The Fisher Family Summer Fellows Program on Democracy and Development, hosted by Stanford University’s CDDRL, is a summer program supporting mid-career professionals from transitioning nations who are advancing democracy and governance reforms. Launched in 2005, the program annually selects 28–30 fellows from diverse fields and has built an alumni network of 510 leaders from 103 developing democracies, with a significant presence from Eurasia, Africa, and nearly half female participants, all dedicated to fostering positive change in their regions.
About Stanford University
Stanford University was founded in 1885 by California senator Leland Stanford and his wife, Jane, “to promote the public welfare by exercising an influence in behalf of humanity and civilization.”
Subscribe for scholarship update!
Be among the first to know whenever new Stanford scholarship is going on. Enter your email address and click the Subscribe button ↓
Fisher Family Summer Fellows Program On Democracy and Development
Aim and Benefits of Fisher Family Summer Fellows Program On Democracy and Development
The benefits include:
- Accommodation, meals, and transportation during the program are fully covered by Stanford.
- Fellows are encouraged to contribute to their participation costs, usually covering round-trip airfare.
- Support may be sought from employers or through fundraising to offset travel expenses, particularly after final selections are made in April 2025.
- A limited travel fund is available based on financial need, with priority for fellows from regions with high travel costs.
Requirements for Fisher Family Summer Fellows Program On Democracy and Development Qualification
Eligibility criteria include:
- Mid-career practitioners actively engaged in democracy, development, or the rule of law fields are eligible.
- Applicants may work as policymakers, academics, legal professionals, social entrepreneurs, business entrepreneurs, or leaders of civil society organizations, including trade unions, NGOs, media, business associations, and professional groups.
- Candidates must hold significant, influential roles in their country’s political, economic, or social development.
- Applicants should demonstrate professional and personal achievements within democracy, development, and the rule of law sectors.
- The program seeks 25 to 30 participants each year, ideally positioned in their careers to benefit from intensive academic training that fosters democratic change.
- While not a strict requirement, most participants hold a bachelor’s degree and possess the academic ability to engage in six-hour daily seminars and advanced academic readings.
- Proficiency in written and spoken English is essential for full participation and engagement in the program.
Application Deadline
January 16, 2025How to Apply
For more details, visit Standford University Fellowship website.