Eisenhower Fellowships Selects 28 Leaders for 2026 Entrepreneur Program

For the first time in the organization's history, the American and international participants will convene as a single group during the program's opening phase. This shift aims to foster deeper collaboration and peer learning. The journey commences this fall in Philadelphia before moving to Austin, Texas, where participants will attend an opening seminar at Capital Factory, a prominent hub for innovation and business growth.

Following the opening seminar, the Fellows will embark on customized itineraries designed to advance their specific professional objectives. The international cohort will undertake professional programs across the United States, connecting with policymakers, investors, and executives. Simultaneously, the 11 American Fellows will spend three weeks traveling overseas to engage with international institutions, gaining global perspectives to apply to their domestic projects.

Eisenhower Fellowships President George de Lama noted that the evolution of the program to include a unified opening phase is intended to spark new cross-border collaborations. Upon concluding the program, these 28 individuals will join an established network of over 1,900 leaders across 100 countries. Founded in 1953, the organization continues to prioritize the development of leaders capable of addressing complex societal challenges through direct international dialogue.