Laureate Global Fellowships for Social Entrepreneurs

Deadline: 16 March 2014
Open to: young social entrepreneurs
Fellowship: leadership training, coaching/mentoring, advocacy, and networking opportunities

Description

Each year, Youth Action Net selects 20 young social entrepreneurs to participate in the Laureate Global Fellowship through a unique partnership between the Sylvan/Laureate Foundation and the International Youth Foundation. Laureate Global Fellows are distinguished by their track records for success in achieving positive change in their communities, by their innovative approaches, and their ability to mobilize their peers and community members in support of their social change visions. Fellows develop leadership expertise and deepen their impact through a dynamic, yearlong learning experience, and join a network of over 900 change-makers like them who continue to benefit from learning opportunities and connections throughout their social change careers.

Eligibility

Applicants must be:

• 18 – 29 years old as of October 1, 2014;
• Founders or co-founders of existing ventures with at least one year of impact;
• Fluent in English (applications must be completed in English);
• Able to attend a week-long leadership retreat in October 2014.

Fellowship

Fellows benefit from a yearlong experience that includes leadership training, coaching/mentoring, advocacy, and networking opportunities. Part of what distinguishes the Fellowship is the opportunity for young leaders to get away from the day-to-day demands of running a social venture through a seven-day retreat held in a different international setting each year. Retreats are designed to provide transformational learning experiences, enabling Fellows to connect in profound ways with their peers as they share their motivations and strategies, move through obstacles, and identify leadership goals for themselves and their organizations.

Other Fellowship benefits include:

• Recognition at a global awards ceremony, through related media outreach, and blogging and speaking opportunities made available through Youth Action Net;
• Year-round learning opportunities and one-on-one coaching based on Fellows’ individual needs and Youth Action Net’s proven leadership development framework;
• Being part of a global network of young change-makers, with the chance to connect and collaborate with peers leading change throughout the world;
• Access to ongoing learning and networking opportunities as a Youth Action Net alumni.

Application

In order to provide the applicants with an outlet to clearly and thoroughly explain their ventures and personal journey, the application consists of the following components, all of which must be completed:

Video: The video is a mandatory portion of the application. If you do not submit a video, your application will not be considered. Your video will be the first opportunity we have to see your passion, knowledge, and unique perspective. The organizers hope you will be specific and succinct in explaining your personal relationship to your work (why you do what you do), the steps you have made towards change (what your venture does), and what a successful future looks like for your venture. The organizers understand that there are varying degrees of technology access around the world. Whether filmed on a camera phone, laptop, or something more high-tech, all applicants will be given equal consideration regardless of video quality. They prefer a lower-quality video that directly addresses our questions to a professionally-produced video that does not adequately answer our questions. The organization is looking for authenticity. If you need help uploading your video or accessing the embed code, visit this guide.

Narrative Application: Within this section you will provide the organizers with details that support what we learned in the video. Please remember to thoroughly describe your work in a way that an outsider with no knowledge of the issue you are addressing would understand. Help the organizers understand the specific programs, projects, and activities that your venture offers. They are interested in your long-term vision, but it is important for them to understand your current activities. You must provide all requested information within the narrative application.

References: You will be asked to enter the contact information for two references who can discuss your eligibility for the fellowship.

Supporting Documents: You will have the opportunity to submit up to three additional documents that may provide judges with a better understanding of your project.

The organizers prefer that you submit an online application. If internet access restricts you from completing an online application, a Microsoft Word application is available HERE. Applications must be submitted by March 16, 2014 at 11:59 PM EST. Check some other details in regard to the application process. For more information read the FAQ section or visit the official web-site.