Shawn Brimley Next Generation National Security Leaders Fellowship 2027: Fully Funded Leadership Development Program for Emerging National Security Professionals

Applications are now open for the Shawn Brimley Next Generation National Security Leaders Fellowship 2027, an exceptional year-long professional development program organized by the Center for a New American Security (CNAS). The fellowship is designed to identify, connect, and develop the next generation of leaders working across the national security sector by equipping them with the leadership skills, professional networks, and strategic insights necessary to shape the future of national security.

Each year, CNAS selects a bipartisan cohort of 20–25 outstanding emerging professionals between the ages of 27 and 35 to participate in this prestigious fellowship. Named in honor of Shawn Brimley, one of CNAS’s founding members, the program celebrates his lasting contributions to the national security community and his commitment to mentoring future leaders.

The fellowship brings together professionals from diverse backgrounds and sectors, creating a collaborative environment where participants can exchange ideas, learn from distinguished leaders, and strengthen their capacity to address complex national security challenges.

About the Shawn Brimley Next Generation National Security Leaders Fellowship

The Shawn Brimley Next Generation National Security Leaders Fellowship is a year-long, part-time leadership development program that prepares rising professionals for senior leadership roles within the national security community.

The fellowship recognizes that today’s security challenges require collaboration across government, academia, industry, nonprofit organizations, military institutions, and the private sector. As such, the program intentionally brings together a bipartisan and multidisciplinary cohort of professionals who represent different perspectives while sharing a commitment to public service and national security.

Throughout the fellowship, participants engage in meaningful discussions, leadership training, networking opportunities, and practical learning experiences that strengthen both their professional capabilities and leadership potential.

About the Center for a New American Security (CNAS)

The Center for a New American Security (CNAS) is a leading independent research institution focused on developing strong, pragmatic, and principled national security and defense policies.

Through research, policy analysis, leadership development, and public engagement, CNAS works to prepare future leaders capable of addressing evolving global security challenges.

The Next Generation National Security Leaders Fellowship is one of the Center’s flagship leadership initiatives aimed at investing in talented young professionals.

Why the Fellowship Was Named After Shawn Brimley

In June 2018, CNAS officially renamed the fellowship to honor Shawn Brimley, one of the founding members of the organization.

Shawn Brimley was widely respected for his leadership, mentorship, and dedication to strengthening the national security community. His vision, professionalism, and commitment to developing future leaders continue to inspire the fellowship and its participants.

The program reflects the values that Shawn exemplified throughout his career:

• Leadership
• Integrity
• Collaboration
• Public service
• Professional excellence
• Commitment to mentoring future generations

Fellowship Objectives

The fellowship seeks to:

• Develop future national security leaders.
• Strengthen leadership capabilities among emerging professionals.
• Foster bipartisan collaboration.
• Build lasting professional networks.
• Encourage innovative thinking on national security challenges.
• Connect participants with senior policymakers and experienced practitioners.
• Prepare fellows for leadership roles across government and related sectors.

What Fellows Will Experience

Participants benefit from a carefully designed leadership development curriculum that combines mentorship, networking, dialogue, and experiential learning.

Throughout the fellowship, participants will engage in numerous professional development opportunities.

Monthly Leadership Dinner Series

One of the fellowship’s signature activities is its monthly dinner series.

These gatherings provide fellows with direct access to nationally recognized leaders who share their leadership experiences, career lessons, and perspectives on national security.

The dinner discussions encourage meaningful dialogue and provide opportunities for fellows to build relationships with influential leaders.

Learn from Distinguished National Security Leaders

Previous speakers have included some of the most respected figures in national security and public service, including:

• Secretary Madeleine Albright
• General Stanley McChrystal
• Secretary Jeh Johnson
• Congressman Mike Gallagher
• Ambassador Bonnie Jenkins

These conversations expose fellows to diverse leadership styles, policy experiences, and strategic decision-making approaches.

International Study Tour

The fellowship concludes with a week-long international study tour.

This immersive experience allows fellows to:

• Explore international security issues firsthand.
• Gain global perspectives on national security.
• Engage with international experts and policymakers.
• Deepen their understanding of leadership in complex global environments.
• Strengthen relationships with fellow participants.

The study tour serves as the capstone experience of the fellowship.

Fellowship Format

The fellowship is designed to accommodate working professionals.

Program features include:

• Year-long duration.
• Part-time participation.
• Hybrid learning model.
• In-person and virtual engagements.
• Monthly leadership dinners.
• Professional networking events.
• International study tour.

The hybrid model provides flexibility while maintaining meaningful engagement among fellows.

Location

Unless otherwise announced, fellowship events will take place at:

Center for a New American Security (CNAS)

Washington, D.C., United States.

Virtual participation is available for selected programming through the fellowship’s hybrid format.

Fellowship Costs

One of the most attractive aspects of the fellowship is that there is no participation fee.

CNAS covers participation in the fellowship program itself.

However, participants should note that they are responsible for:

• Travel expenses to Washington, D.C.
• Transportation for fellowship dinners.
• Travel costs associated with in-person fellowship events unless otherwise specified.

Applicants should plan accordingly before applying.

Benefits of Participating

Selected fellows will enjoy numerous professional and leadership benefits, including:

• Participation in a prestigious national leadership fellowship.
• Leadership development from nationally recognized experts.
• Access to influential policymakers and practitioners.
• Networking with emerging leaders across sectors.
• Bipartisan collaboration opportunities.
• Monthly leadership dinner discussions.
• Exposure to strategic national security issues.
• International study tour experience.
• Flexible hybrid participation model.
• Membership in a distinguished alumni network.

Who Should Apply?

The fellowship is intended for ambitious early-career professionals who are passionate about national security and leadership.

Ideal applicants are individuals who:

• Aspire to become future leaders.
• Demonstrate leadership potential.
• Work in national security-related fields.
• Value bipartisan dialogue and collaboration.
• Seek professional growth.
• Want to expand their professional networks.
• Are committed to public service.

APPLY HERE

Application Information

Applications for the 2027 Shawn Brimley Next Generation National Security Leaders Fellowship are currently open.

Interested applicants are encouraged to begin preparing their applications as early as possible.

Applicants who have questions about the fellowship may:

• Visit the official Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page.
• Contact the fellowship team via email at nextgeneration@cnas.org.

Application Deadline

At the time of this announcement, no application deadline has been specified. Applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible and regularly monitor the official CNAS website for updates regarding application deadlines and additional requirements.

Why You Should Apply

The Shawn Brimley Next Generation National Security Leaders Fellowship offers a rare opportunity to accelerate your leadership journey while engaging with some of the most influential figures in national security.

Whether your career is in government, policy, defense, research, academia, or another national security-related field, the fellowship provides valuable leadership training, meaningful networking opportunities, and exposure to critical policy discussions that can significantly enhance your professional development.

The combination of expert mentorship, bipartisan collaboration, and international engagement makes this one of the premier leadership fellowships available to emerging professionals.

Visit HERE to learn more about the Shawn Brimley Next Generation National Security Leaders Fellowship 2027

Conclusion

The Shawn Brimley Next Generation National Security Leaders Fellowship continues to shape the future of national security leadership by investing in talented young professionals with the potential to influence policy and strengthen institutions. Through leadership development, networking, mentorship, and international engagement, fellows gain the skills and relationships needed to navigate increasingly complex global security challenges.

If you are an emerging national security professional between the ages of 27 and 35 who is passionate about leadership and public service, this fellowship represents an outstanding opportunity to grow professionally while joining a distinguished community of future leaders.

For more global grants, scholarships, fellowships, internships, jobs, conferences, competitions, and other career opportunities for young people, visit the Opportunities for Youth (OFY) website at www.opportunitiesforyouth.org.