the MCW Young Leaders Fellowship 2026
The application process is entirely online. Interested candidates can visit the official MCW Global website to submit their applications before the deadline.
- Application Deadline: December 3, 2025
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who can apply for the MCW Young Leaders Fellowship 2026?
Young people aged 18–26 from any academic field or country can apply.
2. Is the MCW Fellowship fully funded?
Yes, it is fully funded and covers airfare, accommodation, meals, and transportation.
3. Do I need IELTS or TOEFL?
No, English language test scores such as IELTS or TOEFL are not required.
4. What are the main focus areas of the fellowship?
The fellowship focuses on community issues in education, health, and economic security.
5. When will the in-person session take place?
The in-person fellowship will be held from July 21 to July 30, 2026, in New York and Burlington, Vermont.
6. What is the deadline to apply?
The last date to apply is December 3, 2025.