2026 Fisher Family Summer Fellows Program

The Fisher Family Summer Fellows Program on Democracy and Development is hosted annually by Stanford University’s Center on Democracy, Development and the Rule of Law (CDDRL) at the Freeman Spogli Institute for International Studies (FSI). Established in 2005 and formerly known as the Draper Hills Summer Fellows Program, it brings together mid-career practitioners from transitioning countries who are actively working to promote democracy, strengthen governance, and drive socio-economic reform. The program offers an immersive academic and leadership experience, enabling participants to engage with Stanford scholars, policymakers, and global experts. Over the years, the fellowship has built a thriving global network of nearly 500 alumni from 97 countries, all committed to advancing democratic institutions and human development in their home regions. Alumni include government officials, civil society leaders, legal professionals, and social entrepreneurs who continue to champion reform and civic engagement across the globe. The program exemplifies Stanford’s commitment to nurturing leaders who embody democratic values and are capable of transforming their societies through innovation, integrity, and inclusive policy.

The Fisher Family Summer Fellows Program 2026 is designed to strengthen the leadership and analytical skills of mid-career professionals who are driving change in the areas of democracy, development, and the rule of law. Each year, 28–30 fellows from developing and transitioning democracies are selected for this intensive three-week residential program at Stanford University. Participants engage in lectures, seminars, and discussions led by distinguished Stanford faculty and global practitioners, exploring themes of democratic governance, accountability, and institutional reform.
The fellowship offers an opportunity for scholars and practitioners to reflect, connect, and collaborate on solutions to shared global challenges. The alumni network, comprising over 536 leaders from 104 countries, includes presidential advisors, journalists, judges, entrepreneurs, and human rights defenders. Notably, 47% of alumni are women, reflecting the program’s commitment to gender-inclusive leadership. The fellowship encourages innovative thinking, peer learning, and cross-border collaboration—empowering participants to translate academic knowledge into actionable reform within their home countries.