The ICFJ Professional Fellows Program is open to all nationals. It is an excellent opportunity for future leaders. Individuals devoted to serving humanity by ensuring gender equality, protection of civil rights, peace and security, transparency and accountability, accessibility of information, and anti-corruption movements must apply for the SI online leadership program. Young people who want to bring change for good must contribute their efforts to the SI Leader Lab 2024, learn more, and share their experiences through the online platform provided by the Swedish Institute.
It is designed to strengthen the capacity of civil society organizations. It aims to create successful advocacy work linked to Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 16, which promotes justice and peaceful and inclusive societies. It will be beneficial to developing and grooming personality, developing and improving leadership skills, helping to develop an individual’s current organization, and improving overall communities around the World. The Government of Sweden initiated this leadership training program for young pioneers of peace and equality.
It Young leaders passionate about developing skills to meet international standards must grab this fully funded opportunity to approach a professional platform. This youth leadership program aims to establish a network of young leaders willing to work efficiently to achieve sustainable development goals set by the United Nations. It will help you improve your organization’s advocacy. The SI Leadership Lab program will also help you become a better leader, learn and share knowledge with others, make new connections, and try new tools and methods.
It aims to establish a connection and network of civil society and young leaders willing to pursue their careers while working to achieve SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals). Furthermore, the fully funded leadership program will help you grow personally and professionally. You will gain more confidence, learn new things as a young leader, and discover new ways to make your team effective and stronger. The Swedish Institute will choose 100 young leaders under the fully funded SI Leader Program 2024 to attend Stockholm for a week of intensive, onsite learning. This international experience will deepen their understanding and knowledge.
Summary

Eligibility
The eligibility criteria for the ICFJ Professional Fellows Program in USA are stated below:
- The Professional Fellows Program for Emerging Media Leaders is open to applicants between the ages of 25 and 40.
- Candidates must be from one of the 25 countries mentioned above to be eligible for the ICFJ fellows program.
- United States citizens or permanent residents of the USA are not eligible to apply.
- All applicants should have at least two years of professional experience at the time of application.
- In addition, participants must be either citizens or permanent residents of their home country.
- Fellows should be residing and employed in their home country at the time of application.
- Similarly, interested candidates should be available to virtually start the Professional Fellows Program from September to November 2024.
- Participants must also be able to take part in the in-person exchange program of the Professional Fellows Program in the USA in 2025.
- To apply for the fellowship in the USA, applicants should be eligible to obtain a US J-1 visa.
- In addition, all ICFJ fellows must return to their home country after the completion of the Professional Fellows Program.
- Proficiency in spoken and written English is also a requirement at the time of application.
Benefits
The benefits of the ICFJ Professional Fellows Program in USA are:
- The ICFJ Professional Fellows Program is a fully funded fellowship in the USA.
- Participants have the opportunity to enhance their skills in various areas, including audience engagement, online digital security, investigative reporting, data visualization, etc.
- ICFJ and the Department of State cover all expenses of the fellowship program. Therefore, there are no costs of participation.
- It provides travel, accommodation, and emergency travel insurance benefits.
- Moreover, fellows also receive a stipend to cover their living expenses during the program.
- All participants will participate in a three-month virtual training session in 2024.
- They can also participate in an in-person exchange, travel to the USA, work directly with U.S. media organizations, improve their skills, and develop entrepreneurship projects.
Others
ICFJ Professional Fellows Program:
1. Three-month Virtual Training Program (Sept-Nov 2024):
- Fellows will engage in a virtual training series comprising up to five online sessions each month.
2. In-Person Exchange:
- Two-day orientation in Washington D.C. USA (May 2025)
- Four-week professional placement in various newsrooms, digital communications firms, and startup incubators across the USA (May-June 2025)
- One-week Professional Fellows Congress held in Washington D.C. (June 2025)