Alumni Opportunities

YES Art for Social Change Webinar

On Thursday, June 2 from 10-11:30am ET, the YES program will host the YES Art for Social Change Webinar led by Theater Teaching Artist, Aris Hines, and two YES alumni, Dunya Jezeraskic '15 (Bosnia & Herzegovina), and Mohamed Ben Fredj '18 (Tunisia). Webinar attendees will learn how art can impact culture and be a tool for social change. The guest speakers will share their experiences leading art for social change projects around the world and engage webinar attendees in discussions and activities related to the topic. 

Attendees will be able to connect in small groups with other exchange program alumni who are interested in implementing art for social change projects to network and brainstorm project ideas. This webinar aims to educate participants on how art can be used to impact culture and create social change, and inspire YES alumni to use different forms of art as a tool for their community development projects. 

This webinar is only open to YES, YES Abroad, and FLEX alumni. All participants will have access to their cameras and microphones to engage in discussions and interactive activities. ASL interpretation and live captioning will be available at the event.

Read more about the guest speakers below and register for the event today! 

Writer’s Council Fellowship Cohort 7 – Open For Aspiring Writers

This is a position that will hold membership in IVolunteer International’s Writer’s Council. The “Writer’s Council” consists of volunteer writers who will keep the organization’s official blog energized by sharing stories that are mainly related to capacity development, human rights & security, sustainable development goals, research & opinion, women & youth, and volunteer stories. However, they also welcome stories inspired by current events happening in the world or in the writer’s own communities. They welcome all creative topics suggested by their Writers and they are very flexible in approving them.

The Writers’ Council is a leadership training and activist empowerment program. Through monthly guest-speaker series, cohort members will be able to hone their expertise and knowledge on a variety of professional and personal skills that are essential in creating impact-oriented advocacy movements. Fellows will also get the opportunity to make new friendships across the globe and collaborate on covering social issues.

The position is a flexible position, which means that the tasks allocated to you must be completed on your own time on or before the deadline and you can work from anywhere, virtually. This is an unpaid, volunteer position without any financial compensation. The position is open to citizens of any country. They always work with your schedule.

Objectives of the Writers’ Council

• Establishing an online platform for youth leaders and writers to share their stories and the stories of others.
• Training young and aspiring community leaders and activists on professional development to take their initiatives from advocacy to action.
• Being a platform for change-making, and a source for inspiration to our readers.

Responsibilities

• Work together with your assigned Editor to achieve the objectives of the Writers’ Council and the blog.
• Be able to cover events in the local community and interview activists and advocates as requested.
• Publish a minimum of four articles per month (1 article per week).
• Attend bi-weekly and/or monthly virtual meetings.
• Attend bi-weekly and/or monthly professional development seminar series.

All stories authored must be of your own work. If needed, the content including information and images must be appropriately cited. No previously copyrighted material is allowed to be in your work. All authors must have a serious understanding of ethics in journalism and plagiarism. As a writer, you can write about any topic you’re interested in as well. In the past, some writers have written articles to raise awareness about mental health, equal pay, internationally celebrated days, etc. You do not have to “stick” to a selected few avenues. We encourage you to be creative.

All selected candidates will receive WordPress training through an orientation.

Commitment & Contract

A commitment of a minimum of 3-5 hours a week is expected. This cohort will be 4-months, starting on July 10, 2022. If you are expecting to use this opportunity for college credit, a commitment of a minimum of 10 hours a week is required.

Location: Online

Benefits:

Recognition & Benefits

• Training on WordPress utilization, academic writing, blog writing, and general ethics in journalism and feedback on each article for improvement.
• Professional Development seminar series organized monthly, held on Zoom from experts in various fields.
• A letter of recommendation at the end of the volunteer period.
• A personal portfolio of your published articles is maintained under a custom web address.
• The opportunity to network with high-level representatives from organizations worldwide and to attend exclusive partner events.
• Experience in operating a start-up nonprofit organization and public service.
• An opportunity to practice your journalism and writing/reporting skills.
• The ability, privilege, and power to give voice to the voiceless.

Eligibilities:

Application Requirements

• Understand the vision and mission of IVolunteer International and the Writer’s Council.
• Proven history of community engagement, local activism, and leadership.
• Applicants must be between 18 – 35 years of age as of July 10, 2022.
• Have strong communication skills (reliability, response time) and have access to software such as Slack, Zoom, and reliable access to the internet to use other software such as email, Google Drive, etc.
• Have some experience and knowledge of Google Drive, Google Documents, WordPress, and Microsoft Office.
• Be able to author and publish articles on WordPress (training will be provided)
• Have an excellent command of the English language in writing and speaking.
• A proven willingness and ability to meet deadlines.
• Have basic soft skills and leadership qualities to work together in a team.
• Have appropriate time and willingness to commit to achieving the goals and objectives of the program

Eligible Regions: Open for All

UNLEASH Global Innovation Lab 2022

UNLEASH will host a Global Innovation Lab in Mysore, India, from Dec 3rd until Dec 11th. The Lab will gather 1000 young talents (18-35 years) to develop innovative solutions for the Sustainable Development Goals.

UNLEASH will cover the costs of flight travel, accommodation, food, curriculum, facilitation, and program activities for the entire event.

With the help of experienced facilitators and experts from around the world, the talents will work in teams to identify tangible user needs, uncover insights and develop new, innovative and visionary solutions that can have a positive impact on their local communities.

Location: India

Benefits

• The 1,000 selected talents will be welcomed to Mysore, India on the 3rd of December with a big celebration including speeches from thought-leaders and experts in sustainability and innovation. The Opening Ceremony will introduce the talents to each other and the program for the week.
• For the next few days, the teams will be busy problem framing, ideating, and developing innovative solutions through UNLEASH’s methodology based on human-centered design thinking.
• The Lab will conclude with a big Closing Ceremony on December 11th. The talents will get to pitch their solutions, and some will receive prizes at a formal Award Show. Inspiring leaders from around the world will share insights and empower the young talents for their journeys ahead.
• After the Lab, talents will have the possibility of continuing to develop their solutions and personal development, supported by UNLEASH, local mentors, implementation experts, and more. The talents will also be invited to be part of UNLEASH’s vibrant community of thousands of passionate individuals who have joined our journey towards the 2030 Agenda.

 Eligibilities

• Between the ages of 18-35
• Has a valid passport
• WHO approved double vaccination

Eligible Regions: Open for All

The Bucharest Summer University 2022

The 16th edition of the international summer school, held annually in Bucharest, gathers students from all over the world to discuss different topics in the economics field.

The Bucharest University of Economic Studies (ASE), the Bucharest University of Economic Studies Students’ Union (USASE) through the Students’ Senate, the Association of Faculties of Economics from Romania (AFER), with the academic mentoring of the Faculty of Finance and Banking (FABBV) gladly invites you to take part in one of this summer’s most interesting educational experiences: Bucharest Summer University.

The 16th edition of the international summer school, held annually in Bucharest, gathers students from all over the world to discuss different topics in the economics field. The courses will take place between the 14th and 28th of August 2022. Together with speakers and professors from top universities and companies around the world, more than 40 participants will spend 2 weeks on the campus of the Bucharest University of Economic Studies, including one extended weekend to explore particular destinations across the country.

This year’s topic is Fintech: Challenges For Financial Services

The Bucharest Summer University is open for students from all levels (bachelor’s, master’s and PhD), from Europe and all around the world. In order to take part, you have to choose between our three categories of applications:

1. Full Scholarship
2. Partial Payment
3. Total Payment

The summer school's previous editions provided an international platform for cooperation among the following themes:

• Globalization through Business and Management
• Public Value, Politics and Public Management in the European Union
• Entrepreneurship and Agribusiness Intentions in the Global Economy
• Financial Challenges and Opportunities in a Competitive Economy
• Creativity and Innovation for Future Businesses, Energy and Economic Growth, Risk and Security in the Globalized World, Economic and Politic in the Globalized Society
• The Four Fundamental Liberties of the European Union, Global Investment Strategies in the New Economic Reality and Information and Governance in the Future Global Economy.

The previous editions aimed to bring together experienced international chairpersons and speakers, key players and professionals with different backgrounds, great experience and knowledge.

It’s the perfect opportunity to discover a new country, a lot of new people from all around the world and to learn a lot of great information!

Location: Romania

Benefits:

• At the end of the two weeks period of courses, seminars, workshops and debates sustained or moderated by renowned professors and national and international specialists and after passing a final exam, the participants will receive 5 ECTS (European Credit Transfer System).
• The event represents a great opportunity for the participants to discover a new culture through a series of planned recreational events and challenging activities, such as the Bucharest City Tour, an adventurous trip in Romania, team buildings, social events, Global Village (a presentation of each participant’s country in our project, an exhibition and tasting of traditional products) and many others.
• Participants will be accommodated in Moxa E, the professors’ dormitory, with cosy and modern double rooms.

During BSU, the organising team will guarantee you the following:

• Accommodation,
• 3 meals per day,
• Transport from and to the airport,
• Weekend trip (hotels, meals, transportation),
• Courses and extracurricular activities.

Eligibilities: 

• Anyone from any country can apply
• any University students from all levels (bachelors, masters, PhD) 
• To check entry requirements and visa information that are met by the Romanian government visit www.mae.ro.

Eligible Regions: Open for all

Introduction to Leadership (ITL) Online Programme

Join the Introduction to Leadership (ITL) course and invest in your leadership development with Wedu!

The Introduction to Leadership (ITL) course consists of two parts: ITL 1 and ITL 2. Through this two-month self-paced online course, you will complete a series of reflection exercises that will guide you on:

• Identifying your life’s purpose
• Thinking about your future in a more concrete way
• Understanding more about the Dimensions of Leadership at Wedu and related traits
• Building a leadership development plan which is an initial self-assessment of your leadership potential and skills
• Setting goals which is a powerful process for thinking about your ideal future and turning your vision of this future into reality
• Learning to use a self-management planner for your goals and time management, etc.

Introduction to Leadership (ITL) is a 2-part online programme designed to help you find focus in your leadership development objectives and start reflecting upon your personal and professional goals.

ITL is an entryway for you to be part of the Wedu Leadership Community, which will open other opportunities such as life-long mentorship through Rising Stars programme and education funding through FISA programme.

Location: Online

Benefits:

The Introduction to Leadership Course is a gateway to

• joining Wedu’s global leadership community of over 3,000 Mentors, Rising Stars and Programme Participants
• accessing education financing, and
• becoming a Rising Star. The Rising Star opportunity nurtures women’s leadership potential through mentoring and lifelong leadership development support to help them achieve their goals.

After completing two parts of the course, you will receive a certificate of completion.

Eligibilities:

• Their community has female leaders with diverse backgrounds and interests – they do not restrict or select based on cultural and socioeconomic factors, nor political, religious, or professional affiliations.
• If you identify yourself as female and are at least 18 years old and above, this opportunity is for you.

Eligible Regions: Open for All

The GoGettaz Agripreneur Prize Competition 2022

The GoGettaz Agripreneur Prize Competition 2022 inspires young entrepreneurs to engage in a food revolution that makes a positive impact on communities, the environment, and the local economy. Applications open on 19 April 2022, and this year Generation Africa wants to support Food Warriors who battle climate change, hunger, and poverty. Now in its fourth year, the GoGettaz Agripreneur Prize Competition has become a cornerstone in the African agrifood industry, reaching millions of young people with a message of hope and opportunity.

Generation Africa is a partnership initiative with a vision to strengthen the ecosystem for youth entrepreneurs in the agri-food sector across the continent. Founding partners are Econet, a privately-held multinational telecommunications, media, energy and technology conglomerate, and Yara International, a global crop nutrition company, founded in Norway

Location: Online

Benefits: 

• The GoGettaz Agripreneur Prize Competition is a seed to fork entrepreneurship competition for social or business ventures working in or supporting other businesses in any part of the agriculture or food value-chain.
• Two entrepreneurs, one woman, and one man will each win 50,000 US Dollars for the most innovative and scalable business ventures.

Eligibilities: 

GoGettaz Agripreneur Prize is a fantastic opportunity for young African agripreneurs to take their business venture to the next level. In addition to the US$50,000, the competition also offers top agripreneurs the opportunity to attend the annual African Green Revolution Forum (AGRF) and make their mark. This year, COVID restrictions permitting, the top Gogettaz agripreneurs will travel to the AGRF Summit which is being held in Kigali, Rwanda.

All our finalists will also receive mentorship, programming linkages and guidance to continue their entrepreneurial journey.

The Entrepreneur: 

• Entrepreneur is aged 35 or below on the date of submission to the competition, and is legally recognised as an adult in country of nationality
• Entrepreneur holds nationality (with an official ID) from a country which is a member of the African Union
• Entrepreneur is the founder/co-founder of the venture he/she represents in the competition and plays an active role in its operations and leadership
• Entrepreneur has no criminal record related to corruption, tax evasion, financial impropriety, felony or other offence, and will provide a signed declaration to that effect, if requested

The Venture: 

• Venture is already legally registered in a country which is a member of the African Union or will have commenced with the registration of such a legal entity prior to 1 July 2022
• Venture is headquartered in a country which is a member of the African Union
• Venture is designed to be financially sustainable, either as a for-profit business or a non-profit generating some revenue and aiming not to be dependent on donor funding
• Venture plays a role in the agri-food sector and/or supports the development of the agri-food sector through an innovation or process improvement
• The agri-food sector may be defined as businesses including:
  • Agri-food research & development
  • Primary food production (farming)
  • Crop nutrition
  • Irrigation
  • Mechanization, automation or robotics, including drones
  • Crop protection
  • Hydroponics or urban farming
  • Transport, distribution, storage or logistics
  • Food processing
  • Packaging or marketing
  • Food retail or service
  • Waste management or recycling
  • Digital or technology solutions/services to the agri-food sector
  • Innovative finance solutions/services to the agri-food sector
  • Renewable energy or environmental solutions/services to the agri-food sector

Eligible Regions: Algérie, Angola, Bénin, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroun, Cap-Vert, République centrafricaine, Tchad, Comores, RD Congo, Congo-Brazzaville, Côte d’Ivoire, Djibouti, Égypte, Guinée équatoriale, Érythrée, Éthiopie, Gabon , Gambie, Ghana, Guinée, Guinée-Bissau, Kenya, Lesotho, Libéria, Libye, Madagascar, Malawi, Mali, Mauritanie, Maurice, Mayotte, Maroc, Mozambique, Namibie, Niger, Nigéria, Réunion, Rwanda, Sainte-Hélène, Sao Tomé et Principe, Sénégal, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Somalie, Afrique du Sud, Soudan, Swaziland, Tanzanie, Togo, Tunisie, Ouganda, Sahara Occidental, Zambie, Zimbabwe

Atlas Corps Professional Development Programs

Atlas Service Corps, Inc. (Atlas Corps), started in 2006, is an international network of social sector leaders and organizations that promotes innovation, cooperation, and solutions to address the world’s 21st-century challenges. Our mission is to address critical social issues, Atlas Corps develops leaders and strengthens organizations through training programs and a global alumni community of skilled social change professionals. Profiled as a “best practice” in international exchange by the Brookings Institution and featured in the Washington Post as a model social entrepreneurship program, Atlas Corps engages leaders committed to the nonprofit sector in 12 to 18 month, professional fellowships at organizations to learn best practices, build organizational capacity, and return home to create a network of global changemakers.

Atlas Corps invites social change leaders from around the world to apply for our 12-month US-based and 14-month Blended In-Person Fellowships in the United States and the Virtual Leadership Institute starting in late 2022 and 2023.  

Benefits Fellows – but not their dependents – receive: 

• Program-related international travel 
• Program-related domestic travel 
• Basic health insurance that covers new injuries and illnesses (or funds to purchase basic health insurance) 
• Monthly stipend for basic living expenses in the city where the Fellow is placed (shared housing, food, local transportation, and a phone plan) 
• Documentation (DS-2019) that enables the Fellow to obtain a J-1 visa 
• Placement with a Host Organization 
• Participation in the Atlas Corps Global Leadership Lab (leadership development training series) 
• For Fellows serving in the Blended Fellowship, Atlas Corps will provide financial support for the technology necessary to complete Host Organization requirements remotely from their home countries.  

Eligibilities 

You can apply to become a Fellow if you meet the following minimum requirements: 

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent; 
• English proficiency (oral, writing, reading); Age 35 or younger when the Fellowship begins; 
• Citizens from most countries (except the U.S.) are eligible to apply to the Fellowship. 
• Commitment to return to your home country after the 12-month US-based Fellowship or 14-month Blended Fellowship; 
• Commitment to addressing critical social issues in your country or region; 
• Commitment to living on a basic stipend that covers food, shared housing, and local transportation; 
• Received a COVID-19 vaccine approved by the World Health Organization by the program start date. 

Eligible Regions: Open for All

Harvard University MBA Scholarship

Call for Harvard University MBA Scholarship is open now!!

Focusing single-mindedly on the betterment of mankind, the Boustany Foundation awards scholarships to exceptionally talented individuals, creates life-changing opportunities for less privileged children and encourages tolerance between different cultures. The Boustany Foundation believes that providing highly talented individuals with the opportunity to maximize their potential can have profound and wide-ranging effects that resonate far beyond their own particular field.

Established in 2006 by Nabil Boustany and his son Fadi, the Boustany Foundation is present in Switzerland and Monaco. The two entities share a similar vision although each has its own Board of Directors representing a diverse range of nationalities and backgrounds. Preceding the Foundation itself, the first Boustany Scholarship was awarded in 1997 to an MBA student at the University of Cambridge. The Foundation has since awarded many scholarships in various fields with plans to create more opportunities in the coming years for exceptional students.

Today, the Boustany Foundation is actively engaged in promoting and managing scholarship and aid programs – all of which have ambitious plans for further development, global reach and scope. New scholarships for talented and promising individuals are progressively being created. Each year more projects that offer opportunities for disadvantaged children are proposed and brought to fruition. The Boustany Foundation recognises the importance of helping people evolve and leave a positive impact on the world.

In order to achieve the above, the Foundation grants various scholarships across a range of academic disciplines with plans to expand the scholarship program progressively in the coming years. Scholarships are awarded to outstandingly talented applicants and those who show exceptional promise.

The Harvard MBA is one of the world’s leading business programmes, taught at one of the world’s most prestigious Universities. The Boustany MBA Harvard Scholarship is granted once every two years for a two year course at Harvard Business School.

Location:

 United States

 Benefits

The scholarship will provide the following benefits:

• Financial aid amounting to US$102,200 (US$51,100 per year) towards tuition fees
• An internship opportunity with the Boustany Foundation.
• Successful scholars are expected to complete a two-month unpaid internship with the Foundation. Projects are varied and relate to the Foundation’s activities or those of its partners.
• Travel and accommodation expenses related to the internship are covered by the Foundation.

 Eligibilities

• Candidates must have an excellent academic background and show considerable promise.
• Candidates may apply for the Scholarship only after receiving an offer of admission from the Harvard MBA program.
• Although the Scholarship can be awarded to candidates of any nation, priority will be given to candidates of Lebanese descent.

Eligible Regions: Open for all.

Silk Roads Youth Research Grant

UNESCO calls on young women and men under the age of 35 to apply for the 2022 Silk Roads Youth Research Grant. The grant aims to mobilize young researchers for further study of the Silk Roads shared heritage. Twelve grants of USD10,000 will be awarded per research project. 

Deadline for submitting proposals is 31 May 2022.

The research needs to address specific issues relating to: 

• the shared heritage and plural identities developed along the Silk Roads, 
• its internal diversity, 
• its potential in contemporary societies for creativity, intercultural dialogue, social cohesion, regional and international cooperation, and 
• ultimately sustainable peace and development. 

The UNESCO Silk Roads Youth Research Grant was first launched in 2021 and is organized within the UNESCO Silk Roads Programme with the support of the National Commission of the People's Republic of China for UNESCO, in the context of UNESCO Social and Human Sciences Programme. 

Who is eligible to apply for the grant? 

Postgraduate researchers, aged 35 and younger at the time of application, are eligible to apply for the grant. The proposed research may be carried out by an individual researcher or may be part of the research of a group or collaborative project. 

What fields of research on the Silk Roads are eligible? 

A broad array of research fields, including multidisciplinary and multidimensional proposals not limited to one specific region or chronology, are eligible. Proposed research may cover one or several themes associated with the Silk Roads shared heritage including, but not limited to: 

• Science, Technology and Traditional Knowhow  
• Religion and Spirituality 
• Language and Literature 
• Arts and Music 
• Traditional Sports and Games 
• Economy and Trade 
• The Legacy of the Silk Roads and Contemporary Issues 

ClimateScience Olympiad

Overview

The global student competition to find solutions to climate change.

Details

1. Qualifiers

Register until  10th Aug 2022. 

• The qualifier round is a 25-minute online quiz. You can do this online right now, later, or as a student at your school. It works on your computer or smartphone.
• From February, schools can register their qualifier events to allow all students to participate in sync. Upon verification, schools can also get printable versions of the sheets and conduct exams in paper form.
• Each person can participate up to 3 times plus 1 per person they refer.
• All participants will receive a certificate, and top participants a special honour.

2. Quarter Finals

Jan-Aug 2022

• The best 10% of all qualifier attempts advance to the Quarter Finals. Quarter Finals follow the same quick-question format as Qualifiers.

3. Semi-Finals

Mar-Sep 2022

• Congratulations! You've demonstrated advanced knowledge on climate solutions. Now it's time to put this to good use and start solving some real problems.
• In the Semi-Final, you choose one of three problem statements to respond to. To help you prepare, you are told the topics 10 days before the event, but the exact problem statement is only revealed at the start of the actual qualifier event.
• Then you have 3 hours to research and write essay responses to questions related to the problem statement. ClimateScience will score each team's solution.

3. The Final

October 2022

• Every finalist will be awarded a Bronze Medal, the top 20 and top 10 will be awarded a Silver and Gold Medal, respectively. The top teams split the prize pool of $15,000 (USD).
• In the finals, you'll write a proposal about a major climate-related issue and be interviewed by our judges. As in 2021, we hope to conduct the winners ceremony at the United Nations' Climate Summit (COP) and give the top teams the opportunity to present their solutions on a world stage.

Who can participate?

The CSO22 has three age brackets: under 16s, 17-19, and 20-25 years old. Regardless of age, participants compete in the same qualifiers and answer the same type of problem statements. However, we only compare participants within their age brackets. This means we score the three brackets independently and normalise scores within each. Semi-finalists, finalists, and winners are those with the highest normalised scores. This ensures fair comparison regardless of age.

 Dates

Deadline: August 10, 2022

 Cost/funding for participants

Fully Funded

What can I win?

There is a prize pool of USD 15,000 provided by ClimateScience. The first place will be awarded USD 5,000, the second place USD 3,000, the third place USD 2,000. Places 4-6 will be awarded USD 1,000 each and places 7-10 will be awarded USD 500 each.

In addition to the prize money, the top 3 teams may get a chance to present their solutions at the United Nations Climate Summit 2022 in Cairo, Egypt. We were able to arrange this opportunity for the 2021 Olympiad and are confident that we will be able to arrange this opportunity again in 2022, but will only be able to confirm this closer to the date when the conference organisers have finalised their schedules. Hence, this remains unguaranteed until we announce otherwise.Travel costs are not covered. Digital participation is possible and will be treated equally to in-person participation as far as feasible, including speaking time and opportunities.

The New York Academy of Sciences 2021

The New York Academy of Sciences invites young women ages 13-17 around the world to join 1000 Girls 1000 Futures to receive mentorship from female STEM experts, gain access to college readiness and leadership coursework, and network with other girls passionate about STEM!

1000 Girls, 1000 Futures is a groundbreaking initiative designed to engage young women interested in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM), and advance their pursuit of STEM careers through mentoring and 21st-century skills development.

The academy is looking for passionate girls as Women are changing the world of STEM for the better. 1000 Girls 1000 Futures empowers young women to learn independently and work collaboratively on Launchpad, the Academy’s unique online learning platform. On Launchpad, students complete the coursework at their own pace and apply their skills to work on different projects with their peers. Mentors are available to guide students throughout the program, from navigating the college application process to setting career goals.

• Age: 13–17 years old.
• Location: Anywhere in the world.
• Language: All program content and communication on the platform is in English, and a strong level of English proficiency is required. Students’ English proficiency will be assessed during the application process.
• Materials: 1000 Girls 1000 Futures is a virtual program. To participate, students must have access to at least one communication device, such as a smartphone, tablet, laptop, computer, with an internet connection.
• Time Commitment: Students will complete at least two self-paced learning modules during the program year, from September to May. Each module usually requires three to fours each week to complete.
• Cost: None. 1000 Girls 1000 Futures is completely free for participating students.
• Eligible Regions: Open for All

YES Alumni Spotlight Nominations

The monthly YES Alumni Spotlight shares the experience of YES alumni who have been active in their communities and continue to exemplify the values of activism, community service, and leadership. If you would like to nominate yourself or a YES alumnus/a to be featured as a monthly Alumni Spotlight on the YES program website, please fill out the form below. Only YES alumni can be selected to be featured in the Spotlight.

Guidelines: Submit your story in English, and try to include information about the Who, What, Where, When and Why of your projects. Remember to add as many details as possible. Don't worry about getting your story perfect. Our editors will help you to improve your story after reviewing it for potential publication according to their discretion. An example of a well-rounded Alumni Spotlight article can be found here.

Eligible Regions: Open for all.

Savvy Fellowship Online Program for Aspiring and Early-Stage Entrepreneurs

Applications are now being accepted for Savvy Fellowship Program 2020. Are you passionate about solving some of Africa’s most pressing problems through innovation? Have you ever wanted to build your own impact-driven business, but didn’t know how to? Do you own an early-stage business and you want to grow and scale your impact into new markets or verticals? Then, Savvy Fellowship is looking for you. Savvy is a virtual Fellowship program for aspiring and early-stage entrepreneurs.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many have lost their jobs and are now living in an uncertain world. Savvy Fellowship was launched to equip passionate and brilliant individuals with the necessary knowledge and skill that they need to start their own impact-driven business and succeed as entrepreneurs.

Benefits

• E-Learning: Savvy Fellowship kicks off with a rigorous 12-weeks e-learning experience. As a Savvy Fellow, you will get to learn everything from ideation to venture scaling, including how to start, build, and scale an impact venture. Using visual presentations, we’ll help you answer all the relevant questions you need to kickstart that amazing impact venture, gain early traction, achieve product-market fit, and scale into newer markets. Some of the things you’ll learn during the program are ‘understanding your customer’, ‘building a product or service that effectively solves their key challenges’, and ‘effectively positioning your solution in the market.’ Savvy is for every impact entrepreneur, no matter what stage your venture is.
• Assessment: During the 12 weeks of learning, unlearning, and relearning, you can test your understanding by taking our weekly quizzes. The quizzes are a combination of multiple choices, Yes or No, and True or False. Assessments are the best way to identify your strengths and areas of weaknesses. Knowing your weaknesses helps you work effectively on them.
• Simultaneous Mentorship: While learning, you’re offered mentorship as well, from entrepreneurs who have built post-revenue businesses in diverse sectors, which is a great way to have a better understanding of your industry. The Savvy mentorship team includes over 50 changemakers from 20 countries, with a combined experience of over 200 years. Our peer-to-peer mentorship program helps Fellows learn from each other, as they ask questions, and have other Fellows help answer them.
• Life-long Community: “Once a Savvy Fellow, always a Savvy Fellow.” Savvy isn’t just a 12-weeks learning, assessment, and mentorship program, it’s a life-long entrepreneurial learning process. After the Fellowship program, you can constantly access your Savvy Fellowship account and have access to our weekly updated resources, in the form of entrepreneurial tips, nuggets, and opportunities.

Eligibilities

• Savvy is for everyone.
• New Fellows between the ages of 18 – 40.

Eligible Regions: Open for all

Peace First COVID-19 Rapid Response Grants

Peace First is launching a rapid response grant process to help young people around the world lead projects that address community impacts of COVID-19, from providing meals to elderly neighbors to launching digital mental health campaigns to support youth feeling isolated.

Globally, COVID-19 is a public health challenge — it has laid bare the consequences of persistent systemic inequality for all to see, and is threatening our social fabric, mental health, trust in institutions, and the economic security of billions of people. This is a critical time for all of us to support each other. As a global community, they know that this is a key moment to take action.

Benefits

Grants of up to $250, mentorship, and project support to young people leading initiatives to address secondary effects of COVID-19 in their communities.

Eligibilities

• Candidates must be between the ages of 13-25 to apply. Moreover, the Peace First welcomes young people from any region to apply.
  Candidates may apply as an individual or a team.
• Moreover, the project should address the secondary effects of COVID-19 (i.e. mental health, educational disruption, food insecurity, economic insecurity, supply shortages, etc).
• In addition to that, the project should be specific and time-bound, and the applicant should be able to complete the main goals of the project within 3 months.

Eligible Regions: Open for All