The Western Union Foundation and Watson Institute are inviting applications for a fully funded Fellowship program for next-generation of entrepreneurs and community leaders from and working with globally marginalized, refugee, and forcibly displaced groups.

This 16-week program intends to provide the next-generation entrepreneurs and leaders with the knowledge and experience they need to enhance access to economic opportunity, integrate into their communities, prosper in the changing nature of work, and impact their communities.

Western Union Fellows will be able to receive startup financing. This program includes virtual and in-person components, allowing fellows to benefit from the international cohort while concentrating on making a local difference in their areas.

In-Person Programming includes Workshops and Training, Impact Series, Fellow-Led Basecamps, Summits, and Seed Funding. Virtual Programming includes weekly virtual workshops. Mainly this fellowship program consists of the following elements:

• Venture acceleration and leadership training
• Community and Network building
• Mentorship and collaboration

Important Dates and Details

Program Dates: August 8th, 2024 to November 19th, 2024

Fellowship Duration: 16 Weeks

Application Deadline: 1 June 2024

Two-Week Virtual Orientation: August 8th, 2024

Pitching Summit: November 19th, 2024

Organized by: The Watson Institute

Fellowship Format: In-person and virtual

Eligible Countries: United States, Uganda, Nigeria, Pakistan, Bangladesh, India, United Kingdom, Germany, Lithuania, Japan, Philippines, Colombia, Mexico, Costa Rica, Argentina, Brazil.

Benefits of the Watson Institute – Western Union Foundation Fellowship

The organizers provide the following benefits for the selected fellows:

Cash Funding: The Western Union Foundation Fellows will receive $45,000 in startup or seed funding depending on their achievement and impact throughout the Fellowship.

What the fellows may expect from the Fellowship: Fellows can expect expert-led entrepreneurial training, access to funding opportunities as mentioned above, and a vast network of mentorship to accelerate their leadership skills and venture impact.

What the Fellows Will Accomplish: With the support of the Watson Institute team, the selected fellows will gain a roadmap of how to improve, grow, and scale their work and impact.

Additionally, fellows will create impact by facilitating an impact workshop and training (called a Basecamp) in their community and for their stakeholders. Also, the fellows will receive a stipend, playbook, and team support to make this happen.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants willing to apply for the Watson Institute – Western Union Foundation Fellowship 2024 should fulfill the following eligibility criteria:

• The Western Union Foundation Fellowship is designed for next-generation high-potential entrepreneurs and community leaders from and working with globally marginalized, refugee, and forcibly displaced groups.
• Ideal candidates will have a relevant social impact, leadership experience, and demonstrated experience establishing community development programs within the communities mentioned above.
• Fellows should commit to the 16-week program, with a two-week break.
• Priority goes to applicants from or are working in the following: Uganda, Colombia, Mexico, Pakistan and the United States.

How to Apply?

The Watson Institute – Western Union Foundation Fellowship 2024 Applicants should fill out the online application. The online application includes four short essay questions and takes 45 minutes to complete.

Apply Now

Please visit the Watson Institute’s website for any questions or detailed information about the Watson Institute – Western Union Foundation Fellowship 2024.

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