McCain Institute 2023 McCain Global Leaders Program for Emerging Leaders

The program is 10 months long and begins in early February and runs through late October. Participants are expected to participate in all virtual and in-person programs for the entire program year. Please note that the program start and end dates may shift in 2022 due to ongoing COVID-19 global travel restrictions. Please refer to our Covid-19 policy here for more information.

About the McCain Global Leaders Program: The McCain Global Leaders Program supports character-driven leaders from around the world who embody Senator John McCain’s legacy of serving a cause greater than oneself.  Structured as a 10-month fellowship and experiential learning experience, each cohort will include 25 diverse leaders from around the world who are working “in the arena” to advance democracy, human rights and freedom. The program is designed to advance each Leader’s personal and professional leadership journey and impact by providing training, resources and access to highly relevant regional and global networks with the goal of preparing today’s leaders to meet tomorrow’s challenges.

A Regional and Global Approach:

To adapt to and meet the needs of an ever changing and complex global environment, the McCain Institute will determine a thematic focus area for each region in the world and recruit participants who work on relevant issues related to each theme.  Throughout the 10-month program, the Leaders will participate in programming that is both regional and global with the goal of connecting them to a highly relevant and targeted professional peer group in their home region, as well as a broader and diverse network of global peers.

2022 Regional Themes: 

• Western Hemisphere: Migration: Approaches to Root Causes, Instability and Support to Displaced Populations
• Europe and Eurasia: Defending Democracy by Preventing Disinformation and Extremism
• Africa and Mena: Providing Peace and Security through Understanding and Reconciliation
• Asia and Oceania: Sustainability and Environmentalism in Support of Stability, Security and Human Rights

Connecting Leaders from Around the World:

Leaders are selected through a competitive, open recruitment process.  There will be 25 leaders per annual cohort broken into 4 regional groupings.  Though there is no age requirement, leaders will likely be between the ages of 25 and 40.  Leaders should possess a strong track record of serving a cause greater than oneself as well as experience working directly on the regional theme.  The McCain Institute emphasizes diversity in the form of gender, ethnicity, persons with disabilities, political viewpoint, economic background and education.

• Table of Content
• About McCain Institute
• McCain Global Leaders Program
• Aim and Benefits of McCain Global Leaders Program
• Requirements for McCain Global Leaders Program Qualification
• Application Deadline
• How to Apply

About McCain Institute

At the McCain Institute for International Leadership at Arizona State University, we aren’t a think tank–we’re an action tank. Inspired by Senator John McCain’s legacy, our work is anchored by three core beliefs: securing democracy and alliances, promoting human rights and protecting the vulnerable, and advancing character-driven leadership in our own communities and around the world. Through programs that address security, economic opportunity, freedom and human dignity, we convene thought leaders to discuss solutions, build capacity among local leaders and create advo... continue reading

McCain Global Leaders Program

Aim and Benefits of McCain Global Leaders Program

• The McCain Institute provides each NGL a stipend that covers all standard living costs for a year. Each participant receives the stipend amount monthly, covering expenses such as rent, utilities, food and any other regular costs;
• The stipend amount varies depending on the cost of living in the participant’s placement city. Added to the stipend is travel allowance that NGLs may use for professional travel in support of their LAP’s during the program year;
• The overall stipend is separate from the program related cost, such as travel to and from leadership training modules, module lodgings, and per diem for the duration of program modules are covered by The McCain Institute separately;
• Per visa regulations The McCain Institute also covers health insurance and workers comp.
• Following the initial training and coaching module in Washington, NGLs depart for their placements sites across the United States to professionally develop in areas relevant to their future goals while providing a broadening experience. All placement sites are chosen by The McCain Institute.

Requirements for McCain Global Leaders Program Qualification

Applicants should be mid-career professionals, possess working proficiency in English, and actively work on the focus issue areas of the program.  Aspiring McCain Global Leaders (MGLs) should work in a leadership role in their field, and actively be “in the arena” striving to enact change in their home communities.  Applicants should be committed to serving a cause greater than oneself and should be invested in full participation in virtual engagements, in-person programs and post program alumni activities. There is no minimum educational requirement.

Application Deadline

How to Apply

For more details, visit McCain Institute website.