Published on Tuesday, October 13, 2026
By the A.M. Costa Rica staff

The U.S. Embassy in Costa Rica has announced that applications are open for the 2027 Young Leaders of the Americas Initiative (YLAI) Professional Fellows Program, with a deadline of Nov. 8, 2026.

The program aims to bring together 280 young leaders from 37 countries across Latin America, the Caribbean and Canada.

To qualify for the 2027 fellowship, applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Be between 25 and 35 years old as of Jan. 1, 2027.

• Be a Costa Rican citizen and current resident of Costa Rica.

• Be eligible to receive a U.S. J-1 visa.

• Have at least two years of demonstrated success growing their own for-profit business or venture.

• Not be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.

• Not be a U.S. government employee or related to one.

• Be able to read, write, speak and understand English at a professional level.

YLAI helps entrepreneurs strengthen their ability to launch and grow business ventures while contributing to social and economic development in their communities.

 

Since the initiative launched in 2015, more than 1,750 fellows from Latin America, the Caribbean and Canada have expanded their leadership and entrepreneurial experience through placements at businesses and organizations across the United States.


Through its training institute and individual fellowships, the program has helped entrepreneurs advance their commercial and social ventures by developing action plans to implement when they return home.


“YLAI Fellows built networks, linkages, and lasting partnerships to attract investments and support for their entrepreneurial ventures,” the institute said in a statement.

The fellowship includes several components:


Four-week professional placement. Fellows complete a four-week placement at entrepreneurial organizations across the United States that operate in sectors related to their businesses. They gain professional development skills and experience while working with their host organizations on an Entrepreneurial Leadership Action Plan, which they implement after returning to their home countries.


Entrepreneurial leadership curriculum. The program offers online and in-person coursework developed by IREX and Arizona State University. The curriculum combines technical entrepreneurship training with leadership development, helping fellows establish and achieve their entrepreneurial leadership goals through their action plans.


Welcome workshop in Houston. Upon arrival in the United States, fellows meet with the YLAI team in Houston for a four-day welcome workshop. The event allows fellows and YLAI advisers to meet, review logistical arrangements, and discuss community guidelines and program policies.


Closing forum in Washington, D.C. Fellows take part in the YLAI Closing Forum in the U.S. capital, along with networking events involving business and social entrepreneurship leaders and U.S. government representatives.

Continued engagement after the fellowship. After completing the program, fellows can continue collaborating with U.S. partners and access professional development opportunities, mentorship, networking and alumni activities. They may also host a U.S. partner in their home country through the Outbound Exchange Program, sharing their expertise on the local entrepreneurial environment.

There is no application fee to participate in the YLAI Professional Fellows Program.

Additional information is available by emailing the U.S. Embassy at exchangessanjose@state.gov or the YLAI website.

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What have you heard about Costa Rican entrepreneurs interested in developing business networks in the United States? We would like to know your thoughts on this story. Send your comments to news@amcostarica.com