The Aspire Leaders Program welcomes low-income, first-generation college students and recent graduates around the world to participate in a free online immersive leadership journey including professional skills training, an exclusive course designed and delivered by Harvard faculty, and interactive seminars led by world-class educators.
After completion, Aspire Institute empowers alumni to continue their leadership development through seed funds, workshops, and a vibrant global network of peers and mentors.
Eligibility Criteria
- 18-26 years old
- Low-income background
- First-generation college student or recent graduate but not enrolled in a graduate program
- Intermediate level English
If you meet these eligibility criteria and submit a 10 minute application, you will be accepted!
Offered Benefits
Aspire Leaders Program Journey
Module I: 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: Immersive Learning
- Master classes led by world-class educators from universities around the world.
- Asynchronous and synchronous learning with a global cohort of peers and mentors.
Module III: Aspire Leadership Course: Societal Impact for First-Generation Leaders
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 Six: Live Discussions – Being in Action in Your Communities Worldwide
Alumni gain access to a vibrant community of young leaders, mentors, and funding opportunities.
Application Process
Go to Aspire Institute on apply.aspireleaders.org to apply
Cohorts: Each cohort will participate in the same three module program with a new group of Aspire Leaders. We hope you apply and join us on this journey today!
Cohort I: Application Now Closed
- Cohort 1 Program Dates: Jan. - April, 2024
Cohort II: Application Deadline: Thursday, March 21, 2024 at 11:59 p.m. EST (Boston, USA)
- Cohort 2 Program Dates: April - Aug., 2024
Cohort III: Application Deadline: Wednesday, July 3, 2024 at 11:59 p.m. EST (Boston, USA)
- Cohort 3 Program Dates: Aug. - Nov., 2024
