Youth In Development Fellowship 2025 For ChangeMakers: Apply Now!

About the Youth in Development Fellowship 2025

The Youth in Development Fellowship presents an extraordinary opportunity for young leaders worldwide to acquire the skills, knowledge, and resources needed to ignite transformative change within their communities. This prestigious program provides a unique platform for young social innovators to develop their potential, launch impactful ventures, and drive sustainable development on a global scale.

Hosted by The IMPACT Toolbox, the fellowship has empowered numerous changemakers to establish groundbreaking initiatives that address pressing socio-economic challenges and improve lives worldwide.

The Youth in Development Fellowship is made possible through the support of renowned institutions committed to fostering social innovation and entrepreneurial growth. Key partners include:

The Rustandy Center for Social Innovation at the Chicago Booth Business School
The Polsky Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation at the University of Chicago

Appalachian State University in Boone, North Carolina, USA

Through this collaboration, the fellowship provides participants access to world-class mentorship, resources, and opportunities for impactful learning and networking, enabling them to become drivers of meaningful change.

Eligibility Criteria

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

Demonstrate a strong passion for launching a social enterprise or pursuing a career in the social sector.
Possess a well-defined idea, initiative, or project that aims to create significant social impact.
Be between the ages of 19 and 35 as of the application deadline.

Be a global citizen—applicants from all countries are welcome.
Exhibit proficiency in reading, writing, and speaking English to participate in all program activities effectively.
Commit to actively engaging in and completing all fellowship components.

Benefits Youth in Development Fellowship 2025

Participants in the Youth in Development Fellowship will gain access to a wealth of resources, courses, and experiences that foster personal and professional development while equipping them to scale their initiatives. Key benefits include:

Social Impact Strategy Course:
- All applicants gain complimentary access to the foundational Social Impact Strategy Course on the Impact Toolbox platform.
- Key topics include problem identification, idea validation, strategic action planning, risk assessment, and building a robust theory of change.
- This course ensures that participants build a solid foundation for launching and scaling their social ventures.
Advanced Online Courses:
- Selected fellows will receive access to two premium courses on social enterprise development, valued at $1,000.
- These courses provide in-depth training on essential topics such as:
  - Business model creation
  - Developing a Minimum Viable Product (MVP)
  - Financial modelling and sustainability
  - Crafting an effective go-to-market strategy
  - Perfecting investor pitches
- Fellows will earn certificates of completion, adding significant value to their professional profiles.
Immersive Boot Camps:
- Fellows will participate in three intensive boot camps, featuring hands-on learning experiences, workshops, and expert-led sessions.
- These boot camps offer practical guidance from accomplished social entrepreneurs, helping participants refine their projects and strategies.
- Fellows will also benefit from dedicated networking sessions, connecting with like-minded peers, global mentors, and industry leaders to build lasting relationships and collaborations.

Venture Development Prize:
- Exceptional fellows who demonstrate innovative solutions, a clear revenue model, and a commitment to meaningful social impact will be eligible for equity-free financial support ranging from $500 to $2,500.
- This funding empowers participants to advance their initiatives, scale their ventures, and create measurable, long-term change.

The Youth in Development Fellowship is far more than a professional training program—it is a launchpad for aspiring and emerging leaders determined to address local and global challenges. Whether you are taking your first steps as a changemaker or looking to scale an existing initiative, this fellowship provides you with:

Practical Tools and Knowledge: Access cutting-edge training to strengthen your strategies, leadership skills, and entrepreneurial abilities.
World-Class Mentorship: Learn from social sector pioneers and industry experts who will guide you throughout the program.

A Global Network: Become part of a dynamic community of like-minded changemakers committed to building a better world.
Financial Support: Gain the opportunity to access funding to bring your ideas to life and maximise your impact.

This program is designed to empower the next generation of leaders, providing the skills, confidence, and resources to turn ideas into action and address critical social and environmental challenges.

How to Apply

Don’t miss this life-changing opportunity to join a global movement of young leaders and innovators dedicated to creating sustainable, impactful change.

Submit your application by January 31, 2025, and take the first step toward becoming a recognised changemaker in your community and beyond. For more information and to apply, visit the official Impact Toolbox website linked below.

CLICK HERE TO APPLY