Selection Criteria

Successful applicants for the Graduate Fellowship not only present an innovative way of addressing a critical social, economic, and/or environmental issue but also explain why they as individuals have what it takes to succeed as impact entrepreneurs. We believe in the importance of the individual, as well as the quality of that person’s venture. For that reason, we look at both the applicant and the applicant’s idea.

Please review the Application Guidelines (PDF) before you apply.

Applicant

Leadership and Entrepreneurial Vision

Demonstrate that you can inspire others and have the emotional intelligence to lead effectively. Are you willing to take responsibility for enabling others to achieve shared purpose in the face of uncertainty?

Resilience and Growth Mindset

Show us that you are receptive to feedback and can learn from past experiences and change your mind. Are you able to anticipate obstacles and bounce back from them?

Ability to Collaborate and Attract Resources

Do you have the ability to resolve conflict and bring together the necessary people, money, and resources to create your venture?

Desire to Participate in a Cohort Experience

Show us how you will both gain from and contribute to the cohort experience.

Idea/Venture

• Clarity with which the unmet need of a particular community has been articulated
• Evidence the unmet need represents a significant societal challenge
• Innovative idea for addressing the need
• Potential of the idea to address the problem
• Potential of the idea to achieve scalable social impact