Stanford Fisher Family Summer Fellows Program 2027 in USA

The Fisher Family Summer Fellows Program, run by Stanford University's Center on Democracy, Development and the Rule of Law (CDDRL), brings together about 30 mid-career leaders from countries in political transition for a three-week programme on the Stanford campus in California.

Fellows learn from Stanford faculty, share experiences with peers from around the world, and build skills to strengthen democracy, economic development and the rule of law in their home countries.

Programme dates

Sunday 18 July to Friday 6 August 2027 at Stanford University, California, USA. Fellows must attend the whole programme.

What's covered

• Accommodation on or near campus
• Meals
• Local transportation during the programme

Flights are usually not covered. Fellows normally pay their own round-trip airfare, through their employer, personal funds or fundraising. Stanford has a limited travel fund for applicants who need help, based on need and the cost of flights from their region.

Who can apply

• A mid-career practitioner working in democracy, development or the rule of law
• In a leadership or influential role in your sector
• At least 10–12 years of relevant experience (more experience is more competitive)
• At least 28 years old when the programme starts
• Not enrolled in a full-time university degree programme
• Strong written and spoken English. You'll give a seven-minute "TED-style" talk during the programme.
• From, and currently living in, a country where democracy is not well established. Applicants from countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia, Japan and EU member states are not eligible.

This is a practitioner programme, not an academic fellowship.

Documents you need

• Online application on the Slideroom portal
• CV or résumé in English (one to three pages)
• Nine short essay answers, plus a title and description for your TED-style talk
• A video of no more than two minutes
• Two or three recommendation letters, at least one from your current supervisor

How to apply

1. Read the eligibility rules and FAQ on the official programme page.
2. Prepare your CV, essays and short video.
3. Ask your referees early, including your current supervisor.
4. Submit everything on Slideroom by 12 January 2027, 11:59 pm Pacific time.
5. Decisions are announced by April 2027.

Key dates

Tips

• Show real impact. Give concrete examples of reforms, projects or changes you've led.
• Make your video personal and clear. Talk about your work and why the programme matters to you.
• Plan your airfare early. Ask your employer about support, or request help from the travel fund.
• Ukrainian applicants can also apply to the parallel Strengthening Ukrainian Democracy and Development (SU-DD) track through the same portal.
• Applying is free. Never pay anyone who promises a place.