YLAI: Call for scholarships for entrepreneurs in the United States opens: requirements and dates

 The Young Leaders of the Americas 2024 program seeks to strengthen entrepreneurship and business ideas through training and strategic alliances. This is how the application process works.

Young Leaders of the Americas (YLAI) scholarship initiative

The Young Leaders of the Americas (YLAI) scholarship initiative is a program that seeks to strengthen entrepreneurs who want to launch and promote their business ideas with the aim of contributing to the social and economic development of their territories. 

Since its launch in 2015, more than 1,000 entrepreneurs in Latin America and the Caribbean have benefited from the scholarship plan by expanding their leadership and business experience. Through the YLAI Entrepreneurship Institute, fellows have accelerated the success of their commercial and social enterprises by expanding action plans they develop when they return to their home country.

YLAI participants built networks, partnerships and links that allowed them to attract investors and lasting support for their business projects. 

Application opens:

It will be open from January 18 to February 15, 2023.

Requirements to participate:

• Be between 25 and 35 years of age on the start date of the scholarship (first of January 2024).
• Be a Colombian resident.
• Be eligible for the U.S. J-1 visa: No visa support will be offered to applicants. 
• Have at least two years of experience as an entrepreneur, with a start-up or a social initiative.
• Have a good command of the English language (oral and written B2).
• Must not be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident of the United States.
• Must not be employed by the U.S. government.

Application:

The selection process includes the review of the requirements, the entrepreneurship initiative, profile of the nominee and personal interview. An independent committee of experts, belonging to the International Board of Research and Exchange and the U.S. Embassy, will be in charge of choosing the candidates. Semifinalists will be contacted to schedule an interview in April, all applicants will be notified of their status in June 2023. 

The evaluation criteria are:

1. Proven experience in business knowledge.
2. Proof of commitment to the community or public service, if you have mentoring or volunteering in your home country.
3. It should be evident that their personal and professional goals align with the objectives of the program.
4. Demonstrated leadership: commitment to the success of your organization or business, positive attitude, initiative and perseverance.  
5. On the YLAI website you will find more tips for making a successful application and being selected. Here. 

Admission to the program is done under the modality of open competition and is based on merit. Applying for this has no cost and those interested can apply through this link. 

The U.S. government will cover all program costs for participants who are selected and obtain the scholarship.