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, or religion.  He strives to improve himself, his community, 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. 

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Program Benefits

The Leaders of the Free World Program is focused on the personal and professional development of young Black men.  LFW Fellows will take part in a 9 month leadership development program that includes a trip to Ghana, mentorship, and networking.​ Our program maximizes the potential of our students while building their confidence and their effectiveness.  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 several different institutions and are matched with an accountability partner and an LFW Mentor. Fellows also participate in seminars with industry-leading practitioners in the field of business, tech, education, and social impact etc. Through the process of the program, fellows  expand both their national and international network.

The Leaders of the Free World Model works in three phases:
(After Orientation and Launch Period / February - March)

1. Pre-Departure program: (Online/Video Conference) 10 weeks / May - July
   Group discussions, guest speakers, lectures, and assignments. 
2. International Experience in Ghana: 2 weeks / July 
   Intercultural activities, service-learning. Exploring themes in Leadership  through lectures, workshops, and site visits.
   Group reflection sessions on culture, identity, self-mastery, goal-setting and accountability. 
3. Post-Trip Curriculum: (online/video conference) 8 weeks / August - September
   Group discussions, goal-mapping, linking experience to academic goals and institutional resources.

Fellows Will...

• Increase their leadership capacity
• Increase their confidence and self-awareness
• Travel to Ghana, West Africa
• Gain skills in intercultural communication
• Receive career counseling
• Join the Leaders of the Free World Alumni Group

Eligibility

All applicants to the Leaders of the Free World Fellowship Program must meet the following qualifications for consideration:

• Be a current African-American male student (18-27yrs) enrolled in an accredited degree program in in the United States.
•  Earned Minimum GPA 2.5 (4.0 Scale) Consideration may be given to applicants with  lower GPA.  Applicants should provide a an explanation in their application.
• Completed at least 2 semesters of college credits by the end of Spring 2020 semester.
• Must be a U.S Citizen or permanent resident. (For  travel and visa purposes)
• Committed to either 1) transferring to a bachelor's degree  program / 4yr institution (if in community college,  2) pursuing an academic or professional development opportunity, or 3) pursing some form of career advancement upon completion of the LFW program. 

 
Selection Criteria: (Demonstrated examples of the following in application)

• Leadership
• Persistence
• Commitment to Service
• Achievement 

Program Expectations

Fellows must agree to the following:

• Commit to all three phases of the LFW Program (9 month Commitment)
• $50 due upon acceptance. 
• Meet/Check-in with LFW mentor
• Attend LFW virtual meetings.
• Participate in program fundraising initiatives.
  
• Obtain necessary documents for travel (Passport, Visa, Travel Insurance )
• Students will receive guidance on procedures for documents

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