Open Call for Future Leaders Fellowship Program (US)

The Future Leaders Fellowship is a 12-week virtual leadership programme for undergraduate students and recent women graduates in the United States. The fellowship equips participants with leadership, advocacy, research, and networking skills while providing opportunities to support pro-choice women running for public office through campaign volunteering and collaborative learning.

About the Future Leaders Fellowship

The Future Leaders Fellowship is a leadership development programme designed to empower undergraduate students and recent women graduates in the United States. It brings together ambitious young women who are passionate about civic engagement, political leadership, and supporting women candidates seeking public office.

Through weekly virtual sessions, participants gain practical leadership experience, learn from guest speakers, collaborate with peers, volunteer on active political campaigns, and complete a research project related to the fellowship’s mission.

Programme Duration and Time Commitment

The fellowship runs for 12 weeks.

Participants are expected to commit approximately 4–5 hours per week, including 2 hours of scheduled virtual sessions and additional time for campaign activities, discussions, and research.

Fellowship Benefits

Participants receive a wide range of professional and leadership development opportunities, including:

• Participation in a 12-week virtual leadership programme.
• Weekly online learning sessions.
• Learning from experienced guest speakers and industry professionals.
• Interactive discussions with a nationwide cohort of fellows.
• Opportunities to volunteer on active campaigns supporting female candidates.
• Practical leadership and civic engagement experience.
• Research experience through an independent fellowship project.
• Development of communication, collaboration, advocacy, and critical thinking skills.
• Networking with like-minded women interested in leadership and public service.
• Membership in a supportive community of future women leaders.

What Fellows Will Do

Throughout the fellowship, participants will:

Attend Weekly Virtual Sessions

Participate in structured online sessions focused on leadership development, civic engagement, advocacy, and professional growth.

Learn from Guest Speakers

Hear directly from experienced leaders, professionals, advocates, and policymakers who share practical insights and career experiences.

Participate in Peer Discussions

Engage in meaningful conversations on leadership, public policy, women’s representation, civic participation, and current issues.

Volunteer on Political Campaigns

Support active campaigns that help elect pro-choice women running for office at local, state, and national levels while gaining real-world campaign experience.

Complete a Research Project

Conduct and present a research project connected to the fellowship’s objectives and themes, strengthening analytical and research skills.

Who Is Eligible?

Applicants should meet the following eligibility requirements:

• Be a woman.
• Be an undergraduate student or a recent graduate.
• Be based in the United States.
• Demonstrate an interest in leadership, civic engagement, and public service.
• Be passionate about supporting pro-choice women running for public office.
• Be able to commit approximately 4–5 hours per week throughout the 12-week programme.

Why This Fellowship Matters

The Future Leaders Fellowship helps prepare the next generation of women leaders by combining leadership training with practical civic engagement.

The fellowship enables participants to:

• Build leadership and advocacy skills.
• Gain practical political campaign experience.
• Expand professional and peer networks.
• Improve research and communication abilities.
• Learn directly from experienced professionals and guest speakers.
• Increase understanding of civic participation and democratic engagement.
• Prepare for careers in leadership, advocacy, politics, public policy, or public service.

How the Fellowship Works

Participate in Weekly Virtual Sessions

Selected fellows attend weekly online sessions featuring leadership development, expert presentations, and collaborative learning.

Learn from Guest Speakers

Participants engage with experienced professionals and leaders who provide valuable knowledge, mentorship, and career insights.

Join Peer Discussions

Fellows participate in topical discussions, exchange ideas, and learn from one another in an interactive virtual environment.

Volunteer on Active Campaigns

Participants contribute to political campaigns supporting pro-choice women candidates while gaining hands-on experience in advocacy and community engagement.

Complete a Fellowship Research Project

Each fellow conducts a research project related to the fellowship’s mission and presents their findings as part of the programme.

Tips for Success

Participants can make the most of the fellowship by:

• Actively participating in every virtual session.
• Engaging confidently during discussions.
• Building meaningful relationships with fellow participants.
• Managing time effectively to meet weekly commitments.
• Asking thoughtful questions during guest speaker sessions.
• Applying leadership lessons to campaign work and research.
• Completing the research project with careful planning and strong evidence.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid the following during the fellowship:

• Missing scheduled virtual sessions.
• Underestimating the weekly time commitment.
• Participating passively in discussions.
• Delaying work on the research project.
• Missing campaign volunteering opportunities.
• Failing to collaborate with fellow participants.
• Ignoring deadlines for fellowship activities.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is the Future Leaders Fellowship?

It is a 12-week virtual leadership programme that develops leadership, advocacy, research, and civic engagement skills for undergraduate students and recent women graduates in the United States.

2. Who is eligible to participate?

The fellowship is open to undergraduate students and recent women graduates in the United States who are passionate about supporting pro-choice women running for public office.

3. How long does the fellowship last?

The programme runs for 12 weeks.

4. How much time should participants expect to commit?

Participants should plan to spend approximately 4–5 hours each week, including about 2 hours of virtual sessions.

5. What activities are included in the fellowship?

The fellowship includes weekly virtual sessions, guest speaker presentations, peer discussions, campaign volunteering, networking opportunities, and a research project.

6. Do fellows complete a research project?

Yes. Every fellow completes a research project related to the fellowship’s goals during the programme.

7. What skills can participants develop?

Participants strengthen leadership, communication, research, advocacy, networking, collaboration, civic engagement, and critical thinking skills.

Conclusion

The Future Leaders Fellowship provides an exceptional opportunity for undergraduate students and recent women graduates in the United States to develop leadership skills, gain practical advocacy experience, expand professional networks, and contribute to civic engagement. Through expert-led virtual sessions, campaign volunteering, collaborative discussions, and research, the fellowship equips participants with the knowledge, experience, and confidence needed to become effective future leaders in public service and community advocacy.