Are you a dedicated mid-career professional working to advance democratic practices and legal reforms in your country? The Fisher Family Summer Fellows Program 2025 offers a fully funded, three-week fellowship at Stanford University’s Center on Democracy, Development, and the Rule of Law (CDDRL), part of the Freeman Spogli Institute for International Studies (FSI). This prestigious program is designed for practitioners from transitioning countries where democracy, human development, and good governance are fragile or at risk.
Since its inception in 2005, the Fisher Family Summer Fellows Program has empowered over 500 alumni from 103 countries, creating a robust network of leaders committed to positive change. Each year, 28-30 selected fellows engage in intensive academic sessions, workshops, and discussions led by Stanford’s distinguished faculty, including Michael McFaul, Kathryn Stoner, Francis Fukuyama, and Larry Diamond.
The fully funded fellowship provides a rich curriculum tailored to participants’ professional interests, equipping them with insights and frameworks to enhance their roles in governance and development. Fellows benefit from interactions with guest lecturers from both Stanford and the global development community.
Alumni of the program include policymakers, legal professionals, civic activists, and social entrepreneurs who are leading democratic reforms in diverse regions worldwide. The Fisher Family Summer Fellows Program offers a transformative experience for leaders eager to make a significant impact in their communities and strengthen democratic governance globally.
Quick Overview of the Fisher Family Summer Fellows Program 2025
- Host Country: United States
- Host Institution: Stanford University, Freeman Spogli Institute
- Program Name: Fisher Family Summer Fellows Program
- Level of Study: Professional Fellowship (not academic)
- Fields of Study: Democracy, Development, Rule of Law, Governance
- Program Duration: Three weeks (July 20 – August 8, 2025)
- Scholarship Value: Fully funded, covering accommodation, meals, and transportation. Fellows are encouraged to fund their travel; limited travel subsidies are available based on need.
- Eligibility: Mid-career professionals from non-democratic or transitioning countries
- Application Deadline: January 16, 2025, by 5:00 pm PST
Perks and Benefits of the Fisher Family Stanford Program 2025
- Stanford University covers program tuition, accommodation, meals, and local transportation during the three-week program.
- A limited travel fund is available for participants requiring financial assistance to travel to the U.S., with priority given to applicants from regions with high airfare costs to California.
- Participate in courses led by renowned faculty members such as Michael McFaul, Kathryn Stoner, and Francis Fukuyama, offering deep insights into democratic governance, the rule of law, and development.
- Engage in workshops that involve real-world scenarios and decision-making processes focused on policy reform, encouraging critical thinking about political, social, and technical aspects rather than prescribing “best practices”.
- Receive training from experts in democratic governance, public administration, and development, enhancing your knowledge and skills in these fields.
- Interact with Stanford faculty and renowned guest speakers from various fields, including technology, policy, and philanthropy—such as Condoleezza Rice and Eric Schmidt—who provide valuable insights into governance challenges and opportunities.
- Become part of an esteemed network of over 500 professionals from 103 countries, including former presidential advisors, civic activists, attorneys, and journalists, fostering long-term professional relationships and collaboration.
- Engage in dialogue with peers from diverse backgrounds and sectors, fostering connections and collaborative opportunities beyond your home country.
- Deliver a 7-minute “TED”-style talk on your work and vision for democratic reform, helping you build presentation skills and share insights with peers.
- Gain perspectives from peers worldwide, enriching your understanding of democracy and the rule of law in varied contexts.
- Improve leadership abilities, build international connections, and gain experience that can enhance your career trajectory in democracy and development.
Eligibility Criteria for the Fully Funded Summer Fellowship Program in the USA 2025
To apply for the Fisher Family Summer Fellows Program, applicants must:
- Open to mid-career practitioners from developing democracies.
- Excludes applicants from the USA, Canada, Australia, Japan, and EU member states.
- Exceptions may be granted for candidates residing outside their home country due to war or conflict.
- At least 10 to 12 years of professional experience in democracy, development, and the rule of law.
- Active roles as policy-makers, legal professionals, social or business entrepreneurs, or leaders of civil society organizations.
- Demonstrated achievements in advancing democratic change.
- Minimum age of 28 years at the start of the fellowship in July 2025.
- Solid command of written and spoken English.
- Ability to deliver a 7-minute “TED”-style talk in English.
- Must attend the entire duration of the program (July 20 – August 8, 2025).
- Not currently enrolled in full-time university degree programs.
- Committed to promoting democratic change in home countries post-fellowship.
Important Dates for the Stanford Fellowships in the US
- Application Deadline: January 16, 2025, 5:00 pm PST
- Program Start Date: July 20, 2025
- Program End Date: August 8, 2025
- Notification of Acceptance: April 2025
How to Apply for the Fellowships for Mid-Career Leaders 2025
- Create an account on the Slideroom portal.
- Fill out the application form, including all required sections.
- Upload Supporting Documents:
- Resume/CV: A detailed CV (up to three pages).
- Essay Responses: Provide concise answers to the program’s essay questions.
- Video Submission: Submit a two-minute “elevator pitch” video explaining your candidacy.
- Submit at least two letters of recommendation. One should be from your current supervisor, and ideally, another should be from a professional contact familiar with your work.
- Complete and submit your application on Slideroom by January 16, 2025.
Selection Process for the Democracy and Development Fellowships at Stanford University 2025
The selection process is rigorous, focusing on applicants’ professional accomplishments, leadership roles, and contributions to advancing democracy and the rule of law. Selection criteria include:
- Applications are evaluated on demonstrated experience and impact in advancing democratic practices and legal reform within their home country. The program gives preference to individuals who have made significant contributions or have the potential to do so.
- Applicants must show they hold a position of influence in their respective sectors. Leadership roles in organizations or initiatives that advance civil society, political development, or legal reforms strengthen an applicant’s profile.
- Recommendations weigh heavily in the decision process, especially if they come from supervisors or notable alumni of the program. These letters should reflect the candidate’s professional contributions, growth potential, and impact in their field.
- The program aims for a cohort of diverse professionals who bring varied perspectives on democracy, governance, and reform. The program selects fellows from diverse geographical regions and sectors, including civil society, business, government, and academia.
Required Documents for the Fully Funded Leadership Development Fellowships in the US
- Completed application form through Slideroom
- Resume/CV (no more than three pages)
- Essay responses (within character limits)
- Video submission (2 minutes or less)
- Minimum of two letters of recommendation from professional contacts
Terms and Conditions of the Fisher Family Summer Fellows Program 2025
- Fellows must commit to attending the full three-week duration of the program. No exceptions are made, so applicants should ensure they can fully participate without professional interruptions.
- Although the program covers on-campus expenses, fellows are encouraged to secure their travel funding. A limited travel fund is available based on need and distance.
- The fellowship encourages independent participation. Family members are not permitted to stay on campus, as the program’s structure is designed to foster peer bonding and networking among fellows.
For more details and to apply, visit the Stanford FFSFP website.