By Lisa Jones
The deadline to apply for the Laureate Global Fellowship,
YouthActionNet’s global program for young social entrepreneurs, recently
passed. While we are busy watching application videos that inspire us and remind
us of why we do this work, we want take the opportunity to let you know about
other great fellowship programs you can still apply for in 2013.
These fellowships are more than accolades to stack your
resume with, or boast about to your friends on Facebook—winning one can grant
you access to expansive networks, potential funders, opportunities to speak at
events, press coverage for your organization, new international experiences…the
list goes on.
The fellowships I’ve compiled are ideal for young social
entrepreneurs who have made measureable impact in innovative ways. They allow
young leaders to grow as individuals while continuing to manage their
organizations throughout the duration of the fellowship.
As a changemaker, you take risks all of the time. Isn’t it
time to take a chance on yourself?
In order of deadline date, the programs you can still apply
for in 2013 are:
1. PopTech Social Innovation Fellowship
Nominations due April 2nd
Successful applicants have developed what PopTech calls “highly disruptive breakthrough
innovations” to common issues in critical fields such as healthcare, energy, development, climate, education,
and civic engagement. Fellows operate under various business models including for-profit companies, not-for-profit organizations,
hybrid efforts, and open-source platforms.
Those selected participate in a week-long retreat where they learn about
the newest tools and technology to accelerate and scale their initiatives, and
also have the opportunity to share their story at the annual PopTech innovation conference. You
can nominate yourself or
encourage someone else to nominate you!2. Starting Bloc Fellowship
Now Open—Closes April 15
The StartingBloc Fellowship is a
life-long membership with StartingBloc’s global community of 1,900 emerging
leaders. Fellows are young leaders (ages 18-30) from all sectors who share a
common set of values. They believe that economic value creation and social
value creation are complementary. They believe in making money and doing good. During
the Institute for Social
Innovation, StartingBloc Candidates work with speakers, academic institutions, and
corporate partners who are on the cutting edge of innovations in their
respective sector. There is a $35 application fee involved, as well as a $1,000
tuition fee which may be waived on the basis of merit and need. Learn more. 3. Rolex Young Laureate Awards
Now
Open—Closes May 31, 2013
The Rolex Awards support pioneering work of 18-30 year old changemakers in
five areas: applied technology, cultural heritage, environment, exploration and
discovery, and science and health. However, projects may be submitted in almost
any area of activity, provided they have the potential to bring benefits for
mankind. Projects are assessed based on the feasibility, originality, potential
for sustained impact, and, above all, on the candidate’s own spirit of
enterprise. In 2012, three of
our YouthActionNet fellows were honored as Rolex Young Laureates. Could you be next? 4. TED Global Fellows
Applications
open May 28, 2013—June 21, 2013
The TED Fellows program
is designed to bring together young world-changers and trailblazers who have
shown unusual accomplishment and exceptional courage. The program targets
individuals from the Asia/Pacific region, Africa, the Caribbean, Latin America
and the Middle East, though anyone from anywhere in the world, age 18 and over,
is welcome to apply. Fellows will attend a TED or TED Global conference with
all expenses paid, earn access to a private social networking site, and have the
chance to become a Senior
Fellow. Learn tips for applying. 5. Unreasonable Institute
Applications
open September 1, 2013—October 31, 2013
Each year, the Unreasonable Institute
unites 10-30 entrepreneurs (called “Unreasonable Fellows”)
from every corner of the globe to live together in Boulder, Colorado. These
entrepreneurs receive customized training and support from mentors ranging from
a Time Magazine Hero of the Planet, to the head of user experience at Google X,
to an entrepreneur who’s enabled over 20 million farmers to move out of
poverty. In the process, they form relationships with corporations and
international organizations, receive legal advice and design consulting, and
get in front of hundreds of potential funders. Learn key dates and steps of the
application
process. 6. World Economic Forum Global Shapers
Applications open on rolling basis
The Global Shapers Community is a
network of city-based Hubs
developed and led by young leaders ages 20-30 who want to develop their
leadership potential towards serving society. Shapers are selected on the
basis of their achievements, leadership potential, and commitment to make a
difference. Selected leaders are
provided with opportunities to connect with the worldwide network of Global
Shapers, network with other World Economic Forum communities, and represent the
voice of youth at World Economic Forum events. Shapers are united by a common
desire to channel the members’ tremendous energy and enthusiasm into building a
more peaceful and inclusive world. A number of YouthActionNet fellows have
become Global Shapers and have found the experience valuable. Apply
here.
Want to make sure you don’t miss the deadline
for YouthActionNet’s Laureate
Global Fellowship next year? Sign up for
our mailing list to receive bi-monthly newsletters full of exciting news and
opportunities for social entrepreneurs around the world.
