ARE YOU A LEADER OF THE FREE WORLD?
A Leader of the Free World is committed to the betterment of humanity, irrespective of geography, race, religion, ability, gender, sex, identity, or orientation. Leaders strive to improve themselves, their communities, and the world.
Leaders of the Free World’s mission is to develop a community of dynamic leaders who are globally minded, self-aware, and service-driven. We believe in cultivating a new generation of leaders.
Applications for the 2022 cohort are closed. Applications for the next cohort open in early November - Get notified when applications open.
Dates to Remember:
Dates to Remember:
- Early November - Applications Open
- Early January - Applications Close
- Late January - Candidate Interviews
- Late January/Early February - New Cohort Announced
Program Benefits
The LFW Fellowship Program is focused on the personal and professional development of young Black men. LFW Fellows will take part in a 9-month long (February - October) leadership development program that includes a trip to Ghana, leadership training, mentorship from Black male role models, and networking. Our program maximizes the potential of our students while building their confidence, effectiveness, and self-efficacy. We teach our fellows to be resilient, courageous, self-reflective, and action oriented.
The LFW experience is more than just a trip.
In addition to their international experience, LFW Fellows participate in the program with students from different institutions across the US and are matched with an accountability partner and a LFW Mentor. Fellows also participate in seminars with industry leaders in the fields of business, tech, education, social impact, and more. Throughout the program, Fellows reflect on what it means to be a global leader while expanding both their national and international networks. The result is a wider perspective on what it means to be a Black man in the world today.
The LFW Fellowship Program is focused on the personal and professional development of young Black men. LFW Fellows will take part in a 9-month long (February - October) leadership development program that includes a trip to Ghana, leadership training, mentorship from Black male role models, and networking. Our program maximizes the potential of our students while building their confidence, effectiveness, and self-efficacy. We teach our fellows to be resilient, courageous, self-reflective, and action oriented.
The LFW experience is more than just a trip.
In addition to their international experience, LFW Fellows participate in the program with students from different institutions across the US and are matched with an accountability partner and a LFW Mentor. Fellows also participate in seminars with industry leaders in the fields of business, tech, education, social impact, and more. Throughout the program, Fellows reflect on what it means to be a global leader while expanding both their national and international networks. The result is a wider perspective on what it means to be a Black man in the world today.
Fellows Will...
- Develop their leadership capacity
- Increase their confidence and self-awareness
- Travel to and explore the history of Ghana, West Africa
- Gain skills in intercultural communication
- Receive career counseling
- Join the Leaders of the Free World Alumni Group
Fellowship Program Timeline:
- Orientation and Launch Period: (Online) Pre-program/February - March
Fellows are notified of their acceptance into the program and agree to their responsibilities as participants. - Pre-Departure program: (Online/Video Conference) 10 sessions/March - June
Group discussions, guest speakers, lectures, and assignments designed to introduce Fellows to the program core values and prepare them for the internal work and personal growth they will undergo during the travel portion of the program. - International Experience in Ghana: Two weeks/July
Travel portion consists of intercultural activities; service-learning; exploring themes in leadership through lectures, workshops, and site visits; group reflection sessions on culture, identity, self-mastery; and goal-setting and accountability. - Post-Trip Curriculum: (Online/Video Conference) 6 sessions/August - October
Group discussions, goal-mapping, linking experience to academic goals and institutional resources to help Fellows take their learning forward into their academic lives and beyond. - Alumni Group: Ongoing
Fellows who complete the program become members of the LFW Fellowship Alumni Group with all other past LFW Fellows and are welcome to become Mentors for future cohorts.
Program Dates:
The program will meet virtually prior to the trip to Ghana. Fellows must be available Monday evenings, 8-9:30pm EST.
Pre-departure/LFW Curriculum:
International Trip:
Virtual Reintegration:
The program will meet virtually prior to the trip to Ghana. Fellows must be available Monday evenings, 8-9:30pm EST.
Pre-departure/LFW Curriculum:
- 6 bi-monthly sessions (two Mondays per month/March-May)
- 4 weekly sessions: (Mondays June 6 - 27)
International Trip:
- The 2022 trip to Ghana will run from July 17-July 30.
Virtual Reintegration:
- 6 bi-monthly sessions (two Mondays per month/Aug - Oct)
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LFW Fellowship Includes:
Cost: $5000 LFW cannot guarantee full funding for participants. Fellows may be able to apply to their institution for funding, fundraise, or solicit sponsorship from another source for their participation. |
The LFW Fellowship Experience
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Eligibility
All applicants to the Leaders of the Free World Fellowship Program must meet the following qualifications for consideration:
Selection Criteria: Successful applicants should demonstrate examples of the following in their application:
- Identify as a Black man and be a current student (age 18-27) enrolled in an accredited degree program in in the United States.
- Have a minimum GPA of 2.5 (4.0 Scale). Consideration may be given to applicants with lower GPAs; applicants should provide a an explanation in their application.
- Have completed at least two semesters of college credits by the end of the prior Spring semester (Spring 2021 for 2022 cohort).
- Be a U.S Citizen or permanent resident (For travel and visa purposes).
- Be committed to either 1) pursuing an academic or professional development opportunity; 2) transferring to a bachelor's degree program/4-year institution (if enrolled at a 2-year college); or 3) pursing some form of career advancement upon completion of the LFW program.
- Must be willing to receive all necessary vaccinations for travel (currently Yellow Fever and COVID-19).
Selection Criteria: Successful applicants should demonstrate examples of the following in their application:
- Leadership
- Persistence
- Commitment to Service
- Achievement
Program ExpectationsFellows must agree to the following:
*Students will receive guidance on procedures for travel documents. |
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Leaders of the Free World is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. All donations are tax exempt under U.S. federal law. Checks for Leaders of the Free World should be made out to "Leaders of the Free World" and mailed to: Leaders of the Free World, 276 Bridge St Springfield, MA 01103