The Young Transatlantic Innovation Leaders Initiative (YTILI) is the U.S. Department of State’s flagship program for emerging entrepreneurs from Europe.
Since its launch in 2016, approximately 300 alumni from across Europe have bolstered their business skills and transatlantic partnerships through the YTILI Fellowship Program. YTILI uses entrepreneurship as a tool for economic empowerment to promote mutual understanding, enhance business and leadership skills, and build lasting partnerships between business leaders from Europe and the United States. YTILI will empower a new cohort of young European business and social entrepreneurs to grow their ventures, foster global partnerships, and positively impact the economic development of their communities.
The Spring 2024 YTILI Fellowship Program, sponsored by the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs of the U.S. Department of State, includes a five-month virtual entrepreneurship curriculum and a four-week Fellowship experience with a U.S. company. Chosen from a competitive applicant pool, the 50 YTILI Fellows represent 38 European countries and reflect a wide variety of industry sectors. The program is a collaborative, enriching experience that combines entrepreneurship training with leadership development and networking opportunities.
Each selected YTILI Fellow will:
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Partake in virtual leadership and professional development activities throughout the program.
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Be matched with a four week, full-time fellowship placement host in a U.S. organization focused on issues relating to the Fellow’s work at home.
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Gain first-hand knowledge about U.S. business institutions and build relationships with American counterparts.
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Receive comprehensive on-program support. Travel and living arrangements will be covered as well as emergency health benefit on program.
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Become part of a prestigious alumni network with access to valuable resources and an international network of like-minded professionals.
Location:
United StatesBenefits
- American Councils will assist Fellows in applying for a J-1 visa. All visa fees will be covered through the program as well as travel costs to attend the visa interview. Fellows must be granted a J-1 visa by the consular section at the U.S. Embassy in order to be eligible to participate in YTILI. Failure to obtain a J-1 visa will result in termination from the program. American Councils will assist Fellows in the application process but holds no sway over visa granting decisions made by the U.S. Embassy.
- In fall 2024, YTILI Fellows will be housed in corporate apartments, university housing, or extended stay hotels in their U.S. host communities.
Eligibilities
The YTILI Fellowship Program is open to young entrepreneurs who meet the following criteria:
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Are between 25 and 35 years of age at the time of the program (was born on/after October 26, 1988, and no later than September 16, 1999).
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Are a citizen and resident of one of the following countries: Albania, Andorra, Armenia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Kosovo, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Moldova, Monaco, Montenegro, Netherlands, North Macedonia, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, San Marino, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Türkiye, Ukraine, United Kingdom. (Note: Citizens of eligible countries residing in a different eligible country due to specific geo-political reasons may apply and will be considered by the Department of State on a case-by-case basis).
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Business or social entrepreneur with a demonstrated track record of at least two years of experience successfully managing an entrepreneurial venture in their home countries.
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Demonstrated commitment to develop, enhance, or lead an existing venture. During the application process, successful candidates must provide a well-articulated action plan they will work to refine and for which they will seek support during their fellowships.
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Committed to the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion.
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Are eligible and able to receive a U.S. J-1 Visa.
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Demonstrated proficiency in both written and spoken English.
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Are committed to returning to his or her home country after completion of the program.
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Are not a U.S. Citizen or permanent resident of the United States or have applied for U.S. permanent residency in the past three years.
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Are not a U.S. government employee.
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Preference will be given to candidates who have not previously participated in U.S. Government programs or spent significant amounts of time in the United States.
Application Process
- Eligible candidates should apply through the organisation’s official web portal with the necessary documents. The web portal can be accessed by clicking on the “Apply Now” button below.
Application Deadline: January 30, 2024
Application ClosedOfficial link
