J. Christopher Stevens Virtual Exchange Initiative

2026 Alumni Fellowship Academy

Apply by September 29, 2025

The J. Christopher Stevens Virtual Exchange Initiative Alumni Fellowship Academy is a unique opportunity for bold, motivated alumni (ages 18-28) from the United States and the Middle East and North Africa to develop practical leadership skills and design and implement community action plan projects that create meaningful impact and advance prosperity across the U.S. and MENA regions. Building on the skills gained during their virtual exchange experience, Fellows will dive into interactive, global learning while sharpening their leadership, communication, and problem-solving abilities.

Interested applicants are invited to register for a special webinar to hear from past Fellows and ask any questions about the application process on September 16, 2025, at 11am U.S. Eastern Time.


Program Details and Timeline

Application (September-December 2025)

  • September 2, 2025: Application opens
  • September 29, 2025: Application closes
  • October 29, 2025: Semifinalist notification
  • November 3-14, 2025: Semifinalist interviews
  • December 15, 2025: Final selection notification
  • December 15-31, 2025: Onboarding

Phase One (January-June 2026)

Approximately 40 selected Fellows will engage in six months of thoughtfully designed virtual programming focused on global learning, professional development, and practical leadership concepts. This phase culminates in an in-person workshop in the MENA region (late spring 2026), where Fellows will deepen their skills through interactive, hands-on design thinking sessions.

Fellows will be invited during this time to apply for the second phase of the Fellowship.

Phase Two (June-December 2026)

Twenty Fellows will be selected through a competitive application process to continue into a second six-month phase of advanced design thinking training, ultimately gaining the opportunity to bring their ideas to life through a community action plan project in their local context. Fellows will receive guidance from alumni mentors—former participants with firsthand experience—who will provide tailored support and assist in developing and improving project plans. The Fellowship will conclude with a virtual Summit in December 2026, where Fellows will present the outcomes of their leadership action plans, demonstrating tangible impacts on communities across the United States and the Middle East and North Africa. The Summit will include targeted discussions and working sessions to build partnerships and develop future initiatives.

Eligibility

All applicants must meet the following eligibility requirements to be considered:

  • Applicants must have completed a J. Christopher Stevens Virtual Exchange Initiative program. Alumni status will be verified with Stevens Initiative grantee organizations.
  • Applicants must be at least 18 years old and no older than 28 years old by the application deadline of September 29, 2025.
  • Applicants must demonstrate moderate English language proficiency, which will be assessed through written responses and a recorded video as part of the application. Alumni are encouraged to apply even if they are unsure about their English level, as the Initiative defines moderate proficiency broadly.
  • Applicants must have access to a computer with a reliable internet connection, microphone, and webcam. Limited funding may be available to help cover internet data costs for selected participants who demonstrate financial need.
  • Applicants must have an active passport or provide proof that they have applied for one prior to submitting an application. Applicants must have access to a bank account registered in their name that accepts transfers from U.S. organizations in order to receive participation funds.
  • Applicants must demonstrate a strong commitment to completing all Fellowship components, dedicating eight-to-ten hours per month for virtual learning and activities, and attending the seven-day MENA workshop (including travel days).

Apply here by September 29, 2025, at 5pm U.S. Eastern Time.

The Alumni Fellowship Academy is supported by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs.

Get to Know Past Cohorts

2024 Fellows
2023 Fellows
2022 Fellows