Scholarship Overview
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Program Overview
The East-West Center Advanced Leadership Program (ALP) 2027 is an intensive professional development fellowship designed for established leaders transitioning into or expanding their work in leadership education. Running from June 1 to July 31, 2027, this 2-month residency in Honolulu, Hawaii, accepts only 3–4 fellows per cohort, creating a highly selective, collaborative learning environment.
Unlike traditional academic programs, ALP emphasizes practical application. Fellows co-design and deliver sessions within the Center’s Asia-Pacific Leadership Program while pursuing self-directed research aligned with their professional interests. The program structure accommodates professionals who cannot take extended sabbaticals, making it accessible to those with ongoing career and family commitments.
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What the Fellowship Covers
The ALP provides substantial financial support, though applicants should note important gaps in coverage:
- Accommodation: Up to US $2,181 for housing in an EWC residential hall
- Monthly stipend: Up to US $1,000/month for some living expenses
- Visa support: US J-1 visa sponsorship and SEVIS reimbursement upon arrival (for non-US citizens)
- Health insurance: Travel health insurance during the program period
- Materials: Proprietary course materials for required events, staff support, guest speakers, and workshops
Not covered: Travel to/from Hawaii, living expenses beyond the stipend, US visa application fees, and any costs outside the program dates. African applicants from Zimbabwe and SADC countries should budget approximately US $1,500–2,500 for international airfare and additional living costs.
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Eligibility Requirements
Candidates must demonstrate substantial professional achievement and regional commitment:
- Minimum 10 years of progressive professional experience with clear evidence of advancing responsibility and impact
- Documented leadership track record in professional, public, or personal spheres
- Genuine interest in leadership education, development, or related fields
- International experience and language skills
- Demonstrated commitment to the Asia-Pacific region’s future prosperity and sustainability
The program specifically targets professionals with 10–15 years of experience seeking to pivot toward leadership development work in any sector—government, nonprofit, corporate, or academic. Competitive applicants show evidence of ongoing personal and professional growth.
Application Process
Applications are submitted exclusively through the Submittable platform:
- Create a Submittable account at the official application portal
- Review all program guidelines and specific requirements before beginning
- Complete the application in English, following instructions for each section carefully
- Save drafts as needed; submissions cannot be freely edited once submitted
- Submit before the deadline: November 15, 2026, 11:00 PM Hawai’i Standard Time
Important technical notes: Submittable does not automatically log users out—manually sign out on shared computers. Add Submittable to approved senders to prevent notification filtering. For post-submission corrections to major fields like referee information, contact leadership@eastwestcenter.org to request editing access.
Program Components and Outcomes
Fellows engage in four core activities:
- Co-facilitation: Design and deliver sessions within the EWC Asia-Pacific Leadership Program alongside experienced staff
- Self-directed research: Create a personalized space for exploration aligned with professional and personal interests
- Peer coaching: Regular interaction with fellow ALP participants and Leadership Programs team, accelerating learning through diverse perspectives
- Network expansion: Connect with research fellows, visiting scholars, practitioners, and students at EWC seminars and events
Each fellow develops a Professional Development Plan outlining learning objectives, anticipated activities, and desired outcomes, with ongoing support from the Leadership Program team.
Strategic Considerations for African Applicants
For Zimbabwean and SADC professionals, this fellowship offers unique value: exposure to Asia-Pacific leadership frameworks that differ from Western and African models, creating distinctive expertise for regional application. The short duration minimizes career disruption while providing intensive skill building.
However, the uncovered travel costs represent significant investment. Successful applicants often secure supplementary funding from employers, professional associations, or national scholarship programs. The J-1 visa sponsorship simplifies US entry but requires careful timing—begin visa preparations immediately upon acceptance.
Selection Factors and Competitiveness
With only 3–4 places available, selection is highly competitive. Strong candidates demonstrate:
- Concrete examples of leadership impact, not just positional authority
- Clear articulation of how ALP advances specific career goals
- Evidence of cross-cultural competence and Asia-Pacific engagement
- Realistic, well-developed Professional Development Plan
- Commitment to applying learnings within their home region
Official scholarship page: https://eastwestcenter.submittable.com/submit/3a55f0f8-945d-420c-ab78-10c31caaf557/2027-advanced-leadership-program
You apply directly with the provider. We never charge for applications or ask for payment details. How we verify scholarships
