As we continue to evolve and adapt to meet the needs of young leaders worldwide, we are excited to announce an important update to our Aspire Leaders Program eligibility criteria. Beginning with Cohort 4 of this year, we are expanding our criteria to welcome learners both from limited-income backgrounds and who are first-generation to go to university in their family, meaning neither of their parents completed a bachelor’s-level degree.
The Aspire Leaders Program’s Expanded Criteria
Previously, we required learners to be both first-generation university students AND from low-income backgrounds. Moving forward, eligible participants must:
- Be 18-29 years old
- Be a current undergraduate student or recent graduate who has not proceeded to a graduate program
- Meet at least ONE of the following:
- Come from a limited-income background
- Be first-generation to attend university in their family
Many of these criteria have remained the same. However, in Cohorts 4 and 5, we will welcome those who are either from a limited-income background OR among the first-generation to go to university.
Why This Matters
We believe that talent is widespread, but know that opportunities and resources are not. This expansion aligns with our core mission to empower young leaders worldwide to reach their full potential through our fully funded leadership development program.
By broadening our criteria, we aim to continue to bring together a global community of talented individuals worldwide. This change acknowledges that barriers to education and professional growth can take many forms.
Understanding “Limited Income”
We define “limited income” broadly and trust individuals to self-identify based on their personal circumstances and background. Our application process includes questions that help applicants reflect on their access to resources and opportunities, but ultimately we respect that economic disadvantage takes many forms across different regions and contexts.
Rather than using rigid financial thresholds that may not translate well across global economies, we recognize that limited income often means having fewer resources and opportunities than others in one’s community.
Building Our Global Community
This evolution in our eligibility requirements will allow us to welcome even more young leaders into our global community. We remain dedicated to creating meaningful connections across borders and backgrounds, fostering a network that supports personal and professional growth for all Aspire Leaders Program learners.
We look forward to welcoming our expanded community beginning with Cohort 4, continuing our tradition of nurturing talent and creating pathways to success for limited-income and first-generation university students and recent graduates worldwide.
Join us in this exciting new chapter as we expand our reach and impact.
Applications for Cohort 4 are now open to participants meeting our updated eligibility criteria. Learn more and apply here: www.aspireleaders.org/program
