IRI 2023 McCain Fellowship for Freedom Program for Young Leaders

McCain Fellows are rising leaders between the ages of 21 and 40 who are committed to the promotion of political and economic freedom in their countries. They have a proven track record of leadership and accomplishment in challenging environments.

They embody the potential for transformational impact in their organizations, institutions, communities, and countries. Through this program, these emerging leaders are brought into IRI’s global network across more than 100 countries, leveraging their training and contacts to catalyze their contributions to free societies.

The MFF fosters peer-to-peer learning, targeted training, and the development of a new generation of political changemakers who are working to build more inclusive, transparent, and resilient democracies powered by free markets.

Call for Applications

Through this program, successful applicants will be brought into IRI’s global network across more than 100 countries, leveraging their training and contacts to catalyze their contributions to free societies.

The Fellows will complete Leadership Enhancement Action Plans (LEAPs) to inform their personal goals as part of the exchange to the United States. Upon their return home, IRI facilitates opportunities for the Fellows to stay connected with past, current, and future McCain Fellows. Through this ongoing engagement, they will sustain their participation in IRI’s global network of transformational young leaders committed to democratic and economic openness in their countries.

• Table of Content
• About International Republican Institute
• McCain Fellowship for Freedom Program
• Aim and Benefits of McCain Fellowship for Freedom Program
• Requirements for McCain Fellowship for Freedom Program Qualification
• Application Deadline
• How to Apply

About International Republican Institute

In 1982, while speaking to the British Parliament at the height of the Cold War, President Ronald Reagan called upon freedom-loving nations to “foster the infrastructure of democracy” in countries that were lacking any semblance of democratic development. The goal was to reverse the tide of tyranny and create “a world in which all people are at last free to determine their own destiny.”... continue reading

McCain Fellowship for Freedom Program

Aim and Benefits of McCain Fellowship for Freedom Program

• McCain Fellows will be required to actively participate in a several-month program, including, but not limited to, the components outlined below:
• Attend six virtual sessions aimed at providing targeted assistance with skills related to policymaking, communication and advocacy.
• Attend a 10-day in-person program in the United States to meet with and learn from leaders in the governmental, non-governmental and private sectors. The program will take place in Washington, D.C. and a second city in the United States.
• Implement an advocacy initiative in the fellow’s community to share lessons learned from the virtual sessions and in-person exchange.
• Attend a virtual closing summit to reflect on the fellowship program.
• Engage with other fellows, including from the previous iteration of the MFF program, through virtual networking sessions and platforms.

Requirements for McCain Fellowship for Freedom Program Qualification

IRI will select eight young leaders who represent different regions, sectors and gender identities based on the following criteria:

• Rising leaders between the ages of 21 and 40 who are committed to the promotion of political and economic freedom in their countries.
• Not a U.S. citizen
• Proficient in English
• Possesses robust experience in politics, government and/or private sector, with a preference for individuals with cross-sectoral experience;
• Demonstrates a proven history of and passion for advocating for democratic and free market reform;
• Maintains a position of authority and leadership within their current career and community.
• Leaders with a track record of leadership and accomplishment in challenging environments.
• Leaders who embody the potential for transformational impact in their organizations, institutions and communities.

Application Deadline

How to Apply

For more details, visit IRI website.