Youth in Development Fellowship 2025 for Emerging Social Change Leaders ( Up to $2,500 Equity-free Funding)

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Applications are open for Youth in Development Fellowship 2025. The Youth in Development Fellowship is an unparalleled opportunity for young leaders across the globe to gain the knowledge and skills needed to drive sustainable development in their communities. Hosted by The IMPACT Toolbox, this fellowship has empowered countless alumni to establish impactful social ventures that are transforming socio-economic landscapes worldwide.

This transformative program is proudly supported by prominent institutions, including the Rustandy Center for Social Innovation at the Chicago Booth Business School, the Polsky Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation at the University of Chicago, and Appalachian State University in Boone, North Carolina, USA. Together, these partners help foster a thriving community of innovative changemakers.

This fellowship is more than a professional development experience—it’s a launching pad for future leaders in the social sector. Whether you’re just starting or looking to scale your initiatives, the program equips you with the tools, mentorship, and funding necessary to bring your vision to life.

The Youth in Development Fellowship equips young leaders with the tools, skills, and funding to launch impactful social ventures and drive sustainable change in their communities

Youth in Development Fellowship Benefits

Participants in the Youth in Development Fellowship gain access to an array of resources and experiences designed to accelerate their growth and amplify their impact:

Social Impact Strategy Course: All applicants gain complimentary access to this foundational course on the Impact Toolbox platform. Topics include problem identification, validation, action planning, risk assessment, and the development of a theory of change.
Advanced Online Courses: Selected fellows will enroll in two premium courses on social enterprise development (valued at $1,000). These courses cover essential topics such as creating a business model, developing a minimum viable product (MVP), financial modeling, crafting a go-to-market strategy, and pitching to investors. Fellows will receive certificates of completion for both courses.
Immersive Boot Camps: Fellows will participate in three intensive boot camps, featuring hands-on learning opportunities and insights from accomplished social entrepreneurs. These events also include special networking sessions, enabling fellows to connect and collaborate with like-minded peers and industry leaders.
Venture Development Prize: Exceptional fellows will have the chance to secure equity-free financial support ranging from $500 to $2,500. This prize empowers participants to advance their projects, provided they showcase innovative solutions, a clear revenue model, and a commitment to achieving meaningful social impact.

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for this fellowship, applicants must meet the following criteria:

Demonstrate a strong interest in launching a social enterprise or pursuing a career in the social sector.
Possess a concrete idea or initiative aimed at driving social change.
Be aged 19–35 as of the application deadline.
Come from any part of the world.
Exhibit proficiency in reading, writing, and speaking English.
Commit to completing all fellowship activities.