Stanford Fisher Family Summer Program 2027 in USA: Fully Funded Fellowship for Global Leaders

Stanford University invites mid-career professionals working in democracy, development and the rule of law to apply for its three-week summer fellowship. Selected participants will receive accommodation, meals and transportation support. Applications close on January 12, 2027.

Applications are now open for the Stanford Fisher Family Summer Program 2027, formerly known as the Draper Hills Summer Fellows Program. Hosted by Stanford University’s Center on Democracy, Development, and the Rule of Law (CDDRL), the fellowship brings together emerging and established leaders from countries where democratic institutions are still developing.

Scheduled from July 18 to August 6, 2027, the three-week programme will take place at the Freeman Spogli Institute for International Studies (FSI) at Stanford University in California. Around 28 to 30 participants will be selected for the programme.

The fellowship aims to strengthen leadership skills and encourage a deeper understanding of the challenges facing democracy, economic development and the rule of law. Participants will engage with leading Stanford faculty, explore contemporary research and exchange experiences with professionals working across different sectors.

Stanford Fisher Family Summer Program 2027: Financial Benefits

The programme provides financial assistance to selected fellows to support their participation. Benefits include:

Accommodation: Housing on the Stanford campus.
Meals: Meals during the programme.
Transportation: Coverage of applicable transportation expenses.
Travel assistance: A limited travel fund for participants who cannot afford the cost of travelling to California.

The fellowship also offers participants an opportunity to build lasting professional relationships with an international network of democratic leaders.

Who can apply?

The programme primarily targets mid-career professionals working in democracy, development and the rule of law.

Applicants must be citizens of and currently reside in countries where democracy is not firmly established. Individuals from highly democratic countries, including the United States, Canada, Australia, Japan and European Union member states, are not eligible.

Candidates from the following professional backgrounds may apply:

Government and public administration.
Academia and research.
Law and legal institutions.
Social entrepreneurship and business.
Civil society organisations, NGOs and trade unions.
Media and professional associations.

Applicants must hold at least a bachelor’s degree and demonstrate a strong professional record in a relevant field. Currently enrolled full-time university students are not eligible.

There is no application fee, and IELTS or TOEFL scores are not required.

Required documents

Applicants must complete the online application and provide personal and academic information, a CV or resume, responses to essay questions, English-language proficiency details, a video submission, financial information, personal certification and references or recommendation letters.