Applications open for Aspire Leaders Program

Each cohort will participate in the same three module program with a new group of Aspire Leaders. The Aspire Leaders Program does not provide course credit. However, there are some certificates provided for completion of key elements of the program.

The Aspire Leaders Program Journey

• Module I: Three Weeks
  • Personal and Professional Development
    • Strengths-based leadership skills assessment.
    • Professional development resources co-created with Harvard Business School for creating a LinkedIn profile, crafting your resume, tips for interviewing, and how to network.
    • Live interactions among a global cohort of peers.
• Module II: Seven Weeks
  • Aspire Leadership Course: Societal Impact for First-Generation Leaders
  • Six session leadership development course with an extra week to work on coursework designed and delivered by Harvard University faculty.
    • Week One: Understanding Yourself as a Leader
    • Week Two: Importance of Understanding Context and Building Trust
    • Week Three: Digital Transformation and Artificial Intelligence
    • Week Four: Live Discussion – Addressing Community Challenges
    • Week Five: Voices of Leaders
    • Week Six: Live Discussion – Being in Action in Your Communities Worldwide
    • Week Seven: Independent Coursework and Module 3 Preparation
• Module III: Two Weeks
  • Immersive Learning
    • Master classes led by world-class educators from universities around the world.
    • Asynchronous and synchronous learning with a global cohort of peers and mentors.
• Alumni Engagement
  • Alumni gain access to a vibrant community of young leaders, mentors, and social impact seed funding.

Eligibility Criteria

• This program is for low-income, first-generation college students around the world. All applicants must meet the following criteria:
  • 18-26 years old
  • First-generation college student
  • Low-income background
  • Currently enrolled in an undergraduate program or recently graduated but not enrolled in graduate school
  • Intermediate level English
• You may apply if you meet the other eligibility criteria and graduated within the last three years.
• If you have enrolled in graduate school then you are no longer eligible for the program.
• Any previous alum can apply for the updated 2024 program as long as you still meet the eligibility requirements.
• Previous alumni will not be eligible for Extended Leadership Opportunities (ELOs).

For more information, visit Aspire Institute.