Hurford Youth Fellowship

The Hurford Youth Fellowship is a fully funded 3-month residential programme in Washington, D.C., run by the World Movement for Democracy at the National Endowment for Democracy. Each year it selects 4 young democracy activists from around the world and gives them a structured period of training, research and networking focused on strengthening democratic movements. Fellows are aged between 18 and 30, and the programme is built around four components: academic study, fieldwork, service learning and professional development. During the fellowship, participants conduct research on democracy topics, deliver presentations and information sessions, and organise online discussions that connect youth activists worldwide, working across themes such as defending democratic space, promoting inclusive governance and strengthening democratic leadership. The fellowship is fully funded: it provides a monthly stipend, health insurance and free round-trip air travel to and from Washington, D.C., and fellows take part in relevant events and discussions in the city. Applicants must show a record of social or democratic activism and be proficient in English, and those affiliated with civil society organisations are encouraged to apply. Because the stipend amount, exact dates and the application window are set fresh each year, confirm the current-cycle details and figures on the official World Movement for Democracy page before you apply.

What's covered

• Monthly stipend — A monthly living stipend is paid throughout the fellowship; the amount is roughly ~$1,500 (est.) per month, but confirm the current rate officially.
• Round-trip air travel — Free round-trip flights between the fellow's home country and Washington, D.C.
• Health insurance — Health insurance coverage for the duration of the 3-month programme.
• Programme activities — Participation in relevant events, meetings and discussions in Washington, D.C., across the fellowship's four components.
• Research and platform — Support to conduct democracy research and to organise and lead online discussions reaching youth activists worldwide.
• Professional development — Targeted professional development and mentoring within the World Movement for Democracy network.

How to apply

Applications are made online through the World Movement for Democracy / Hurford Youth Fellowship portal during the open window.

1. Open the official portal — Visit the official Hurford Youth Fellowship page on the World Movement for Democracy site to access the application portal.
2. Check eligibility — Review the criteria carefully and confirm you meet the age, activism and English-language requirements.
3. Gather your documents — Prepare your CV, a personal statement on your motivation and commitment to democracy, academic transcripts and contact details for references.
4. Complete and submit the form — Fill in the online application accurately, attach the required documents in the specified format, and submit before the deadline; late submissions are not accepted.