The Western Union Foundation Fellowship is for young entrepreneurs and community leaders from and working with globally marginalized, refugee, and forcibly displaced groups.
This 16-week program is designed to provide these next-generation entrepreneurs and leaders with the skills and experience they need to increase access to economic opportunity, earn seed funding, integrate into their communities, succeed in the changing nature of work, and transform their communities.
This program includes both virtual and in-person components, allowing fellows to benefit from the global cohort while still focusing on making a local difference in their areas. In-Person Programming includes Fellow-Led Basecamps and a Fellow-Led Meetup. Virtual Programming includes Master Courses, Workshops, and Weekly Check Ins.
Application Deadline: 18th Aug 2023
Eligibility: This program is for next-generation high-promising entrepreneurs and community leaders who are from and working with highly marginalized, refugee, and forcibly displaced communities around the globe. Ideal applicants will join with relevant social impact and leadership experiences with proven experience of building community development projects within these communities.
Eligible Countries: Mexico, Kenya, Austria, Brazil, Canada, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ethiopia, France, Germany, India, Italy, Jordan, Lebanon, United Arab Emirates, Pakistan, Peru, Philippines, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Uganda, United Kingdom, United States, and Afghanistan.
Number of Awards: Not specified
Value of Award: The Fellowship begins with a virtual two-week intensive Accelerator that will focus on:
- Building Community: Community is one of the pillars of the Fellowship experience. A diverse cohort of young leaders and entrepreneurs form partnerships, collaborations, and further their growth and integration as leaders in their community
- Skill Development: Including growth mindset, courage, resilience, creativity, and leadership. Fellows will be guided through the process of overcoming key challenges faced during the process of becoming transformative leaders.
- Basecamp Training: Each Fellow is trained and receives a stipend and logistical support to lead a three-day Basecamp in their home community to empower at least 30 additional entrepreneurial leaders per Fellow.
Award Period: Western Union Foundation Fellows must be able to commit to be part of the 16-week program. There is a 2-week intensive (20-25 hours per week) followed by a 14-weeks of weekly programming (5-8 hours per week). Fellows will be given a stipend and spend an additional 80-100 hours implementing a 3-day intensive program called Basecamp.
How to Apply:
- Complete the online application: The online application contains 5 short essay questions
- Your application will be reviewed: Applications will be reviewed within 2-weeks of submission. Applications are accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis.
- You will be invited to an interview: Applicants moving forward in the process will be invited to a 20-minute Zoom interview.
- Enrollment process: We will send out final admission decisions and enrollment agreement within 2-weeks of the interview.
Source: https://watson.is
