APPLY FOR THE YTILI Fellowship Program in the U.S.

American Councils for International Education is proud to announce that it has been awarded a grant by the United States government to administer the prestigious Young Transatlantic Innovation Leaders Initiative (YTILI) Fellowship Program. The YTILI Fellowship Program is a two-way exchange program for emerging entrepreneurs in 49 European countries. 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.

Since its launch in 2016, approximately 370 alumni from across Europe have bolstered their business skills and transatlantic partnerships through the YTILI Fellowship Program.

In Fall 2024, under the administration of American Councils, YTILI will provide a rigorous professional development opportunity for 50 fellows representing the 49 participating countries. YTILI Fellows will delve into interconnected themes of entrepreneurship, innovation, and transatlantic connections, gaining the tools and insights necessary to drive economic growth and prosperity on both sides of the Atlantic.

European YTILI Fellows will spend six weeks in the United States and experience entrepreneurship through a fellowship placement in cities across the U.S. Each fellow will participate in and observe the operations of a host U.S. organization from their business sector, as well as participate in an opening and closing program that will further develop their understanding of innovation and entrepreneurship in the United States. Through collaboration with their fellowship host organizations, fellows will accelerate the success of their commercial and social ventures by developing action plans to carry out upon their return to their home communities. After the U.S. program, approximately 15 U.S. participants will be competitively selected to travel overseas to implement reciprocal projects.

In collaboration with the European Business and Innovation Centre Network (EBN), American Councils will draw on its vast network of 32 offices across the globe to recruit YTILI Fellows from diverse European regions. An expert technical partner, the National Center for Resource Development (NCRD), will deliver an engaging entrepreneurship curriculum. This team will strengthen the transatlantic relationship, develop sustainable partnerships between U.S. and European innovators, promote regional integration and cooperation in Europe, and encourage European governments, businesses, and civil society to improve their innovation ecosystems. 

The YTILI Fellowship Program catalyzes cross-cultural collaboration and dialogue among budding European entrepreneurs and their American counterparts. American Councils appreciates the opportunity to facilitate these invaluable connections.

The Fall 2024 YTILI Fellowship Program application is now open until January 30, 2024. Learn more about eligibility and apply online at https://ais.americancouncils.org/ytili.

To apply, you must:

- Be a mid-level professional,

- 25-35 years old

- Be a citizen and current resident of 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, or the United Kingdom

- Demonstrate proficiency in written and spoken English

- Have at least two years relevant work experience and be currently employed

- Have demonstrated leadership

The YTILI Fellowship Program is the U.S. Department of State's flagship program for emerging entrepreneurs from Europe. The YTILI Fellowship Program is sponsored by the U.S. Department of State with funding provided by the U.S. Government and supported in its implementation by American Councils for International Education. To learn more, visit www.ytili.org.