YLAI Overview
The Young Leaders of the Americas Initiative (YLAI) is the U.S. Department of State’s flagship program for emerging entrepreneurs and business leaders from Latin America, the Caribbean, and Canada.
Designed to promote mutual understanding and build a network of young business and social entrepreneurs, the program brings young leaders to the U.S. for entrepreneurial leadership training and fellowships with U.S. companies and social enterprises. Due to the global pandemic the YLAI Program has adapted its program structure to take place virtually for health and safety reasons.
The YLAI Program is sponsored by the U.S. Department of State with funding provided by the U.S. Government and supported in its implementation by IREX.
Fellowship Overview
YLAI Fellows are mid-career entrepreneurs from 37 countries across Latin America, the Caribbean and Canada. These innovative leaders will come to the U.S. for a four-week professional fellowship and the YLAI Closing Forum. They will work with U.S. businesses to learn, share expertise, develop their business skills, and build networks.
*Please note that if safe travel is not possible at the time of the YLAI Fellowship, this program will be conducted virtually.
Applications for the 2024 cohort opens on Wednesday, January 18 at 9:00 am (EST)
Deadline: February 15 at 11:59 pm (EST).