Deadline: 30 April 2014
Open to: young leaders from every country and any background
Benefits: Travel in June 2014 in London and Liverpool (UK) and June 2015 in Washington, D.C. and New York City (USA); plus mentoring and professional development
Description
Merit Next is a year-long leadership development program for 120 young people of merit from around the world selected after completing a series of global challenges designed to showcase their commitment to making a positive impact in their community.
Man evolved with fantastic talent and diversity, yet we still have serious problems to solve from climate change to poverty to inequality. Starting now this is going to change! With the growing use of technology and increasing connectivity, there has never been a better moment to make positive change happen. From Africa to Brazil to the United States, everyone is finding a way to become connected. The next generation will shift how we solve things and what was the norm will be different and we will do this – together.
Merit Next imagines a world that gives everyone an opportunity to develop and to use their talent. They will raise your aspirations and help you find global peers, resources, mentors, and inspiration. We can’t afford for anyone’s talent to go unnoticed or underutilized.
In June 2014, the Merit Next Fellows will convene in the U.K. (London & Liverpool) for two weeks of inspiration, aspiration assessment, and team building. Before departing for their home countries, the participants will be divided into 10 teams and assigned a project to find an innovative and sustainable market-driven solution to a pressing global concern (e.g., environmental sustainability, access to health care and education, childhood hunger, and youth unemployment).
- They have chosen the vibrant city of London to launch the program because its spirit complements the drive and energy of the Merit Next community. London has so much to offer and world-renowned leaders and innovators will be on hand to provide a warm and wise welcome. These first days will be filled with introductions, team building, and motivational speakers to inform and inspire you.
- During the time in Liverpool, we will host a number of events including a concert, cutting edge workshops, and lively debates. The group will also visit the Liverpool Institute of Performing Arts (co-founded by Paul McCartney) and Media City, a leading international hub for the creative and digital sector that houses the BBC and other media giants.
For the next 11 months, the Fellows will engage virtually in weekly project collaborations, online training and education, and one-on-one mentoring designed to support personal and professional life plans.
In June 2015, the group will reconvene in the U.S. (NYC & Washington, DC) to present their final reports to a panel of entrepreneurs, executives and venture capitalists; the winning project will be highlighted in the Merit Next global media campaign.
- The Merit Next delegates will reconnect in the US capital, Washington, DC. Lively discussion about their placement experience will be a part of these few days, in addition to site visits to political and cultural landmarks. They will also have meetings with diplomats and dealmakers, and leading public advocates such as our patron, Jack Healey. He is the former executive director of Amnesty International and is now leading the Human Rights Action Center in Washington, DC.
- What better place to conclude Merit Next than New York City — for as Frank Sinatra sang, “If you can make it there, you can make it anywhere”. New York City will open a variety of doors to help showcase your drive and diligence to create positive change in the world. It will also help us celebrate a remarkable month and focus on the next steps for building upon a great foundation for your future.
Eligibility
Those who are complacent need not apply. At World Merit, they focus on helping emerging leaders – young people with the drive and willpower to make a difference.
This program is open to young leaders from every country and any background, based on merit.
Benefits
This unique program will support 120 young people to develop and to use their talent in the spheres of Entrepreneurship, Business, Science & Technology, Media, Culture and Politics & Public Service through mentoring with professionals and networking with peers.
Application
The deadline to apply is 30 April 2014. To sign up, visit the website HERE, click “Sign up” and follow the instructions.
Send your questions to the organizers at usa@worldmerit.org or uk@worldmerit.org.
More information is available in the full terms and conditions HERE and on the official website HERE.
