Harvard University Aspire Leaders Program 2024 | Fully Funded

Harvard University’s Aspire Leaders Program 2024 is a fully funded opportunity for young students. This leadership program was founded by Harvard Business School professors to improve the lives of marginalized youth worldwide and empower them to have an impact on their communities.

This fully funded leadership program is specifically designed for individuals from low-income families. International candidates can apply now to the Harvard University Leaders Program 2024.

About the Aspire Leaders Program

Who is it for?

This program is for students who are from backgrounds of social and financial adversity. All applicants must meet the following criteria:

• First-generation to attend university, meaning their parents did not complete an undergraduate degree
• Low-income background
• Ages 18-26
• Current undergraduate students or recent graduates
• OR students impacted by armed conflict and/or a natural disaster

What are the program opportunities?

Through the program, students will:

• Gain access to fully-funded HarvardX courses and leadership development tools.
• Participate in live seminars with Harvard and world-class faculty.
• Exchange ideas in a virtual classroom with a global community of peers.
• Apply for grant and mentorship opportunities.

Does this program require travel?

All stages of the Aspire Leaders Program are delivered online. We suggest access to the internet and a mobile device, laptop, tablet, or computer.

Is English knowledge required?

All stages are delivered in English; however, if English is your second language or you are not 100% fluent, we still encourage you to apply and do your best.

Am I eligible if I have applied before?

Yes, if you applied for the 2022 program then you are eligible to apply again – unless you are alumnus and completed all five stages. Congratulations on your perseverance!

Timeline

• Students who apply before the Early Action Deadline will be the first to advance through each stage in 2024. You will be welcomed to Stage 1 on a rolling basis and progress from there. The Aspire Leaders Program is highly competitive, so we strongly advise you to apply early.
• Once accepted into the Aspire Leaders Program, students will go through a multi-stage selection process that culminates in a virtual finalist program. This occurs approximately 4-5 months after the application deadline.

What are the outcomes?

Aspire Institute’s leadership development programs will directly support the next steps in your career as a young leader. The Aspire alumni network is a dynamic and diverse group that spans multiple countries. Membership in this group gives you access to regional cohorts, affinity networks, and a lifelong community of peers and educators all over the world.

The Aspire Leaders Program Journey

MODULE I – Three Weeks

Personal and Professional Development

• Assessment of strengths-based leadership skills.
• Access to professional development resources, co-crafted with Harvard Business School. These resources include guidance for building a LinkedIn profile, crafting an effective resume, interviewing tips, and networking advice.
• Opportunities for live interactions within a global cohort of peers.

MODULE II – Seven Weeks

Aspire Leadership Course: Societal Impact for First-Generation Leaders

A six-session leadership development course, augmented by an additional week for dedicated coursework, meticulously designed and presented by esteemed Harvard University faculty.

The journey unfolds as follows:

• Week One: Understanding Yourself as a Leader
• Week Two: The Importance of Understanding Context and Building Trust
• Week Three: Navigating Digital Transformation and Artificial Intelligence
• Week Four: Live Discussion – Addressing Community Challenges
• Week Five: Voices of Leaders
• Week Six: Live Discussion – Taking Action in Your Communities Worldwide
• Week Seven: Independent Coursework and Module 3 Preparation

MODULE III – Two Weeks

Immersive Learning

• Engage in masterclasses led by world-renowned educators from esteemed universities worldwide.
• Experience a blend of asynchronous and synchronous learning, fostering connections with a global cohort of peers and mentors.

Alumni Engagement

Alumni receive the keys to an energetic community of young leaders, seasoned mentors, and valuable social impact seed funding.

Cohorts

Each cohort embarks on the same three-module program alongside a fresh group of Aspire Leaders. We encourage you to apply and journey with us today!

COHORT TWO

Application Deadline: Thursday, March 21, 2024 at 11:59 p.m. EST (Boston, USA)
Cohort 2 Program Dates: April – Aug., 2024

COHORT THREE

Application Deadline: Wednesday, July 3, 2024 at 11:59 p.m. EST (Boston, USA)
Cohort 3 Program Dates: Aug. – Nov., 2024

Apply here

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