The Hurford Youth Fellows Program is run by the International Forum for Democratic Studies at the National Endowment for Democracy (NED) and funded by the Hurford Foundation.
Up to three young democracy leaders spend May–August 2027 in Washington, D.C., working with NED staff on a project about a democratic challenge in their country or region and what it means for young people. Each fellow completes at least one product, such as an article, toolkit, podcast or video.
Benefits & funding
- Monthly stipend sized to cover a furnished short-term rental, food, local transport and other necessities.
- Basic health insurance.
- Roundtrip economy-class travel to Washington, D.C., at the start and end of the fellowship.
- Seminars, roundtables and field trips with NED, its core institutes and Washington networks.
- Fellows who bring family pay their dependents’ travel and US living costs.
Eligibility
- Aged 30 or younger.
- Open to applicants from any country; no nationality or residence rule is stated.
- Must show commitment to, and experience in, advancing youth participation in democracy.
- Leaders affiliated with civic organizations, human rights groups and democracy initiatives are especially encouraged (a preference, not a requirement).
- Must be able to be in residence in Washington, D.C., from May 1 to August 31, 2027.
Application process
- 1Create an account in NED’s Hurford online application system and submit the application by November 30, 2026.
- 2Arrange recommendation letters to arrive by December 4, 2026; the page does not state how many.
Program timeline
Application deadline
November 30, 2026
Recommendation letters due
December 4, 2026
Fellowship starts
May 1, 2027
Fellowship ends
August 31, 2027