March 19, 2018
Apply to the Young Leaders Program
Public
Important dates
- January 17, 2018
Official opening of the selection process. - March 19, 2018
Official closing of the application process. - March to the end of April
Interviews of selected candidates. - April to May 2018
Jury deliberates. - End of May 2018
All applicants are informed of the selection results. - End of October 2018
Meeting of the 2017-2018 Young Leaders in France.
Apply to the program
Participants attend two annual 5-day meetings, one in France, one in the United States. The Foundation covers the travel and lodging expenses of the Young Leaders for the two meetings.
The mission of the program is to build lasting friendships between leaders on both sides of the Atlantic, not just during the program, but also by engaging with the broader Young Leaders alumni community.
The Foundation organizes events, panels and get-togethers throughout the year. Even though Young Leaders live in various cities, we do ask that Young Leaders remain engaged in the community and contribute to the activities of the Foundation during the two-year program (and beyond!). For more information, please see the Young Leaders Responsibilities Charter. The Foundation reserves the right to withdraw a Young Leader from the program if he or she does not abide by the charter.
Selection process
Young Leaders are selected by juries in France and the United States. The juries are composed of Young Leaders alumni, board members of the Foundation, and corporate leaders.
The selection process is highly competitive, with many more candidacies than can be chosen in a given year.
Candidates must be between 30 and 40 years old when they apply to the program.
The jury evaluates candidates based on their potential to attain the highest level of their chosen profession and to contribute to the enrichment of today’s word. Also considered is, of course, a candidate’s enthusiasm to participate in the program and his or her interest in being an active member of the Young Leaders alumni community.
The French-American Foundation aims to select Young Leaders with diverse experiences – enabling program participants develop relationships with French and American leaders across a range of backgrounds and areas of expertise.
Application guidelines
Candidates living in the U.S. may apply to the French-American Foundation–United States, and candidates living in France may apply to the French-American Foundation in France.
For candidates living in the U.S.:
All of the application materials must be in English.
Candidates must send:
- An online application form (included in the portal that will be available online on January 17)
- A personal statement (up to 400 words)
- A resume
- A copy of your passport photo page
- An innovative way of introducing yourself. For example, applicants have sent photo collages, power point presentations, videos (2-minute maximum); and published materials. This is a chance for you to get creative and help us get to know you!
- OPTIONAL: One letter of recommendation from someone who knows you well in a professional or academic capacity