The Fisher Family Summer Fellows Program, an initiative focused on democracy and development, offers invaluable support to mid-career professionals from countries undergoing transitions in governance.
Sponsored by Stanford University’s Center on Democracy, Development, and the Rule of Law (CDDRL), this program has been enriching the landscape of democratic reform since its inception in 2005. Each year, it carefully selects 28 to 30 fellows from diverse fields, all united by a common mission to foster governance and democratic ideals in their respective nations.
To date, the program has cultivated a robust alumni network comprising 510 leaders hailing from 103 developing democracies, with a particularly strong representation from regions in Eurasia and Africa.
Approximately half of these participants are women, reflecting a commitment to gender diversity and empowerment in the pursuit of positive societal change.
The roots of this esteemed institution lie in the vision of Senator Leland Stanford of California and his wife, Jane, who established Stanford University in 1885.
Their ambitious goal was to “promote the public welfare by exercising an influence on behalf of humanity and civilization,” a mission that continues to resonate through initiatives like the Fisher Family Summer Fellows Program.
Fellowship Overview:
- Stanford University is the program sponsor
- Studies will take place in the USA
- Open to international students
- The application deadline is January 16th, 2025
Benefits of the Fellowship Program:
Stanford pays for all program-related lodging, meals, and transportation.
You are urged to pay for your participation expenses, which typically include round-trip airfare.
Employers or fundraising efforts may be used to help defray travel costs, especially after the final decisions are finalized in April 2025.
If you are from an area with high travel expenses, you are given preference when it comes to the restricted travel fund, which is determined by financial need.
Requirements:
Practitioners in their mid-career who are actively involved in the domains of democracy, development, or the rule of law are eligible.
Policymakers, academics, lawyers, social entrepreneurs, business entrepreneurs, and heads of civil society organizations such as trade unions, non-governmental organizations, the media, business associations, and professional groups are among the occupations available to applicants.
You must play important, influencing roles in the political, economic, or social advancement of your nation.
You should exhibit both professional and personal accomplishments in the fields of democracy, development, and the rule of law.
Every year, the program looks for 25 to 30 participants who are in a position to gain from rigorous academic training that promotes democratic change in their careers.
The majority of participants have a bachelor’s degree and are academically capable of participating in six-hour daily seminars and readings of advanced intellectual content, while this is not a necessary prerequisite.
To fully participate and engage in the program, you must be proficient in both written and spoken English.
How to Apply:
Use the link below link to apply if you are interested and eligible.