The Young Leaders of the Americas Initiative (YLAI) Professional Fellows Program, sponsored by the U.S. Department of State, is looking for young Brazilian entrepreneurs to attend a four-week business and social entrepreneurship training in October and November 2016, in the United States. The program is open to Brazilian entrepreneurs who meet the following criteria:

• Are between the ages of 21 and 35;

• Are a resident of Brazil

• Have at least 2 years of entrepreneurial/leadership experience, preferably with a startup business or social venture;

• Are proficient in reading, writing, and speaking English.

The four-week program will start in Texas and close in Washington, D.C. and will offer opportunities to interact with companies or organizations in cities around the U.S. The participants will engage in skills-building workshops, develop or refine their own strategic plan, and participate in day-to-day operations at U.S. organizations. YLAI will offer support before, during, and after the program through networking, mentorship, and investment opportunities. The selected participants will become part of the larger YLAI Network, an online space to obtain resources and make regional connections necessary to foster positive change in their local communities. Brazilian selectees will join in a group of other young entrepreneurs from Latin America and the Caribbean.

Those interested in applying for the YLAI fellowship should visit https://ylai.state.gov/. Applications will be accepted until Friday, May 20.

About Young Leaders of the Americas Initiative (YLAI):

The Young Leaders of the Americas Initiative is a program of the U.S. Department of State. This program builds upon the success of the inaugural YLAI entrepreneurs’ project in March 2016. The YLAI Professional Fellows Program is supported in its implementation by Meridian International Center, a proud partner with Atlas Corps, Entrepreneurs’ Organization, and community-based members and universities throughout the United States. For further information, please contact the Meridian program team at YLAI@meridian.org. For press inquiries, please contact ECA-Press@state.gov.