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Connecting Entrepreneurs from Across the Americas

Young Leaders of the Americas Initiative

Global Ties KC has facilitated the Young Leaders of the Americas Initiative (YLAI) in Kansas City since its launch in 2015. The U.S. Department of State’s YLAI Fellowship Program empowers emerging entrepreneurs from the Western Hemisphere to enable the full economic potential of its citizens. YLAI promotes U.S. business models, increases trade, encourages job creation, and builds lasting and sustainable networks of young entrepreneurs and business and social leaders across Latin America, the Caribbean, Canada, and the United States.

Every year, Global Ties KC welcomes around 14 entrepreneurs on the YLAI program. The fellows live in Kansas City for a full month and are paired with businesses and organizations doing similar work. While at their organizations fellows are expected to work 32 hours a week on special projects, gaining a robust understanding of the organization's best practices and providing their own insights to the organization. Global Ties KC provides programming to enhance their entrepreneurial skills and gain valuable connections in the Kansas City community.

YLAI Fellows Presenting at the Keystone Innovation District
Global Ties KC has matched over 100 YLAI fellows with Kansas City businesses and organizations. After the program many partners have traveled to their fellow’s country to continue their partnership.

Hear a YLAI Impact Story

Matt Ziegenhorn has hosted five YLAI fellows over the past decade. Hear how his his YLAI experience has taken him to Paraguay, Barbados, and Panama.

Recent YLAI Fellow's Industries:

Past Fellowship Partners

Featured YLAI Stories

You can interact with our visitors!

How you can get involved

1. Be a fellowship hosting organization! If you are interested in hosting a fellow, send us a message on our contact us form.

2. Attend an event with our YLAI visitors!

Steps to Become a Fellowship Host Organization:

1. Send us a message letting us know you are interested!

2. We will follow up and ensure that you meet the requirements to be a YLAI host.

3. When the fellow placement process starts late in the year we will reach out with potential fellow options.

4. Hosting sites will attend a training done by the national implementing partner in preparation for hosting.

5. Once everything is complete, you will receive program information closer to the start date!

 

ABOUT THE YOUNG LEADERS OF THE AMERICAS INITIATIVE

Frequently Asked Questions

You and your fellow(s) will meet prior to the start of the fellowship to create a collaboration plan. You can work on whatever projects you two decide together, but past collaboration plans have included things such as:

  1. Creating a marketing plan to increase latino participation in afterschool programs. 
  2. Having fellows rotate between departments to understand your companies best practices and provide insight into their companies best practices.
  3. Spearheading short-term projects that require extra capacity.

Some of our fellow’s best experiences have come with very small businesses! A smaller organization allows the fellows to become more engaged with all aspects of the business. The only requirement is that your business has 3 employees.

Yes! Many of our partners do not have offices. While fellows cannot work out of your house with you for the whole month, we have provided membership to a co-working space for the month.

All of our fellows are between 25-35 years old, are founders/executives, and have had their business for at least two years.

Interested in professional program hosting?

Get in touch with us today! Email Sarah with questions or submit an application!

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