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.
Applications open Nov 13, 2019
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. 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.
Our program focuses on creating a brotherhood of high potential young men ready to up-level their leadership skills and redefine their possibilities.
Fellows receive mentoring and guidance from their LFW Mentor and participate in seminars with industry-leading practitioners in the field of business, tech, education, social impact etc. In addition to their international experience, LFW Fellows participate with students from several different institutions; allowing fellows to expand both their national and international network.
The Leaders of the Free World Model works in three phases:
(After Orientation and Launch Period)
Students will be matched with both a mentor and an accountability partner in the program.Upon completion of the program fellows become a part of the LFW Free World alumni network.
The LFW experience is more than just a trip.
Our program focuses on creating a brotherhood of high potential young men ready to up-level their leadership skills and redefine their possibilities.
Fellows receive mentoring and guidance from their LFW Mentor and participate in seminars with industry-leading practitioners in the field of business, tech, education, social impact etc. In addition to their international experience, LFW Fellows participate with students from several different institutions; allowing fellows to expand both their national and international network.
The Leaders of the Free World Model works in three phases:
(After Orientation and Launch Period)
- Pre-Departure program (Online/Video Conference): Group discussions, guest speakers, lectures, and assignments. (10 weeks)
- International Experience in Ghana (2 weeks): 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. - Post-Trip Curriculum (online/video conference): Group discussions, goal-mapping, linking experience to academic goals and institutional resources.( 8 weeks)
Students will be matched with both a mentor and an accountability partner in the program.Upon completion of the program fellows become a part of the LFW Free World alumni network.
Eligibility
All applicants to the Leaders of the Free World Fellowship Program must meet the following qualifications for consideration:
Selection Criteria: (Demonstrated examples of the following in application)
- 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.
Commit to raising/contributing $1000 towards trip expenses - Obtain necessary documents for travel (Passport, Visa, Travel Insurance )
Students will receive guidance on procedures for documents