The Fellowship

The Fellowship is an intensive two-month program for young leaders to collaborate, develop, and propose innovative solutions for social and environmental issues, while also honing their skills in project management, policy analysis, and more.

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Dates

While the inaugural cohort is already underway, applications are consistently rolling for the next program execution.

apply by

June 5th

begin

June 17th

Impact

400 students.
118 capstone projects.
3.2 million content views.

The Fellowship.

The Fellowship is a two-month development opportunity designed for young, emerging leaders who are passionate about creating positive social and environmental change.

Throughout this program, Fellows collaborate with their peers, educational institutions, YIP impact branch executives, and other community stakeholders to develop and propose innovative solutions to current issues in a wide variety of mediums. Fellows will work with their peers, host other organizations, and mentors to gain a deeper understanding of the various sub-sectors related to their overall field of focus while also honing their project management, policy analysis, and development skills.

Fellows will work on numerous fronts, focus on social change, urban renewal, public policy reform, SMART infrastructure/technology initiatives, and education in order to create a brighter and collaborative future for all.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the day-to-day look like?

In short, there is no day-to-day. The beauty of the program is that it was created around busy schedules. There are only two mandatory weekly synchronous meetings every week and one expected synchronous check-in with your project group. Other than that, all other meetings and work will take place at your leisure and are generally optional.

Most fellows report approximately 5-7 hours in terms of weekly commitment including all meetings and work. So, don't let time be the barrier!

How does the program work?

The Effective Discourse Fellowship program starts with an application process. After a successful application, fellows are selected to participate in the comprehensive program that pairs them with mentors, provides financial support and resources, and offers technical assistance. Through the program, fellows develop their project from concept to implementation over the course of two months, typically with a group of students working with them. Fellows receive ongoing guidance and mentorship throughout the program that helps them make their project a success.

Who is eligible?

The program is open to students ages 13-22 who have a wealth of experience in social impact, community organizing, civic engagement, design thinking, technology, and/or advocacy.

Certain fellows are also selected as "Senior Fellows" at the end of the program. Check out their work here.

How do I apply?

Interested applicants can apply to the fellowship program through this form. The application form will ask you to tell us a little bit about yourself and some technical questions. It’s important to include as much information as possible to make sure your application stands out! Once your application is submitted, our team will review it and follow-up with you if we think you’re a good fit.

How often does this program take place?

We are currently planning for the program to begin on a bi-monthly basis, meaning an application will launch every two months. Since this is a rolling program, fellows not accepted first round are encouraged to apply again once the two-month period is over!

What happens after the program is completed?

Fellows are given priority consideration and direct access to YIP's C-suite and SVPs in terms of hiring and other positions. They also get direct access to recruiters for other positions within the Institute's broad partnership network.

Where does my capstone project go?

The capstone projects are posted on this page! Check out some of the older ones — ranging from illustrations, to videos, presentations, and material policy proposals. The creative limitations of these projects are nearly nonexistent.

APPLY TODAY

You've scrolled until here, so thank you for your interest in the Effective Discourse Fellowship! To apply, please complete the online application form found above. Once you have completed the online application, please upload your resume and any additional documents in support of your candidacy. We look forward to reviewing your application and being part of your journey as a policy fellow, where you can utilize your skills and ideas to drive positive change in our society. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to our team at [email protected]. Best of luck!