Global Frontline Leaders

Global Frontline Leaders

The Global Frontline Leaders program at the Georgetown University Collaborative on Global Children’s Issues partners with individuals around the world who strengthen the systems that support children and families in complex contexts. Each year, the program brings together a new cohort around one urgent issue in children’s development, care, or protection, guided by the enduring goal of making sure what works on the ground informs those systems.

The program connects service providers, policymakers, and researchers with each other and the tools they need to present their innovative approaches in a published paper. It builds lasting relationships among fellows, alumni, and distinguished guest speakers. Together, they form a global network that helps children grow up in caring and protective families.

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Why Now?

Children are growing up amid conflict, climate shocks, poverty, and displacement. At the same time, aid is shrinking, and the systems children and families rely on are under growing pressure.

Frontline leaders see these challenges first, and they are already building creative responses. When systems are strained, their knowledge,
connections, and innovations sustain care in communities. We help them turn what works locally into change that travels.

Is This You?

You work with children and families in practice, research, or policy. You are creative and collaborative. You have firsthand experience developing
local solutions to improve lives in your community, and you want to explore how that experience can help build stronger systems for children everywhere.

If this reflects your work, this program was built for you.

Here's what the program offers at-a-glance:

10 months: February–November
Fully virtual: Join from anywhere in the world
Global cohort: Practitioners, researchers, and policymakers from different regions
One issue a year: Focused on children's development, care, and protection
Monthly workshops: Guest experts, case studies, peer learning
Webinar: Present your findings through a webinar
Thought partnership: One-to-one mentoring or leadership coaching

The Year Ahead

Across 10 months, the cohort will:

Start local. Every leader's experience shapes the conversation. Leaders from across the world share what's working, what's fragile, and what they would change.

Build the evidence. Strengthen your ability to document and communicate what works, so leaders everywhere can learn from your approaches and adapt them for their own communities.

See the whole system. Map who is involved and how they connect, recognize where you sit within the systems, and discover how you can influence change.

Write together. Co-author a published paper with peers across regions, bringing together lessons and strategies that might not emerge from one perspective alone.

Share with the world. Present your findings through a webinar hosted by the Georgetown University Collaborative on Global Children’s Issues, bringing frontline insights to practitioners, researchers, and policymakers globally.

Grow community. Put down roots in a professional home with like-minded leaders worldwide, and keep collaborating long after the program ends.

Each year brings a new focus and a new cohort. We hope you consider being part of the next one.

Frequently Asked Questions

General
What is the purpose of this program?
The 2027 Global Frontline Leaders program brings together practitioners, researchers, and policymakers who are strengthening mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) for children and families, including through faith-based approaches. The program highlights creative frontline solutions that combine evidence with lived experience and centers the perspectives of children and families.
What are the benefits of the program?
Participants gain practical expertise from guest experts and receive one-to-one mentoring or leadership coaching tailored to their goals. They learn to see the wider systems around their work and where they can influence change. Together, they co-author a published paper and present it to an international audience through a webinar hosted by the Collaborative on Global Children’s Issues. Participants also join a global network of peers working toward the same goals and receive a $7,500 USD stipend.
How long is the program term?
The program runs for 10 months, from February to November 2027, with an individual orientation in January 2027.
Is the program virtual?
Yes. The program is fully virtual, and no travel is required.
Is the program paid?
Yes. Participants who complete the program receive a $7,500 USD stipend, paid in two installments. Each installment is tied to a program deliverable.
What happens after the program ends?
Near the end of the program, participants reflect on their experience and set goals for the future. Graduates then join the alumni community of the Georgetown University Collaborative on Global Children's Issues and remain part of its global network.
Eligibility
Who is eligible to apply?
Experienced practitioners, researchers, and policymakers who are currently working on an MHPSS project are eligible to apply. Applicants must be proficient in English and will be asked to submit test scores unless English is their first language.
What if my project recently ended?
Current MHPSS work is required. If there is a gap in your project, you may request an exemption in your application. Exemptions are reviewed case by case and granted rarely.
Can I work or study during the program?
Yes. The program is part-time, and participants are expected to continue their MHPSS work throughout.
What if I need an accommodation?
If you need a disability-related accommodation during the application process, please email globalchildfellows@georgetown.edu.
Application
How do I apply?
To apply for the Global Fellows Program, complete this online application. The web address for the form is: bit.ly/GlobalFellowsApp. You will be required to sign in to your Google account, and your email address will be collected automatically with your response.
When is the deadline?
Applications are due by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on October 30, 2026. All materials, including English test scores, must be received by then. We encourage you to apply early.
What do I need to apply?
You will need your resume or curriculum vitae; your English proficiency test scores, if applicable; information about your current MHPSS project, including your organization's child protection policy; and contact details for three references.
Do I need letters of recommendation?
Not at the time you apply. If your application advances, we will let you know before contacting your references, who may be asked to submit a confidential letter or take part in a reference check. Letters should be sent directly to globalchildfellows@georgetown.edu, so please follow up with your references to make sure they submit on time.
We will notify you before contacting your references. Once we do, we encourage you to follow up with your references to ensure recommendations are submitted on time.
Is there an application fee?
No. Applying is free.
Selection
How are participants selected?
Selection takes place in four stages. We first screen applications for eligibility, and then an expert panel reviews them to identify top candidates. Those candidates are invited to a virtual panel interview of about 30 minutes. After the interview, we may contact references for additional information.
When will I hear back?
We expect to notify selected candidates by mid-December 2026.
Commitments and Expectations
What is expected of participants?
Participants are expected to attend the January orientation and the monthly workshops, complete pre- and post-workshop assignments, meet monthly with a mentor or coach, and attend networking events. Over the course of the program, they co-author a published paper with their cohort and present their findings through a Georgetown University webinar.
Please reach out to globalchildfellows@georgetown.edu with any further questions.