Join the 2026 YLAI Fellowship Program as a Cohort Ambassador
- Omran Aburayya
- 4 days ago
- 2 min read
If you're an established organization in the U.S. passionate about entrepreneurship and cross-cultural exchange, applications are now open to become a Cohort Ambassador for the 2026 YLAI (Young Leaders of the Americas Initiative) Fellowship. Supported by the U.S. Department of State and implemented by IREX, this hybrid program (virtual + in‑person) will be held from April 27 to June 3, 2026, and offers a platform to guide emerging entrepreneurs from Latin America, the Caribbean, and Canada through local cultural and professional experiences.
📌 Program Summary
Location: 18 host U.S. cities
Host Institution: IREX, in partnership with the U.S. Department of State
Program Level: Organizational partners serving mid-career entrepreneurs
Target Group: U.S.-based organizations with rich networks in entrepreneurship
Program Focus: Fostering cross-cultural understanding through curated events and engagements
Award Value & Coverage: Up to $28,000 per Cohort Ambassador
Duration: Virtual programming followed by a 5‑week in-person segment
Application Deadline: June 30, 2025, 11:59 PM EST
Award Notification: August 15, 2025
Eligible to: Non-profit hubs, innovation centers, universities, VC funds, and similar institutions with strong local networks
🎯 Program Overview
The YLAI Cohort Ambassador plays a pivotal role in orchestrating seamless cohort experiences for Fellows:
Host cultural and professional events to introduce American entrepreneurship
Foster cohort cohesion and cross-border understanding
Serve as the in-country liaison during the in-person stay (April 27 – June 3, 2026)
🎁 Benefits
Local impact & visibility: Strengthen ties within your regional business ecosystem
US State Department recognition: Enhance profile as a trusted international partner
Network expansion: Access to YLAI’s global community of 1,750+ Fellows and 55,000+ network members
Cultural exchange leadership: Guide international entrepreneurs and foster mutual learning
✅ Eligibility Criteria
To qualify, organizations should:
Be based in one of the 18 target U.S. cities
Demonstrate strong cross-sector networks (e.g. innovation, academia, investment)
Have experience organizing cultural and entrepreneurial programming
Have capacity to support and mentor a group of Fellows in-person and virtually
📝 Application Procedure
Apply by emailing your concept note and required materials to Sadie Traylor at straylor@irex.org, using the subject line “YLAI Fellowship Cohort Ambassador Application”
Prepare your submission by downloading the YLAI FY24 Cohort Ambassador RFA—it outlines full details on programming, roles, deliverables, evaluation, and subaward terms.
🔗 OFFICIAL LINK
