Aspire Leaders Program – Apply Now!

The Aspire Leaders Program Journey

• Module I Four Weeks (3-5 Hours/Week)
  • 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 Four Weeks (3-5 Hours/Week)
  • Immersive Learning
    • Masterclasses led by world-class educators from universities around the world.
    • Asynchronous and synchronous learning with a global cohort of peers and mentors.
• Module III Six Weeks (3-5 Hours/Week)
  • Aspire Horizons Course
    • Six session leadership development course 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: Voices of Leaders
    • Week Five: Addressing Community Challenges
    • Week Six: Being in Action in Your Communities Worldwide

Extended Leadership Opportunities

Alumni who have completed all stages and/or modules of the Aspire Leaders Program have access to Extended Leadership Programs (ELPs).

• Funding Opportunities: Alumni may apply to funding opportunities directly after their cohort completes all three modules or in the year following their completion of the Aspire Leaders Program.
  • Social Impact Seed Funding (SISF)
    • Alumni may only apply for SISF and other funding opportunities within one year of completing the Aspire Leaders Program.
    • Timeline: 12 Weeks
    • Social Impact Seed Funding, a pioneering program exclusively designed for alumni, will serve as a prerequisite to apply for the Community Action Awards (CAA). SISF aims to empower and support our alumni community in transforming their innovative ideas into tangible solutions that address pressing societal issues guided by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. This program provides financial resources (<$1,000 USD) and mentorship to catalyze sustainable social change and local community impact.
  • Community Action Awards (CAA)
    • Alumni may apply if they received a Social Impact Seed Fund and successfully completed a project.
    • Timeline: One Year
    • SISF awardees will have the opportunity to apply for the CAA in January 2025. At this time, they can apply for a full round of seed funding (<$10,000 USD) through the CAA.
  • Fellowship
    • Alumni who are nominated for their leadership in their community
    • Timeline: One Year
    • A brand new fellowship program that provides more leadership development opportunities and fosters alumni and community relationships over time. Fellows will benefit from networking and professional development opportunities, access to program resources, stipends, online recognition and recommendations.
• Community Access: These resources are available to all alumni from both the Crossroads Emerging Leaders Program and the Aspire Leaders Program.
  • Mentorship Series
    • Alumni who recently completed the Aspire Leaders Program may register for these sessions.
    • Timeline: Once a month
    • Mentorship sessions occur at least once a month, and each month touches on each of the core values of Aspire Institute. This diverse array of sessions will support a variety of individual goals and push alumni to develop competency in leadership, career preparation and self-confidence.
  • Alumni Networking and Resource Hub
    • All alumni can join and participate in the online community.
    • Timeline: Lifetime Access
    • Alumni have the opportunity to connect and network with their peers through our online community. The community has various channels that are updated regularly with opportunities and engaging conversation starters. The Aspire Team and fellow alumni will also share resources and opportunities such as scholarships, grants, internships, and more.
  • Monthly Newsletter
    • All alumni will receive this monthly email.
    • Timeline: Monthly
    • A new initiative to share stories with alumni that are by you, with you, and for you. It will highlight alumni stories, showcase alumni events, and share upcoming alumni happenings.

Eligibility

• 18-29 years old
• Low-income background
• First-generation college student or recent graduate but not enrolled in a graduate program
• Intermediate level English

For more information, visit Aspire Institute.