McCain Global Leaders Program 2024 (Fully-funded) call for Applications

Welcome to the c, a transformative fellowship that spans over 12 months. This program is specifically designed to cultivate leaders who are driven by a strong sense of character and are dedicated to causes that are greater than themselves. Inspired by the remarkable legacy of Senator John McCain, this immersive experience aims to empower a diverse cohort of 25 leaders from around the world who are actively involved in advancing democracy, human rights, and freedom.

Program Overview
The McCain Global Leaders Program is committed to shaping leaders who possess the skills and capabilities to effectively address the challenges of tomorrow. With a meticulous structure in place, the program provides comprehensive training, valuable resources, and unparalleled access to regional and global networks. This holistic approach equips today’s leaders with the necessary tools to navigate and overcome the complexities of our ever-evolving world.

Thematic Focus: Defending Democracy
The 2024 cohort of the program will focus on defending democracy, recognizing the escalating threats posed by authoritarianism, disinformation, polarization, violent extremism, and conflict. Embracing the legacy of Senator McCain, leaders will delve into the primary challenges faced by democracies, explore potential solutions, and strive to ensure the future stability of democracies worldwide.

Global Connection and Impact
To effectively address the dynamic global landscape, the program adopts a regional and global approach. Each member of the cohort will engage in both regional and global programming, fostering connections with a targeted professional peer group in their home region while simultaneously building a diverse global network.

Leadership Impact
Leaders are selected through a competitive and open recruitment process. The program places a strong emphasis on diversity, encompassing factors such as gender, ethnicity, persons with disabilities, political viewpoint, economic background, and education. While there is no strict age requirement, leaders typically range from 25 to 40 years old.

Programming Schedule for Cohort 2024
Summer 2024
The program for Cohort 2024 will be centered around the McCain Leadership Curriculum, which combines online and in-person sessions. This curriculum is designed to promote community building, group problem-solving, and a dynamic peer-mentorship model, drawing inspiration from Senator McCain’s life.

Fall 2024 (Annapolis, M.D. and Washington, D.C.)
During the fall, participants will have the opportunity to attend the Leadership Experience, a 10-day in-person event. This event will expose leaders to Senator McCain’s leadership principles, connect them with thematic experts, and help them establish their own leadership philosophies and goals.

Winter 2024/2025
In the winter, the Changemaker Tour will take place in each region, bringing together regional cohorts for a five-day study tour. The focus of this tour will be on defending democracy, and it will encourage participants to explore regional professional collaborations that are actively supported by the McCain Institute.

Spring 2025
The Legacy Experience in Vietnam will serve as the culminating event for Cohort 2024. During this event, all leaders will come together to reflect on their journey, share their evolving leadership philosophies, explore collaborations, and plan the next steps of their leadership journey.

• Application Details
• If you are interested in joining Cohort 2024, the application window is now open
• Deadline is March 15, 2024.
• We invite leaders who are dedicated to defending democracy and eager to contribute to a global network of changemakers to apply now.
• For any inquiries, please contact us via email at [email protected].