Category Archives: awards

WATSON INSTITUTE ENLIGHT FELLOWSHIP

Priority Application Deadline: July 5, 2026. 

LOCATION: China

The Enlight Fellowship, supported by the Enlight Foundation and powered by the Watson Institute, is a fully funded entrepreneurial and leadership development program designed specifically for rising leaders creating solutions to mental well-being globally. The Fellowship fosters cross-cultural collaboration and global impact through expert-led training, facilitators, speakers, and mentors; personalized life coaching; and long-term alumni support. 

ELIGIBILITY:

Applicants must be 18 years or older.

You are a youth entrepreneur or community leader deeply committed to improving mental wellbeing. You are building a solution that addresses mental wellbeing challenges in your community, with a strong focus on creating meaningful, scalable impact in China and across a global cohort. You bring an entrepreneurial spirit, a growth mindset, and a desire to grow as an effective leader.

Your business or organization has been operating for 1-5 years with fewer than 10 employees. You have engaged customers, measurable results, and have secured some funding through grants, investments, donations, or revenue, but you’re ready to grow to the next level.

You must be able to fully commit to the 16-week Fellowship, including the mandatory week-long In-person Immersive in Boulder, Colorado or Qingshan Village, Hangzhou, China, as well as active participation throughout the program. You can attend all weekly virtual workshops held on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, Fellows will participate in one of two groups, each with a designated start time: from 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM MT or 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM MT. We prioritize participants who are fully committed to active engagement throughout the entire program. The program’s success depends on building a strong community where all participants are enthusiastic about both learning and sharing their experiences with others.

Fellows may be based anywhere in the world. The cohort will include youth leaders focused on improving mental wellbeing in China as well as those addressing youth mental wellbeing challenges globally.

You are seeking expert-led entrepreneurial training, mentorship from facilitators and speakers with deep mental wellbeing expertise, a supportive peer community, and a strong network to help you grow as a leader and scale your venture’s impact.

BENEFIT:

This program is fully funded through the generous support of the Enlight Foundation.

Business & Leadership Workshops: Participate in hands-on sessions focused on entrepreneurship, business acumen, and financial literacy skills led by expert practitioners who are successful entrepreneurs and or rising leader themselves.

Financial Tools & Resources: Access practical financial tools, frameworks, and workshops designed to strengthen your venture’s financial foundation. Benefit from the expertise of practitioners and the Watson Institute’s broader network of specialists supporting entrepreneurs at every stage.

Basecamps: Creating Lasting Impact: Design and lead a community-focused 1-day workshop (Basecamp) for earlier-stage ventures, with training and a stipend provided to support you in deepening the entrepreneurial ecosystem in your community.

Pitch Training & in-person Summit: Develop and refine a professional, compelling pitch through dedicated training sessions. Present your venture progress and impact at the in-person Summit to community partners, mentors, potential investors, and Enlight Foundation team members.

APPLY

ISS DAKAR: JUNIOR FELLOWSHIP PROGRAMME, 2026–2027

Application Deadline: 10 May 2026

LOCATION: Senegal

The Institute for Security Studies (ISS) and the Bosch Foundation are empowering West Africa’s next generation of policy leaders through a flagship programme on ‘Gender, human security and geopolitics’. Exceptional young West Africans (especially women) are invited to apply for the first intake of four fellows.

ELIGIBILITY:

Be a citizen of any West African country

Be under 30 years of age

Hold a Master’s degree in international relations, political science, law, anthropology, sociology, or related fields

Have a strong interest in security, gender, democracy, governance or geopolitics

Be fluent in English or French; additional West African languages are a plus

Be a confident communicator, self-motivated, and eager to grow in a dynamic team

This is your pathway to policy influence, your training ground in leadership, and your gateway to networks of professionals committed to improving Africa’s future. If you’re ready to become a voice for change and a builder of peace and prosperity, apply now!

To apply, email your complete application to Souleymane Ndiaye at dakarjobs@issafrica.org.
Your application must include:

A motivational cover letter

A detailed CV with three references

A copy of your Master’s degree

A scanned ID or passport copy
Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.

BENEFIT:

Monthly stipend plus health insurance

Accommodation in Dakar

Return flight to and from your home country

Professional mentorship from experienced ISS researchers

Access to a vibrant fellowship network and career opportunities across Africa

APPLY