Youth In Development Fellowship

Providing youth around the world with the knowledge and skills needed to promote sustainable development

If you’re passionate about making a difference in your community and want to kickstart your social change adventure, the Youth in Development Fellowship is the place to be. Top-notch global experts will train you, and you’ll dive into practical workshops, peer mentorship, and exclusive networking opportunities. This fellowship is about unleashing your inner entrepreneur and giving you the tools to lead a sustainable social transformation. Join the ranks of past YID Fellows who’ve gone on to create impactful social enterprises, build successful careers in the social sector, and transform their communities for the better.

I have not attended a training that is so insightful and impactful as this. I have better understood my target audience and rebranded my idea to better position it for global opportunities. I had the golden opportunity to interact and meet with social change leaders from across the continent that answered my questions personally.

Obasanjo Fajemirokun

Founder, Brace up the young

What to expect

I applied for the program because I understood the need to be empowered to empower others, but I did not know the extent of the work to be done. I had no idea until I started the program. Going through the training, courses, one-on-one conversations, and the team’s involvement towards my growth from the beginning to the end was an invaluable experience and of tremendous help even after the program.

Kawthar Omisore

Educator

Are you eligible?

  • Demonstrated interest in starting a social enterprise and a career in the social sector
  • A great idea or initiative for social change 
  • Strongly demonstrated passion and ideas for social change
  • Age 19 to 35 on or before applying
  • Proficiency in reading, writing, and speaking English
  • Be from anywhere in the world
  • Availability to complete all the fellowship activities

The program is no doubt unique. I came in with a raw idea, and now it is highly refined with clear action points. I have developed skills in financial modelling. Having and working on ideas opens the door for you. This idea has made me meet and connect with influential people in different spheres across the globe. Of note, the personalization of the program stands out. Imagine receiving mail from the coaches and instructors, and the feedback is personalized. It sparks the zeal in me to do more.

Abdulazeez Salahudeen

Founder of Wasty Wealth

Fellowship journey

The program has been a stepping rock in my entrepreneurship career and is where I first understood that the Impact model is as essential as the business model. The two are needed when ESG is becoming imperative in venture building. I have learnt the application of a Theory of Change for ventures, grant writing and more from the impact toolbox and the myriad of sessions held during the program. I have met other awesome social entrepreneurs transforming their communities with their interesting ventures. As a budding social entrepreneur, this is a program to participate.

Chijioke Ahaneku

Founder & CEO at Ntapi

I like the self-paced learning which cultivates self-drive in learners. I like the practical assignments given after every lesson, and these enable one to understand the content more as they challenge you to think past the lesson and incorporate what you have learned in your venture practically.

Brenda Nakanwagi

Youth In Development Fellow

Submit an application

To guide you in answering the application questions accurately, you may complete our social impact strategy course. Use coupon code YIDApplication to access the course for free.

Thank you so much Impact Toolbox for creating amazing courses that one can apply in real time and see results from. It has been an awesome experience, and I hope to collaborate and support your organization in the on going future.

MONICA DUBE-SEKHWELA

Founder, Strength of a Young Mother (STAYM)

Stories and reports

2023 Youth In Development Fellows

Impact Toolbox 2023 Demo Day Presentations

2022 Top Ten Ventures

FAQ

The Youth In Development started in 2019. 

The Youth in Development Fellowship program is a transformative initiative designed to empower young individuals by providing them with essential skills, mentorship, and opportunities for personal and professional growth. The program which began 2019, was designed to democratize opportunities and empower young individuals to start and sustain social ventures

The fellowship is open to young individuals aged 19 to 30 across the globe who are passionate about social change, community development, and making a positive impact in the lives of others.

The fellowship is dynamic, and every year, the components of the program are structured to meet the needs of the fellows. The components include a self-paced online course on social entrepreneurship, mentorship from experienced professionals, skill development workshops, community projects, and networking opportunities. Fellows will engage in activities aimed at fostering leadership, social entrepreneurship, and community development.

Key Components


Online Courses: Engage in comprehensive online courses covering the basics of starting a successful social enterprise, social impact strategy, financial planning and forecasting, and storytelling and marketing for social ventures.


Boot Camp: Participate in a three-day boot camp focused on social entrepreneurship and pitch
deck development facilitated by industry experts.
Pitch Presentation: Learn effective communication for social enterprise. Practice with coaches
and mentors.


Networking: Connect with a diverse network of like-minded individuals, organizations, and
potential collaborators

The duration of the fellowship program is six months. It is a comprehensive program designed to provide fellows with a meaningful and impactful experience.

Fellows will work on community-based projects that address specific social issues. These projects may include initiatives related to education, healthcare, environmental sustainability, or other areas that contribute to community development.

The selection process involves a thorough review of applications, considering factors such as passion for social change, leadership potential, and a commitment to community development. Shortlisted candidates may be invited for interviews.

Proficiency in reading, writing, and speaking is mandatory for the fellowship. All the information will be communicated in English.

The Youth in Development Fellowship is a non-paid program. However, it provides valuable experiences,
mentorship and networking opportunities that contribute to personal and professional development.

The fellowship is designed to accommodate individuals with various commitments. Fellows are expected to manage their time effectively and engage fully in the program activities.

The application process typically involves submitting an online application, which includes a 100-word professional biography, a social venture idea, and an outline of professional progression. Detailed instructions will be provided in the application guidelines.

Upon completing the fellowship, fellows become part of a vibrant alumni network. They continue to
receive support, participate in alumni events, and have opportunities to collaborate on ongoing projects. The fellowship aims to create a lasting community of change-makers.

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