YouthLed Launches First Youth Fellowship Program for Democracy in the Philippines

February 4, 2021 — The Asia Foundation is announcing an open call for applications for its new Youth Leadership for Democracy (YouthLed)’s 2021 Leadership and Democracy (LEAD) Fellowship. The LEAD Fellowship is the first-of-its-kind program in the Philippines empowering Filipino youth leaders to be champions of democratic values, participatory governance, and civic engagement. Applications will be accepted from February 1-28 with selections announced at the end of April.

“The LEAD Fellowship was developed to support young Filipinos in creating a positive impact in their communities. The Asia Foundation, in partnership with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), along with several organizations, institutions, and experts have come together to inaugurate this unique fellowship program centered on empowering youth for civic participation and democratic governance,” said Sam Chittick, country representative for The Asia Foundation in the Philippines.

The 2021 LEAD Fellowship aims to support informed, engaged, and empowered YouthLed leaders in their ability to navigate, engage, and optimize platforms for democratic governance through issue-based campaigns and development programs.

For the inaugural 2021 cohort, The Asia Foundation will select 30 emerging youth leaders ages 18-30 from diverse backgrounds nationwide. The LEAD Fellows will undergo a series of leadership and skills development activities, real-world application of trainings, and network-building engagements spread out from May 2021–March 2023.

Over the two years, the LEAD Fellows will have opportunities to access grants and funding for their respective organizations, participate in tailored-fit development trainings, establish their own agencies as youth leaders, join a network of mentors, and be recognized as a member of the YouthLed network of young leaders in the Philippines.

They will also have access to full scholarships for training programs with prestigious institutions including, Asian Institute of Management’s Future Bridging Leadership Program, Ateneo School of Government’s Executive Education Courses, and Ayala Foundation Inc.’s Servant Leadership Program. Selected YouthLed Young Leaders will also undergo mentorship activities with Makati Business Club and Philippine Business for Social Progress.

Interested candidates  can submit completed applications before February 28 with the following requirements:

  1. Completed LEAD Fellowship application form
  2. Updated Curriculum Vitae (CV)
  3. Project Proposal
  4. Budget Proposal of proposed project
  5. Two (2) endorsement letters from an employer, teacher, dean/school principal/university president, verifiable mentor, etc. (Note: endorsement letters should not come from a candidate’s family member or relative)

YouthLed believes in providing equal opportunities regardless of one’s background, geographical origin, gender, belief system, and social status. The LEAD Fellowship also encourages individuals from the PWD, indigenous peoples, and LGBTQI+ communities to apply.  

Candidates will undergo two stages of application review including the blind review and panel interview. Results will be announced by the end of April.

For more details about the LEAD Fellowship, visit the website or e-mail us at [email protected]. 

YouthLed (Youth Leadership for Democracy) is a five-year program implemented by The Asia Foundation in partnership with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).

The Asia Foundation is a nonprofit international development organization committed to improving lives across a dynamic and developing Asia. Informed by six decades of experience and deep local expertise, our work across the region addresses five overarching goals—strengthen governance, empower women, expand economic opportunity, increase environmental resilience, and promote international cooperation.

Read more about the Foundation’s work.

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Related locations: Philippines
Related topics: Civic Spaces, Youth

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Media contact

Eelynn Sim, Director, Strategy and Programs
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