YLAI Fellowship Partner Opportunities
Partner with the Young Leaders of the Americas Initiative (YLAI) Fellowship Program today!
Each year, 280 innovative mid-career entrepreneurs are selected from over 2,500 applicants to participate in a month-long professional fellowship in the U.S. from May 19 – June 12, 2025. YLAI Fellows will work with businesses and organizations across the U.S. to build their leadership skills, learn about the U.S. workplace culture, and expand their networks.
If you're interested in creating international business ties and joining a network of over 1,750 YLAI Alumni and 1,250 U.S.-based partners, explore our partnership opportunities below!
Partnership Opportunities
Become a Fellowship Placement Organization
Host a YLAI Fellow as a Fellowship Placement Organization (FPO) and collaborate with an entrepreneurial leader who will contribute to your organization. During the four-week placement, your organization will work with the Fellow for 15 substantive days, exchanging expertise and building relationships. This opportunity allows both parties to benefit from cross-cultural knowledge exchange and set the foundation for long-term collaboration.
Benefits of Becoming a Fellowship Placement Organization:
- Gain fresh perspectives from experienced business leaders.
- Expand your business network in Latin America, the Caribbean and Canada.
- Apply for a fully funded Outbound Exchange to collaborate with your Fellow in their home country after the U.S. fellowship.
Fellowship Placement Organization Requirements:
- Be a U.S.-based business or organization.
- Provide substantive work for 32 hours per week (telework allowed for up to two days per week), or 15 working days total.
- Share a commitment to diversity and international exchange.
Other Opportunities
Speaker Opportunities
Share your expertise by becoming a guest speaker at one of YLAI’s events. This is a chance to engage directly with Fellows through in-person or virtual sessions, offering valuable insights in your area of expertise. More details coming soon.
Networking Opportunities
Support the Fellows by sponsoring or participating in networking events. Sponsors have the chance to engage with 280 Fellows, showcase their work, and gain visibility within a vibrant business community. More details coming soon.
Fellow Countries:
U.S. Partner Cities:
Why Partner with IREX?
- Connect with innovative entrepreneurs: YLAI Fellows are mid-career professionals who bring substantial expertise to their host organizations.
- Expand your international business network: Build long-term partnerships and explore opportunities for international collaboration.
- Enhance your visibility: Your organization will be promoted to a wide network of U.S. and international partners.
- Contribute to regional economic development: Your involvement helps address business challenges and fosters cross-border trade and investment opportunities.
Contact Us
To learn more about partnering with the YLAI Fellowship Program, please submit an interest form below. For all other questions, please email us at YLAIFellowship@irex.org