The youth in development virtual fellowship provides emerging civic leaders and social entrepreneurs with the skills and tools to lead social change initiatives effectively. Fellows are trained through practical workshops and mentorship sessions delivered by global subject experts. YID Fellows engage in a transformative learning experience, where they hone their entrepreneurship skills while learning to lead sustainable social change. Fellows will enjoy access to social innovation training, exclusive mentorship and coaching sessions, peer collaborations, and other benefits of our 4-month venture incubation program and exclusive networking opportunities. Alumni of this program have gone ahead to create viable and highly impactful social ventures, hold successful social sector careers and lead programs transforming their communities’ social and economic landscapes.
Benefits

Application Process

Submission of an Expression of Interest (EOI):
Initial application: Expression of interests are received and reviewed on a rolling basis until November 1. Successful applicants are selected based on their passion and interest in civic leadership and social entrepreneurship. We will review the expression of interests and inform applicants of our decision within 48 hours. Successful applicants will be provided with the necessary information for the next stage. Review the following eligibility criteria before starting your application.
Are you eligible?
- Interest in leading a social venture and a career in the social sector
- Excellent idea or initiative for social change
- Age 19 to 30 on or before applying
- Proficiency in reading, writing, and speaking English
- Applications are open to any young person who has strong passion and ideas for social change
- Availability to complete all the weekly activities included in the application process and the four-month fellowship and incubation program.
Online Social Entrepreneurship & Strategy Courses
Applicants selected to progress to stage two will be asked to complete five short courses on our platform and attend live virtual sessions. Through these courses, you will learn to develop and submit your theory of change, strategic plan, business model, minimal viable product (MVP), and go-to-market strategy. You will receive a completion certificate for each training.
Submit Full Application
Based on the result of the courses and participation in the live sessions, we will invite qualified applicants to submit a second stage application. You will complete a short form to provide any updates on your ideas and interests. You will reflect on the knowledge acquired so far and upload your certificates.
Finalists Announcement
We will begin to review all submissions on February 27th and announce the next cohort of YID Fellows four weeks after (The week of 30th March)
4-Month Fellowship & Post-Fellowship Benefits
Fellows will participate in an intensive four-month incubation program and online learning experience that will include training on fundraising, systems thinking, storytelling, marketing, policy advocacy, and growth strategies while drawing inspiration from distinguished facilitators. We have designed the fellowship sessions to educate, inspire and help expand your network. You will earn a badge of honour, affiliation, and continuous support for your work. We will connect you with partners and peer collaborators within and outside our network. The fellowship program is expected to run from May to August.
Alumni Testimonies
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
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
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)
The platform has not only prepared me to become a better leader but also made me appreciate my wins and milestones. I've learnt thus far that problems exist everywhere, however, my ability to discover the problem and proffer lasting solutions makes me a leader. This platform has also proven that collaboration has become the next big thing in the development space.
Blessing Ashi
Program Manager at Tech4Dev
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