If you’re interested in joining a three-week fellowship focused on Democracy and development initiatives, consider applying to the Draper Hills Summer Fellows Program. This program annually brings together 25-30 emerging leaders to share their experiences and deepen their knowledge. Participants engage in seminars, attend guest lectures from representatives of foundations, think tanks, governmental bodies, and the justice system, and have the opportunity to explore Silicon Valley’s technology landscape.

Initially established in 2005 as the Draper Hills Summer Fellows Program, it has since been rebranded as the Fisher Family Summer Fellows Program at Stanford’s Center on Democracy, Development, and the Rule of Law. This intensive training program is designed for global democratic leaders in senior positions across various sectors. Fellows reside on the Stanford campus, receive instruction from esteemed Stanford faculty, and build valuable connections within a network of fellow democratic leaders.

Important points:

• Institution: Stanford University
• Deadline: January 15, 2026
• Program period: Sunday, July 19 – Friday, August 7, 2026
• Number of fellows: 25 -30
• Duration: 3 weeks
• Location: United States

Fellowship Coverage:

• Accommodation
• Meals
• Transportation during the program
• Small travel allowance for those who can’t afford international travel

Who can apply to the Draper Hill Summer Fellow program?

Applicants meeting the following requirements are eligible to apply.

• Be at least 28 years old.
• Be a mid-career practitioner (10-12 years of experience) in the fields of democracy, development, and the rule of law or -be working as policymakers, academics, legal professionals, social entrepreneurs, business entrepreneurs, and leaders of civil society organizations, so that they can play an important role in the political, economic and social development of their countries.
• Be proficient in the English language.
• No educational degree requirement; however, most of the fellows hold a university degree.
• Being from and living in a country where democracy is not well entrenched. Applicants living outside their home country due to war or conflict may be granted an exception.

Application Requirements:

• Applicant Information
• Academics and Career Information
• Resume/CV(max two pages, in English) – include your professional experience from recent, education, awards/honors, and publications if any)
• Response to Essay Questions
• English Language Proficiency
• Video Submission
  • Please give your “elevator pitch” in no more than 2 minutes (less is better than more!) as to why you should be selected as the 2026 Fisher Family Summer Fellow. Take advantage of this chance to brainstorm original ideas for how you may differentiate yourself from the competition and truly shine! Or, why are you doing this now?
  • Please record your presentation of your answer to the following questions using a webcam, cell phone, or video camera. They ask that you prepare, practice, and schedule your comments before uploading the finished video, as they won’t watch anything longer than 2 minutes.
  • To Enter:
    • Your full name should appear in the title of every video.
    • 250 MB is the maximum size. The preferred file types are MOV and MP4.
    • Upload the video directly to the portfolio section of the application form.
• Financial Information
• Letters of Recommendation (two to three)
• Personal Certification

Essay questions:

• Democracy, Development, and Rule of Law:
  Briefly describe the current state of democracy, development, and the rule of law in your country, and explain how your organization contributes to strengthening democratic governance. (150 words max)
• Your Role and Responsibilities:
  Summarize your current position and main responsibilities in your organization, focusing on your core functions and areas of contribution (not your CV). (150 words max)
• Experience and Impact:
  How long have you worked in the fields of democracy, development, and the rule of law? Describe the impact or outcomes of your work. (150 words max)
• Personal Motivation:
  What personally drives and inspires your commitment to this work? (150 words max)
• Fellowship Motivation:
  Why are you applying for this fellowship, and why is it significant to your current professional and personal growth? (150 words max)
• Future Vision:
  Where do you see yourself in 5–10 years, and how will this fellowship help you achieve your goals? (150 words max)
• Personal Qualities:
  How would a friend or family member describe you? Which personal traits or qualities best define you? (150 words max)
• Previous Fellowships:
  Have you previously participated in any academic or professional fellowship programs? If yes, which ones, and how does this fellowship differ? (150 words max)
• TED-Style Talk:
  Propose a title and brief description of the “TED-style” talk you would present if selected, explaining your topic choice and key themes.

How to apply?

Eligible applicants should fill out the application form online and submit it before the deadline.

Apply Now

Selection criteria:

The fellowship targets mid-career practitioners, not academics, and emphasizes practical leadership experience in government, public policy, civil society, economic development, or the rule of law.

For more information about the Draper Hills Summer fellows Program at Stanford University, please visit Stanford’s website. 

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