- February 10, 2021
- Posted by: medium
- Category: International
The Young Leaders of the Americas Initiative (YLAI) Professional Scholarship Program brings together 260 social and business entrepreneurs from Latin America, the Caribbean, and Canada on a virtual scholarship.
From January to April 2021, fellows will complete YLAI's customized business curriculum, work with a host organization in the United States, andcollaborate with US mentors to address common business challenges.
The fellows represent 37 countries from across the Western Hemisphere. they work invarious sectors,such as agriculture, clean energy, e-commerce, education, food and beverage, healthcare, hospitality, marketing and branding.
ShareAmericadetails this initiative and how you can join it.
What is the “YLAI Network”?
La Red YLAIis a community of 49,000 young entrepreneurs, change makers and aspiring leaders. Anyone interested in acquiring the tools and connections to drive positive change at work, in the community and even in a country can join the YLAI Network.
Many members are thinking of starting their own businesses or organizations, and many have already done so and are ready to grow.They come into contact with experts from the region and share ideas to develop their businesses and help their communities. Members can access digital content, interactive talks, events, and advice on leadership, entrepreneurship, and other topics.
What are the specific objectives of YLAI?
The goal of the YLAI isdevelop the knowledge, skills, and networking of young leaders in the Western Hemisphere. The initiative also aims to expand ties between the most promising business and social entrepreneurs from Latin America, the Caribbean and Canada with their counterparts in the United States.
As part of these activities, YLAI works with its partners to build a supportive environment in order tofacilitate business initiative, especially for innovation-oriented, high-growth startups created by young people.
Lastly, YLAI supports civil society, especially social entrepreneurs from across the Americas region, to strengthen society's responseto citizens' expectations for further development, better governance and a stronger rule of law.
What does YLAI hope to achieve?
Each year, up to 280 fellows have the opportunity to create or accelerate the growth of their businesses or civil society organizations, including social enterprises. This program is open to young entrepreneurs who are between25 and 35 years old, who are selected to participate through a competitive application process.
The initiative helps fellows attractadditional support, investment and in-kind resources for your business or organizations. For start-up businesses, social enterprises, and civil society organizations, the infusion of funds, resources, and support will play a crucial role in their growth.
What does the scholarship include?
Please note that if it is not possible to travel safely when the YLAI Professional Scholarship Program is held, it will be held virtually.
Four weeks of professional internships: In US cities, YLAI Fellows gain valuable professional development skills and experience in US business organizations from the Fellow's business sector. Fellows will collaborate with their internship host on their Entrepreneurial Leadership Action Plan (E-LAP), which they will put into practice upon return to their home countries.
YLAI Business Leadership Curriculum:YLAI's Professional Scholarship Program includes online and face-to-face courses, developed by IREX and Arizona State University (ASU), that combine technical business training and leadership development. Using the E-LAP plan, fellows will set and achieve their business leadership goals.
US Orientation and YLAI US Closing Forum:YLAI Fellows participate in a US orientation in Tempe, Arizona and the YLAI closing forum in Washington, as well as networking events with business and social business leaders, as well as government representatives from USA.
Sustained participation after the fellowship:Upon successful completion of the fellowship, YLAI Fellows continue their collaboration with US partners and have access to continuing professional development opportunities, mentoring, networking, and alumni activities. YLAI Fellows will have the opportunity to receive an American host in their country through the Foreign Exchange Program, to share their experience on the business environment in their country.
In case there is a discrepancy or the information you submitted is found to be false, the application will be declared invalid immediately. (pixabay)
Who is eligible to apply?
Candidates will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender, sexuality, national origin, disability, or any other protected characteristic as established by US law. Applicants with disabilities are eligible and encouraged to apply for the YLAI Scholarship Program. The YLAI Scholarship Programis open to young entrepreneurs who meet the following criteria:
–They are between 25 and 35 years old on the start date of the Fellowship.
–They are residents and citizens of one of the participating countries (Ecuador is included).
–Are eligible to receive a U.S. J-1 visa.
–Have a proven track record of successfully growing their own business or social enterprise for at least two (2) years.
–They are not US citizens or permanent residents of the United States.
They are not employees of the United States government.
–Master reading, writing and speaking in English.
Applications that do not meet the technical eligibility requirements above will not be sent to the selection committee. If you do not meet the technical eligibility requirements for this program, you must join the YLAI Network and visitexchanges.state.govfor information on other US Department of State exchange opportunities.
What are the criteria to be selected?
The YLAI Scholars Program is an open, merit-based competition.There is no cost to apply.After the application deadline, an independent selection committee of regional and technical experts reviews all eligible applications.
Those applicants selected to be semi-finaliststhey will be contacted to schedule an interview in April.All applicants will be notified of their status by May 2021.
The YLAI Scholarship Program Selection Committeewill use the following criteria to evaluate applications and interviews:
–Demonstrated professional business knowledge and experience.
–Commitment to community or public service, mentoring or volunteering in your home country and applying business and leadership skills, experience and knowledge to benefit your community and country.
–Demonstrated understanding of how your personal and professional goals align with program goals.
–Demonstrated leadership, commitment to the success of your organization or business, positive attitude, initiative and perseverance.
To apply you will have to create a user in thepage of YLAI, if you want to know more about the eligibility requirements for the scholarship or review information before enrolling, doclick here. (I)
Don't forget to visit questions and answers about the YLAI Network.