The Centroamérica en Ascenso Fellowship seeks to annually support a range of Anti-Corruption Actors (ACAs) from El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua, including lawyers, judges, journalists, university faculty/researchers, human rights defenders, activists, and civil society members. For one to two years, selected Fellows will be provided unique Fellowship experiences in safe and conducive environments at one of three United States Universities with strong regional connections. Tailored Fellowship experiences at these partner universities will train and empower Fellows to enhance their contributions, improve skills, share best practices, and expand networks during and after completion of their Fellowships. To learn more about the partner universities, please refer to the Fellowship Tracks and FAQs.

The Centroamérica en Ascenso Fellowship provides Fellows with comprehensive support to ensure a successful and fulfilling experience. Each Fellowship track is overseen by dedicated university coordinators who offer personalized guidance on various aspects of academic and social integration. Fellows benefit from pre-academic sessions and orientations, equipping them with essential information. While Fellows are responsible for securing their own housing, the University Coordinator offers guidance in securing housing. Additionally, Fellows receive support in enrolling in comprehensive medical and dental insurance plans and participate in networking opportunities and professional development activities. Throughout their Fellowship, Fellows have access to ongoing guidance and assistance from university and program staff, ensuring a rewarding and productive experience. 

Eligibility Criteria

• The Centroamérica en Ascenso Fellowship accepts applications from individuals working primarily in anti-corruption. This includes, but it’s not limited to, lawyers, judges, journalists, university faculty/researchers, human rights defenders, activists, members of civil society, and other profiles from, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua who face serious threats and cannot continue their anti-corruption work in their home countries.
• Applicants are selected based on professional/academic qualifications, including past achievements in anti-corruption, the quality and impact potential of their work, and the urgency of the threats that they face.
• Applicants must reside in their home countries or in any country in Latin America as of the spring of 2019. Applicants living permanently or temporarily outside of Latin America are not eligible.
• Applicants’ work must benefit their home countries directly.
• Applicants must meet the basic requirements necessary to obtain a United States J1 visa, including having a passport that is valid for at least 6 months after August 2025.
• Depending on the track chosen, there are specific requirements for each university. Please refer to the Fellowship Tracks for more information on each university and their admissions requirements.  
• The Fellowship program encourages applications from women, persons with disabilities, LGBTQIA+ individuals, individuals from indigenous communities, or those otherwise underrepresented in their fields.

You are not eligible for this Fellowship if:

• You have participated in and successfully concluded any U. S. Government funded fellowship, scholarship, or other program during which you were physically present inside the United States on a U.S. government-sponsored visa for more than six months within the past five years.
• You are currently residing in the U.S. permanently or temporarily on a tourist, student, or other kind of visa. 

• You are seeking to complete a degree longer than two years.
• You have citizenship or residency outside of Latin America, including those with tourist, student, or exchange visitor visas in the United States.
• You have applied or will apply for asylum or refugee status in the United States at the time of your intended Fellowship application.
• You are a current or recent employee of IIE or immediate family members of IIE.
• You are an employee of USAID or other U.S. Government (USG) agencies or an immediate family member of USAID or USG employees, including Personal Services Contracts (PSC) and interagency agreements with USAID.

Please direct any inquiries regarding eligibility in English or Spanish to HRD@iie.org.

Selection Timeline