2027 YLAI Fellowship applications open to entrepreneurs in Sint Maarten

The U.S. Consulate General Curaçao announced on Friday 16 October that applications are open for seven places in the 2027 Young Leaders of the Americas Initiative, or YLAI, Fellowship Programme. Entrepreneurs from Sint Maarten, Aruba, Bonaire, Curaçao, Saba and Sint Eustatius may apply.

The fellowship is a fully funded five- to six-week professional exchange in the United States, including a four-week placement with a U.S. business or organisation, according to the consulate. Applicants must be aged 25 to 35 on 1 January 2027, have operated a business for at least two years, demonstrate business growth, be proficient in English, qualify for a J-1 visa and be available to travel in June and July 2027.

The consulate said selected fellows will join 26 YLAI alumni from the Dutch Caribbean. The U.S. Government covers programme costs, including J-1 visa support, round-trip travel, programme-related domestic travel, a housing and meal stipend, and a limited accident and sickness benefit plan.

Applications are due through the YLAI application website by 11:59pm Eastern Time on Sunday 8 November 2026, which is 12:59am AST on Monday 9 November.