About Program and Eligibility
The Centroamérica en Ascenso Fellowship seeks to support annually a range of active Human Rights Defenders from El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua, including lawyers, judges, journalists, university faculty/researchers, human rights defenders, activists, and civil society members, dedicated to anti-corruption efforts for the benefit of their home countries. For one to two years, selected Fellows will be provided unique fellowship experiences in safe and conducive environments at one of three U.S. 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 Frequently Asked Questions.
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 and their dependent are responsible for securing their own housing, the program offers guidance in navigating the housing market. Additionally, fellows receive support in enrolling in comprehensive health 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
- The Centroamérica en Ascenso Fellowship accepts applications from lawyers, judges, journalists, university faculty/researchers, human rights defenders, activists, members of civil society, and other relevant profiles from, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua who face 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 may reside in any country in Latin America as of the spring of 2019.
- Applicants’ work must benefit their home countries directly.
- Depending on the track chosen, there may be specific requirements for each university. Please refer to the Fellowship Tracks for more information on each university and their admissions requirements.
- The Program encourages applications from women, persons with disabilities, LGBTQI+ individuals, individuals from indigenous communities, returned migrants, or those otherwise underrepresented in their fields.
Note that applications with the following characteristics cannot be considered for this program:
- Applicants seeking to complete degrees longer than two years.
- Applicants with citizenship or current permanent residency outside Latin America.
- Applicants who, at the time of application to the Fellowship, have applied or will apply for asylum or refugee status in the United States.
Please direct any inquiries regarding eligibility in English or Spanish to HRD@iie.org.