About the program
The Atlantic Council’s Millennium Fellowship brings together a cohort of high-impact, mid-career professionals seeking to elevate their leadership skills. Each year, the Fellowship selects thirty-five rising global leaders from nonprofits, businesses, and governments to participate in a transformative nine-month leadership accelerator.
Fellows gain unparalleled access to world leaders, firsthand exposure to global challenges, and opportunities to shape critical conversations on defining issues of the 21st century. Upon completing the program, they join a global network of exceptional peers and remain actively engaged with the Millennium Leadership Program as alumni for years to come.
“The MLP is, in my mind, the most impactful leadership program in the world for international policymakers, business leaders, and public intellectuals.“
— Dr. Manuel Muniz
Secretary of State for Global Spain, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Spain; Millennium Fellowship 2016
Program Structure
The Millennium Fellowship is a nine-month hybrid program, combining both virtual and in-person components. Virtual programming includes leadership trainings, foreign policy masterclasses with renowned global leaders, and peer-to-peer learning. Throughout the Fellowship, Fellows receive tailored leadership trainings and in-depth diagnostics from Spencer Stuart, one of the world’s leading global executive search firms.
Fellows will gather for an in-person week-long study tour, traveling to the frontlines of global challenges to explore local issues and global trends. During the tour, fellows network with local peers, participate in closed-door meetings with government officials, and deepen their understanding of local challenges by meeting with civil society leaders. These shared travel and learning experiences foster relationships that last a lifetime. Recent study tours have included a post-conflict South Caucasus trip through Azerbaijan, Georgia and Armenia; an exploration of the regional dynamics shaping Israel and the Palestinian territories; and a deep-dive into Taiwanese geopolitics ahead of a presidential election.
In addition, Fellows gain access to the Atlantic Council network, with exclusive invitations to events, conferences, and more.
Timeline
January 24 – March 3, 2025
Application window
April – May 2025
Fellow interviews and selection
September 2025 – May 2026
Millennium Leadership programming
May 2026
Introduction to alumni community
FAQs
The following frequently asked questions (FAQ) should help applicants gain a better understanding of the Millennium Fellowship, including eligibility requirements, application timeline, and process, and general application questions and requirements.
Q: What is the Millennium Fellowship?
A: The Millennium Fellowship is MLP’s flagship hybrid leadership program, spanning nine months and combining both virtual and in-person components. Virtual programming includes leadership development, foreign policy masterclasses with renowned global leaders, and peer-to-peer learning. Throughout the Fellowship, Fellows receive tailored leadership trainings and in-depth diagnostics from Spencer Stuart, one of the world’s leading global executive search firms.
Fellows will gather for an in-person 10-day study tour, traveling to the frontlines of global challenges to explore local issues and global trends. During the tour, fellows network with local peers, participate in closed-door meetings with government officials, and deepen their understanding of local challenges by meeting with civil society leaders. These shared travel and learning experiences foster relationships that last a lifetime.
Q: Who is eligible to apply for the Millennium Fellowship?
A: Ideal candidates are impact-driven professionals between the ages of 25 to 40 working in the public, private, and nonprofit sectors. The Millennium Fellowship is open to next-generation leaders from all countries. This program will be administered exclusively in English, and candidates must demonstrate fluency or advanced English proficiency.
Q: Are citizens of all countries eligible to apply for the Millennium Fellowship?
A: Yes. The Millennium Fellowship is open to next-generation leaders from all countries.
Q: Am I too old for the Millennium Fellowship?
A: The Millennium Fellowship is open to anyone who is 25 to 40 years old as of the application deadline.
Q: I am still a student. Am I eligible to apply for the Millennium Fellowship?
A: The Millennium Fellowship is open to anyone who is 25 to 40 years old as of the application deadline.
Q: Are government employees eligible to participate in the Millennium Fellowship?
A: Yes, government employees are eligible. They are responsible for complying with any stipulations for participation as required by their employers.
Q: What is the application timeline and how can I apply?
A: The application will open on Friday, January 24, 2025, and close on March 3, 2025 at 4pm eastern time. For more details about the program timeline, please review our calendar.
Q: What are the required components of the application?
A: You will be asked to provide demographic information, employment details, responses to short essay questions, a resume, a biography, and a current headshot.
Q: What is the time commitment for the Millennium Fellowship?
A: The nine-month hybrid program will run from September 2025 until May 2026. The program will include 90-minute bi-weekly virtual learning sessions each month along with a 10-day Study Tour in early 2026. Fellows should expect to commit 4- 8 hours each month. Upon program completion, Fellows join the Millennium Fellowship alumni network and have access to opportunities for continued engagement with the Millennium Leadership Program and the Atlantic Council.
Q: What criteria will guide the selection process for applicants?
A: Candidates will be evaluated on the three pillars of the Millennium Leadership Program: leadership, community, and impact. They should demonstrate visionary, humble leadership; actively foster a collaborative, empathetic community; and showcase a track record of impact with ambitious, scalable goals.
Q: How much does the Millennium Fellowship cost, and what is included?
A: The Millennium Fellowship participant fee is a fixed amount based on your sector of employment. The fee is $2,000 for nonprofit and public sector members, and $12,500 for private sector members. These fees cover all virtual programming costs and on-the-ground expenses for the Study Tour. For the Study Tour, participants are responsible for their own international airfare, visa costs and logistics, and any incidentals incurred while traveling.
Q: Will the Atlantic Council cover visa expenses for travel with the Millennium Fellowship?
A: No, Fellows are responsible for obtaining their own travel visas and covering all associated costs. While the Atlantic Council will provide documentation confirming participation in the Millennium Fellowship to support the visa application process, it will not cover any expenses related to this process.
Q: I can’t afford the program fees. How do I apply for a scholarship?
A: The application includes an option to request a program scholarship and provide an explanation for your request. If selected as a Fellow, you will need to complete additional paperwork to waive the program’s financial commitments before signing your official offer letter.
Q: Is the Millennium Fellowship a full-time job or paid position?
A: No, the Millennium Fellowship is a part-time professional development and networking opportunity, not a paid position. Fellows continue to hold their roles with their current employers and do not receive compensation from the Millennium Leadership Program.
Q: Does the Millennium Fellowship provide living expenses?
A: No, the Millennium Fellowship is not a full-time position and does not require an extended stay in any one location. Therefore, the Fellowship does not provide living expenses.
Q: What is the average cost of the program per fellow?
A: The actual cost of participation in the Millennium Fellowship is approximately $30,000 per fellow. However, Fellows pay program fees at a significantly reduced rate: $2,000 for those employed in the nonprofit, academic, or public sectors, and $12,500 for those employed in the private sector.
Q: Who funds the Millennium Fellowship?
A: The program draws its support from grants, individual donors, corporate sponsors, Atlantic Council funds, and program fees.
Q: Who should I or my employer reach out to with further questions?
A: The Millennium Leadership Program team is happy to answer any questions which you can direct to Millennium@AtlanticCouncil.org.
Leadership
The Millennium Leadership Program aims to foster, connect, and empower the next generation of global leaders.
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