Deadline:
January 25, 2026
Location(s)
United States of America Worldwide
Overview
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.
Details
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.
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.
Opportunity is About
Eligibility
Candidates should be from:
Description of Ideal Candidate
The Atlantic Council is seeking innovative leaders 35 years old and younger whose work connects with our mission.
The fellowship focuses on how a rising generation of leaders around the world can renew a values-based social compact at the beginning of a Millennium marked by dramatic change and upheaval. Fellows share a common belief in the power of constructive international engagement, democracy, human rights, vibrant civil society, trade and economic development, and sustainability as catalysts for good, while bringing a range of policy views from across the political spectrum to discussions on how to protect and strengthen these values. In this regard, the fellowship seeks to combat isolationism as well as visions for globalization not anchored in these values.
Dates
Deadline: January 25, 2026
Cost/funding for participants
The Millennium Fellowship participant fee is a fixed amount based on your sector of employment. The fee is $3,000 for nonprofit and public sector members, and $15,000 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.
Organizations also have the option to sponsor a rising leader through our Nomination pathway, which offers an elevated review process. Nominated candidates complete the same application and evaluation as all applicants, and are fast-tracked to the interview stage. The Nomination fee is $30,000, which reflects the full cost of participation in the program. If your organization is interested in sponsoring a candidate, please email Millennium@AtlanticCouncil.org.
Un-save Opportunity
Internships, scholarships, student conferences and competitions.
