Stanford Fisher Family Summer Fellows Program 2027

The Stanford Fisher Family Summer Fellows Program 2027 is an international leadership training opportunity organised by the Center on Democracy, Development and the Rule of Law (CDDRL) at Stanford University in the United States.

Previously known as the Draper Hills Summer Fellows Program, the initiative was established in 2005 to strengthen the capabilities of professionals working to advance democratic institutions, good governance, economic development and legal reform.

The three-week residential programme brings approximately 25–30 mid-career practitioners from countries experiencing democratic and institutional challenges to Stanford's campus in California.

Fellows participate in intensive academic seminars, policy discussions, case-study workshops and interactive learning sessions delivered by Stanford faculty and guest experts.

The curriculum explores important issues including democratic transitions, political development, constitutional governance, administrative law, economic reform, public administration, transitional justice and other topics connected with effective institutions.

Participants also deliver short, TED-style presentations sharing their professional experiences, personal motivations and approaches to creating change in their communities.

The programme's faculty includes academics such as Francis Fukuyama, Larry Diamond, Michael McFaul and Kathryn Stoner.

Beyond classroom learning, fellows build relationships with experienced professionals from different countries, exchange practical approaches to institutional challenges and become part of Stanford's international Summer Fellows alumni network.

The fellowship is intended to strengthen participants' ability to apply new ideas, professional relationships and leadership perspectives to their existing work after returning home.

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Nationality and Country: Be from a country where democracy is not firmly established. Applicants from countries such as the USA, Canada, Australia, Japan and EU member states are not accepted.

• Country of Residence: Normally live in their home country. Exceptions may be considered for applicants displaced by war or conflict.

• Age Requirement: Be at least 28 years old when the fellowship begins in July 2027.

• Professional Experience: Be a mid-career practitioner with at least 10–12 years of relevant professional experience, as specified by Stanford.

• Professional Field: Be actively involved in democracy, development, governance, public policy or the rule of law.

• Leadership Role: Hold an influential position in a relevant professional sector, contributing to political, economic, institutional or social development.

• Academic Status: Applicants currently enrolled in full-time university degree programmes are ineligible.

• Educational Qualification: No specific degree is mandatory; Stanford prioritises practical experience and professional accomplishments.

• English Proficiency: Have a strong command of spoken and written English to participate in academic discussions and presentations.

• Programme Commitment: Be available for the entire fellowship period, from 18 July to 6 August 2027.

Successful fellows receive the following confirmed benefits:

• Accommodation: Stanford covers accommodation for the duration of the fellowship.

• Meals: Meals are provided or covered during the programme.

• Transportation: Transportation costs during the programme are covered by Stanford.

• Travel Assistance: Limited financial support may be available for fellows who cannot afford international travel.

• Academic Training: Access to intensive seminars delivered by Stanford faculty.

• Policy Workshops: Participation in practical case-study workshops and discussions on governance, democracy and development.

• Professional Networking: Opportunities to connect with policy practitioners, civil society leaders and academics.

• Leadership Development: Training designed to strengthen institutional leadership, policy analysis and strategic thinking.

• Alumni Community: Opportunities to build relationships within the international Summer Fellows alumni network.

The official 2027 application includes the following:

• CV/Résumé: An English-language document of one to three pages, submitted as a PDF or Word document (.pdf or .doc), with a maximum file size of 10 MB.

• Professional and Academic Information: Details of employment, responsibilities, professional achievements and educational background.

• Essay Responses: Written answers to questions about democratic development, professional experience, leadership, motivation and future goals.

• English Proficiency Information: Responses to the English-language proficiency section of the application.

• Video Statement: A video of no more than two minutes explaining why the applicant should be selected, submitted in MP4 or MOV format, with a maximum file size of 250 MB.

• Recommendation Letters: At least two and no more than three professional recommendation letters.

• Financial Information: Information requested in the application form concerning the applicant's financial circumstances.

• Personal Certification: Completion of the relevant declaration section.

Stanford considers the following factors when evaluating applicants:

• Professional Experience: Substantial practical experience in democracy, development, governance or the rule of law.

• Leadership Responsibilities: Evidence of meaningful influence within a professional organisation, institution or community.

• Professional Achievements: Contributions to political, economic, social or institutional development.

• Potential for Impact: The applicant's ability to apply fellowship learning to future professional activities.

• English Proficiency: Ability to engage in rigorous English-language academic seminars and discussions.

• Application Quality: Clear and convincing written responses, CV and video statement.

• Professional Recommendations: Strong references addressing the applicant's leadership, achievements and relevance to the programme.

• Alumni Recommendations: Nominations from programme alumni are viewed favourably, where applicable.

• Programme Suitability: Appropriate professional experience and capacity to benefit from and contribute to the fellowship.

• Stanford University Experience: Participate in an intensive professional development programme at a leading research university.

• Leadership Development: Strengthen strategic thinking, institutional leadership and approaches to governance challenges.

• International Exposure: Exchange ideas with experienced professionals from countries undergoing political and institutional change.

• Policy Knowledge: Explore academic frameworks and practical examples of democratic and economic reform.

• Professional Networking: Build lasting connections with civil society leaders, policymakers and academics.

• Practical Learning: Analyse real-world governance challenges through case studies and discussions.

• Long-Term Impact: Apply new perspectives and professional relationships to your existing work.