In 2013, President Obama launched the Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative (YSEALI) to enhance the United States’ relations with future leaders of Southeast Asia and foster an ASEAN community. To this end, the YSEALI Fellowship will bring 500 exceptional young leaders from ASEAN countries to the United States to further develop their professional and leadership skills. The YSEALI Academic Fellowship will bring 250 current or recently graduated students from ASEAN member countries to the U.S. for five week Institutes at pre-eminent U.S. universities and colleges. The Institutes will include an academic residency, leadership development, an educational study tour, local community service activities, and opportunities to engage with American peers. The programs will be held at various times throughout the summer, fall, and winter of 2015-2016; all programs will conclude in Washington, D.C. to allow for networking with policy makers, government representatives, businesses, and think tanks. The fall YSEALI Academic Fellowship Institutes will be five of twelve Institutes to be offered in 2015 and 2016.