Applications are now open for two leadership development programs in Washington, D.C. – the Andrii Sendziuk Fellowship and the Emerging Leaders Program from the American Coalition for Ukraine. Both initiatives are aimed at supporting a new generation of leaders, organizers, and public figures who seek to strengthen Ukraine advocacy in the United States.
This was reported by the American Coalition for Ukraine.
“Andrii Sendziuk was an integral part of the American Coalition for Ukraine from the very early days of our organization. He was the founder and main organizer of the first student summit, Ukraine Action, which taught students the importance and impact of advocacy for Ukraine… Andrii died in 2024 shortly after graduating from Georgetown University, where he founded the Ukrainian Society of Georgetown University… Through this scholarship, we hope to honor Andrii Sendziuk by empowering the next generation of leaders who are passionate about standing with Ukraine,” the Coalition said.
The organization emphasizes that the future of Ukrainian advocacy depends on the leaders they invest in today. That is why the programs are designed for students, young professionals, and community activists who want to turn their support for Ukraine into real and lasting impact.
Andrii Sendziuk Fellowship is a one-year paid opportunity for an undergraduate or graduate student. The program is implemented by the American Coalition for Ukraine in partnership with SUSTA and aims to strengthen the national network of Ukrainian student organizations in the United States.
The fellow will work to establish contacts between Ukrainian student centers, student leaders, ACU and SUSTA, and will also help organize the Ukraine Action Student Summit.
The program will last from September 2026 to May or June 2027 and involves approximately 10 hours of work per week. The participant will receive financial support and cover the costs of participating in two Ukraine Action Summits in Washington.
During the fall semester, the fellow will work to find and establish connections with Ukrainian student organizations and communities throughout the United States, build relationships with student leaders, and maintain a national base of organizations and contacts on campuses.
In the spring semester, the participant will help plan and promote the annual student summit, communicate with student organizations, recruit participants, support the logistics of the event and work after its completion.
According to the Coalition, the ideal candidate for the Andrii Sendziuk Fellowship is an undergraduate or graduate/postgraduate student who is interested in Ukraine and student leadership, is organized, proactive, knows how to build relationships with different groups and is interested in non-profit activities, advocacy or community organization.
It is noted that participation in the program will provide an opportunity to develop national leadership experience, create a professional network in the Ukrainian-American community, gain practical skills in the non-profit sector and make a lasting contribution to strengthening student advocacy for Ukraine in the United States.
Applications for the Andrii Sendziuk Fellowship are open until August 10, 2026.
The second opportunity is the Emerging Leaders Program. This is a nine-month program for community and civic leaders aged 22 to 40 who want to become more active in supporting Ukraine and develop as advocacy leaders in their communities.
The Coalition said the program is designed for people who have a connection to their communities, a genuine commitment to the cause of Ukraine, and a desire to grow as leaders. No prior advocacy experience is required.
Here, participants will work directly with the American Coalition for Ukraine on active advocacy initiatives, and will receive training in coalition building, grassroots organizing, and leadership. They will also study in-depth the relationship between the United States and Ukraine, the history and culture of Ukraine, and the context of Russia’s ongoing war against Ukraine.
The program provides mentorship, hands-on experience, and support in organizing their own advocacy or outreach event in their community. Upon completion, participants will receive a certificate of leadership.
For this cohort, the organizers plan to select one participant from each of the five U.S. regions. Participants will also participate in the fall Ukraine Action Summit 2026 in Washington, D.C., which will be held at the beginning of the program - from September 12 to 16, 2026. Travel and accommodation expenses are covered.
The American Coalition for Ukraine emphasizes that these programs are designed for both students who want to make an impact on a national level and young community leaders ready to take their activities to the next level.
Learn more and apply on the organization's website: Andrii Sendziuk Fellowship and Emerging Leaders Program.
Background
The American Coalition for Ukraine is an alliance of U.S.-based nonprofit organizations that come together to build community, provide educational resources, and strengthen American support for Ukraine in Washington.
Photo: American Coalition for Ukraine
Author: Inna Mikhno