The JSW Foundation Fellowship is a leadership programme for individuals who are passionate about creating a positive social change.
Over the course of two years, fellows will work closely with communities across India, design a project from scratch in an assigned thematic area, and implement solutions with the support of sector experts.
The programme is open to individuals from all walks of life who display a commitment to social responsibility.
The Fellowship Programme is designed to nurture the innate leadership potential of extraordinary young Indians, through four key programme pillars.
- Skill Building: Commencing with a 2-week in-person induction and training the Fellows will be equipped with basics of development theory and skills to initiate their field projects. Over the course of two years, regular training programmes will be conducted across diverse thematic areas, as per the needs expressed by the cohort.
- Rural Immersion: Close to 21 months of the Fellowship tenure will be dedicated to a full-time Development Project hosted by rural organisations. Development Projects will be offered on a range of social development issues such as sustainable livelihoods, community development, women empowerment, water, health & hygiene, sanitation, education & environment. A key component of all Development Projects will be engaging with the local community and supporting the development of select community members with an aim to nurture community leaders and entrepreneurship.
- Peer Learning: Fellows will be expected to share their learnings and progress within the Fellowship team and externally, through multiple mediums. Dedicated sessions will be organised to facilitate reflection on their experience and journey beyond the immediate outcomes of their development projects or theoretical constructs imparted during formal training sessions.
- Mentorship: During Development Projects, each Fellow (or a pair) will be supported by a Field Mentor to navigate challenges related to community work and Development Projects. Parallelly, Leadership Guides from diverse professional streams, will guide Fellows in their own personal leadership quest. Interactions will also be organised with a spectrum of industry and social leaders during trainings for a broader exposure and development perspectives.
Assessment Structure:
Fellows will be monitored for their progress and learnings. As an open Fellowship program, a comprehensive assessment comprising of the following will be undertaken:
- On-going assessment of Development Projects based on self-reports and host community / project manager;
- Evaluation on successful completion of all mandatory trainings and assignments
- On-going tracking of Fellows’ blogs and feedback from Field Mentors
- Comprehensive end of project report
- Completion of mandatory period of fellowship
- However, no formal exams or tests will be conducted.
Eligibility:
To apply for the JSW Foundation Fellowship Programme you must be :
- A graduate/post graduate or a young professional with 1-7 years of work experience from a field such as science, humanities, engineering, medicine, agriculture or other professional streams.
- Less than 30 years old as on 1st May 2023
- Conversant in English (as a primary medium of training) and at least 1 Indian language (for field projects)
- While a professional background in social work is not mandatory, those aware of the social sector and NGOs and have had a brief stint with the sector through sporadic or structured engagements are encouraged to apply.
- Potential applicants understand the risks and are willing to commit time for a deep engagement and a potential career in development.
Application:
- Step 1: Register on the website and fill out the online application form
- Step 2: Applicants to undergo a stringent screening process through telephone interviews
- Step 3: Shortlisted candidates to attend an assessment day where they will be put through various activities to determine their suitability for and commitment to, the programme
- Step 4: Selected Fellows will be invited to join the JSW Fellowship Programme
