Deadline: 15-Jan-23

Application are now open for McCain Global Leaders Program that supports character-driven leaders from around the world who embody Senator John McCain’s legacy of serving a cause greater than oneself.

Structured as a 10-month fellowship and experiential learning experience, each cohort will include 25 diverse leaders from around the world who are working “in the arena” to advance democracy, human rights and freedom. The program is designed to advance each Leader’s personal and professional leadership journey and impact by providing training, resources, and access to highly relevant regional and global networks with goal of preparing today’s leaders to meet tomorrow’s challenges.

Leaders are selected through a competitive, open recruitment process.  There are 25 Leaders per annual cohort broken into 4 regional groupings.  Though there is no age requirement, Leaders are typically between the ages of 25 and 40.  Leaders should possess a strong track record of serving a cause greater than oneself as well as experience working directly on the global theme of defending democracy.  The McCain Institute emphasizes diversity in the form of gender, ethnicity, persons with disabilities, political viewpoint, economic background and education.

2023 Global Theme: Defending Democracy

• In response to the growing threat that democracy, human rights, and freedom are under around the world, the 2023 McCain Global Leaders Cohort will focus on defending democracy. There are few greater challenges to the global community than the threats posed to democracy through the rise of authoritarianism, disinformation, polarization, violent extremism, and conflict. Throughout 2023, Leaders will explore the primary challenges to democracy, as well as analyze and learn about solutions related to ensuring the future stability of democracy around the world.
• Following in the footsteps of Senator John McCain’s legacy of being on the front lines of defending and advocating for democracy, freedom and human rights, Leaders will embark on a journey that will help provide them the tools needed to be champions of democracy in their home country and region.

What are the expectations of a MGL for the program year?

• MGLs are required to be present during all program modules that occur in-person and virtually. They anticipate a total of 25 days of in-person programming, spread out through three different travel experiences. They also anticipate having a 6-8 hour time commitment each month for virtual programs.  There will be some work and reflection required outside of the in-person and virtual programs, but they are mindful of the fact that MGLs will be active professionals and they will make all efforts to ensure that the program can been done while maintaining an active professional and personal life.
• MGLs will be welcome to but not required to pursue individual or collaborative professional projects inspired by their participation in the program. The McCain Institute will offer support to help any projects or collaborations that participants create.  Upon completion of the program, MGLs will be welcomed into an active and responsive alumni community.

Eligibility Criteria

• Applicants should be mid-career professionals, possess working proficiency in English, and actively work on the focus issue areas of the program.  Aspiring McCain Global Leaders (MGLs) should work in a leadership role in their field, and actively be “in the arena” striving to enact change in their home communities.  Applicants should be committed to serving a cause greater than oneself and should be invested in full participation in virtual engagements, in-person programs and post program alumni activities. There is no minimum educational requirement.
• Participants should have at least 5 years or more of career experience. There is no specific age requirement, however, typical MGLs range from 25 to 40 years old.
• Applicants must be fluent in English. Leaders must be able to read and understand complex texts; give oral presentations in front of small and large audiences, and participate in in-depth discussions about complex topics.
• The McCain Institute is part of Arizona State University, the MGL program does not accept full-time students. The MGL program is designed for leader-practitioners who seek to implement a high-impact vision for leadership in their home environments.

For more information, visit https://www.mccaininstitute.org/programs/leadership-programs/mccain-global-leaders/