The Harvard University Aspire Leaders Program 2024 presents a fully funded opportunity for young students, founded by Harvard Business School professors, to uplift marginalized youth globally and empower them to effect change in their communities.
This leadership program, fully funded and geared towards individuals from low-income families, is currently open for applications from international candidates. Talent knows no boundaries, and we encourage you to discover your potential or motivate others to explore this opportunity.
About the Aspire Leaders Program:
Who is it for? This program is tailored for students from backgrounds of social and financial adversity. All applicants must meet the following criteria:
- First-generation university attendees, indicating their parents did not complete an undergraduate degree.
- From low-income backgrounds.
- Current undergraduate students or recent graduates.
- OR students impacted by armed conflict and/or natural disasters.
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For further eligibility details, please refer to the FAQ section.
What are the program opportunities? Participants in the program will:
- Access fully funded HarvardX courses and leadership development tools.
- Engage in live seminars with Harvard and esteemed faculty worldwide.
- Collaborate in a virtual classroom with a global community of peers.
- Have the opportunity to apply for grants and mentorship.
Does this program require travel? All program stages are conducted online. Participants are advised to have internet access and a device such as a mobile phone, laptop, tablet, or computer. English is the language of instruction; however, non-native speakers are encouraged to apply.
Am I eligible if I have applied before? Yes, previous applicants, unless alumni who have completed all stages, are eligible to reapply. Congratulations on your dedication!
Timeline: Early Action Deadline applicants will form the initial cohort progressing through each stage in 2024. Acceptance to Stage 1 will be on a rolling basis. Early application submission is encouraged.
Accepted applicants will navigate a multi-stage selection process, culminating in the finalist program, conducted virtually 4-5 months post-application deadline.
Outcomes: The Aspire Institute’s leadership development resources will support participants in their journey as young leaders. The alumni network provides ongoing access to regional cohorts, affinity groups, and a lifelong community of peers and educators globally.
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.
- 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 by Harvard University faculty.
- Topics include self-awareness, trust-building, navigating digital transformation, and community engagement.
- Independent coursework and preparation for Module III.
MODULE III: Two Weeks Immersive Learning
- Masterclasses by world-renowned educators.
- Asynchronous and synchronous learning to foster global connections.
- Alumni Engagement: Access to a vibrant community of young leaders, mentors, and social impact funding.
Cohorts:
Each cohort undertakes the same three-module program alongside new Aspire Leaders. Applications are open for Cohorts Two and Three:
COHORT TWO:
- Application Deadline: Thursday, March 21, 2024, at 11:59 p.m. EST (Boston, USA)
- Program Dates: April – Aug., 2024
COHORT THREE:
- Application Deadline: Wednesday, July 3, 2024
- Program Dates: Aug. – Nov., 2024