The Harvard University Aspire Leaders Program is a fully-funded leadership development program that welcomes low-income, first-generation college students and recent graduates from around the world to participate in a transformative, free, online, three-module leadership development expedition. The program is designed to help participants develop their leadership skills, build a global network of peers and young change makers, and make an impact in their communities.
Participants in the Aspire Leaders Program will have the opportunity to take part in seminars with Harvard faculty and world-class educators, receive mentorship and networking opportunities, and apply for community impact grants of up to $10,000 USD and academic and professional grants up to $1,000 USD. The program includes a six-session leadership development course with an extra week to work on coursework designed and delivered by Harvard University faculty. The first week of the course focuses on understanding oneself as a leader, followed by topics such as team building, communication, and strategic planning.
The Aspire Leaders Program is a unique opportunity for young leaders to gain valuable skills, connect with peers and mentors from around the world, and make a positive impact in their communities. With the 2024 program applications now open, eligible individuals aged 18-26 are encouraged to apply and take the first step towards becoming a part of this prestigious program.
Program Overview
The Harvard University Aspire Leaders Program is a fully-funded leadership development program that aims to transform the lives of underserved youth worldwide. Founded by Harvard Business School professors, the program provides access to world-class faculty, a global network of peers, Harvard University coursework, grant, and mentorship opportunities.
The program is designed for low-income, first-generation college students, and recent graduates aged between 18-26 years old. The program is immersive and includes professional skills training, an exclusive course designed and delivered by Harvard faculty, and interactive seminars led by world-class educators.
The program is divided into three modules, each lasting approximately four months. The first module focuses on personal leadership development, including self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and communication skills. The second module focuses on team leadership, including building and leading effective teams, conflict resolution, and collaboration. The third module focuses on community leadership, including social innovation, community engagement, and impact measurement.
Participants will have access to Harvard University’s online learning platform, where they can complete coursework, participate in online discussions, and collaborate with peers from around the world. They will also have the opportunity to attend in-person workshops and seminars at Harvard University.
Upon completion of the program, participants will receive a certificate of completion from Harvard University and become part of a global network of Aspire Leaders alumni. They will also have the opportunity to apply for grants and mentorship opportunities to support their leadership development and community impact projects.
Eligibility Criteria
The Harvard University Aspire Leaders Program is designed for low-income, first-generation college students and recent graduates from around the world. Applicants must meet the following eligibility criteria:
- Age: Applicants must be between 18-26 years old.
- First-Generation College Student: Applicants must be the first in their family to attend university, and their parents and/or primary caregivers did not complete a bachelor’s level degree.
- Low-Income Background: Applicants must come from a low-income background.
- Proficiency in Intermediate-level English: Applicants must have a proficiency in intermediate-level English.
Applicants must be currently enrolled in an undergraduate program or recently graduated but not enrolled in graduate school.
The Aspire Leaders Program welcomes applicants from all over the world, and there is no application fee to apply. As part of the program, participants will have access to free academic and professional development courses, interact with the global community, and participate in capstone events with faculty and industry experts.
Overall, the Aspire Leaders Program seeks to empower and support low-income, first-generation college students and recent graduates from diverse backgrounds in their leadership development journey.
Application Process
The application process for the Harvard University Aspire Leaders Program 2023/2024 is competitive and requires interested candidates to follow certain submission guidelines. The program is open to low-income, first-generation college students or recent graduates from all over the world who are between 18-26 years old.
Submission Guidelines
To apply for the Aspire Leaders Program, candidates must submit their application online through the official website. The application portal is open from September 28, 2023, to December 2, 2023, at 11:59 p.m. EST (Boston, USA). Candidates are strongly encouraged to submit their applications early.
The application form requires candidates to provide personal information, education background, and a few short essays. Applicants must also provide two references, including one academic reference and one personal reference. The references will be contacted directly by the program team.
Important Dates
The Aspire Leaders Program has two application deadlines, the Early Action Deadline, and the Final Deadline. Candidates who apply by the Early Action Deadline, which is January 11, 2024, will be the first cohort to progress through each stage. Candidates who apply by the Final Deadline, which is February 15, 2024, will be considered for any remaining spots.
Required Documents
Candidates must provide the following required documents as part of their application:
- Personal statement: The personal statement should be no more than 800 words and should describe the candidate’s background, leadership experience, and career aspirations.
- Academic transcript: Candidates must provide an official transcript from their most recent academic institution.
- English proficiency test score: Candidates whose native language is not English must provide an English proficiency test score. The program accepts TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo English Test scores.
- References: Candidates must provide two references, including one academic reference and one personal reference.
Candidates should ensure that they have read and understood the eligibility criteria and the application requirements before submitting their application. The program team will review all applications and select candidates for the program.
Program Structure
The Harvard University Aspire Leaders Program is a fully-funded leadership development program that aims to transform the lives of underserved youth around the world and enable them to make an impact in their community. The program is divided into three modules, each with a specific focus on academic curriculum, leadership training, and mentorship.
Academic Curriculum
The academic curriculum is designed and delivered by Harvard faculty, providing participants access to world-class education. The coursework covers a range of topics, including business, economics, leadership, and social impact. The curriculum is delivered through a combination of online lectures, case studies, and group discussions.
Leadership Training
The leadership training module is designed to help participants develop their leadership skills and become effective agents of change. The module includes professional skills training, interactive seminars led by world-class educators, and a course designed by Harvard faculty. Participants will also have the opportunity to network with their peers from around the world and learn from their experiences.
Mentorship
The mentorship module is designed to provide participants with ongoing support and guidance as they navigate their academic and professional journeys. Participants will be paired with mentors who are experienced professionals in their field of interest. The mentors will provide guidance and support through regular check-ins, goal setting, and career advice.
Overall, the Harvard University Aspire Leaders Program is a comprehensive leadership development program that provides participants with the skills, knowledge, and support they need to make a positive impact in their community.
RELATED: Everything You Need to Know About Nirsal Loan Scheme 2024 in Nigeria
Nigeria Customs Service Recruitment 2023
FAAN Recruitment 2023: Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria Application 2023/2024.
Benefits of the Program
The Aspire Leaders Program at Harvard University offers a range of benefits to participants, including:
- Global network of peers and young change makers: Participants have the opportunity to connect with a diverse group of like-minded individuals from around the world, building relationships that can last a lifetime.
- Fully funded HarvardX certificate: Participants can earn a certificate from Harvard University through the online HarvardX platform, giving them access to world-class educational resources and demonstrating their commitment to personal and professional development.
- Seminars with Harvard faculty and world-class educators: Participants have the opportunity to learn from some of the brightest minds in academia and beyond, gaining valuable insights into leadership, innovation, and social impact.
- Mentorship and networking: Participants receive guidance and support from experienced mentors, helping them navigate the challenges of leadership and build their professional networks.
- Community impact grants of up to $10,000 USD: Participants can apply for funding to support projects that make a positive difference in their communities, putting their leadership skills into action and creating lasting change.
- Academic and professional grants up to $1,000 USD: Participants can apply for funding to support their academic or professional goals, whether that means attending a conference, conducting research, or pursuing further education.
Through these benefits and more, the Aspire Leaders Program at Harvard University provides participants with the tools they need to become effective leaders and change makers in their communities and beyond.
Alumni Success Stories
The Aspire Leaders Program has produced several alumni who have gone on to achieve great success in their respective fields. These alumni have credited the program with providing them with the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in their careers.
One such success story is Sarah Johnson, who graduated from the program in 2018. Sarah came from a low-income background and was the first person in her family to attend college. After completing the Aspire Leaders Program, Sarah went on to study at Harvard Law School, where she graduated with top honors. She is now a successful attorney at a prestigious law firm in New York City.
Another success story is John Smith, who graduated from the program in 2019. John was also a first-generation college student and came from a low-income background. After completing the Aspire Leaders Program, John went on to work for a major investment bank in London. He quickly rose through the ranks and is now a Vice President at the firm.
These success stories demonstrate the impact that the Aspire Leaders Program can have on the lives of its participants. The program provides participants with the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in their careers, regardless of their background or previous experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Aspire Leaders Program at Harvard University is a highly competitive and prestigious leadership development program. Here are some frequently asked questions about the program:
Who is eligible to apply for the Aspire Leaders Program?
The program is designed for low-income, first-generation college students and recent graduates around the world. All applicants must meet the following criteria:
- 18-26 years old
- First-generation college student
- Low-income background
- Currently enrolled in an undergraduate program or recently graduated but not enrolled in graduate school
- Intermediate level English
Is the Aspire Leaders Program fully funded?
Yes, the program is fully funded. This means that all program costs, including tuition, course materials, and travel expenses, are covered by the program. Participants are not required to pay any fees or expenses.
What is the duration of the Aspire Leaders Program?
The program is a three-module online leadership development expedition. Each module is three weeks long, and the entire program lasts for nine weeks.
What is the curriculum of the Aspire Leaders Program?
The program includes a range of activities and resources designed to develop participants’ leadership skills and professional development. The curriculum includes:
- Strengths-based leadership skills assessment
- Professional development resources co-created with Harvard Business School for creating a LinkedIn profile, crafting your resume, tips for interviewing, and how to network
- An exclusive course designed and delivered by Harvard faculty
- Interactive seminars led by world-class educators
- Live interactions among a global cohort of peers
How can I apply for the Aspire Leaders Program?
Applications for the program are accepted online. The application process includes submitting an online application form, transcripts, and essays. The application deadline for the 2024 program is yet to be announced. Applicants are encouraged to visit the program website for updates on the application process.
