The Acumen Fellowship Program 2025 was made for people who are trying to solve problems of poverty in India and have been working for at least 5 years. It is a 6-month long program where some sessions will be done online while others will be taken in-person. Fellows are being taught leadership skills and also soft skills like moral thinking and how to work with teams better. Hard topics and easy ones are both included, so fellows can grow strong in many ways.
A strong group is being formed where everyone gives support and learns together. Fellows are helped to understand themselves more and also to face big problems. Applications are to be submitted online, and after that a selection conference will be organised. The program is planned to be started in March 2025 and will be finished after 6 months. Many lives can be changed and a better world can be made by these fellows.
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About Acumen
Acumen is a global group that was started in 2001 by Jacqueline Novogratz and it was first called Acumen Fund, Inc., which was made to help fight poverty and bring justice for all. Money is being given to small companies that help poor people by working in areas like energy, farming, health, jobs, and schools. Acumen believes that people who are poor should be treated with dignity and also given chances to live better.
A program called Acumen Academy is being run to teach leaders how to bring good changes and help more people. Their work is being done not just in India but also in America and other places where problems are big. The solutions used are made to fit each place because every place is different. The impact of their work is also being measured to see what help was given and how much change was made. Big changes can be made from small ideas.
Key Highlights of Acumen Fellowship Program 2025
| Name of the Fellowship | Acumen Fellowship Program 2025 |
| Launched By | Acumen, a global social group |
| Objective | To build strong leaders for change |
| Duration | 6 months total |
| Program Type | Hybrid (online + in-person) |
| Who Can Join | Social workers and leaders |
| Work Needed | Must help poor communities |
| Experience Needed | 5 years or more |
| Language | English (Spanish in some places) |
| Regions Covered | India, UK, Africa, more |
| Skills Taught | Hard + soft leadership skills |
| Group Work | Fellows learn and grow together |
| Selection Stages | Four steps in total |
| Start Time | March 2025 |
| Certificate Given | Yes, after completing program |
| Application Mode | Online through website |
| Official Website | https://acumen.org/ |
Objective of Acumen Fellowship Program
The objective of Acumen Fellowship Program is:
- To teach leaders how big problems can be solved in smarter ways that help more people.
- To make sure fellows are being trained in both soft and hard skills for helping others in better ways.
- To create a strong group where support is being given and ideas are also shared with each other.
- To help fellows think deeper, understand values, and lead teams with care and courage.
- To give useful ideas that can be used for real change in poor people’s lives.
Eligibility Criteria
The eligibility criteria for the Acumen Fellowship Program are as given below:
- A person must have worked for at least 5 years in a job that is connected to solving big problems like poverty and helping others.
- The work being done should be mostly focused on poor people, and at least half of the help must go to those who are living below the poverty line.
- A strong wish must be shown by the person to keep learning and also growing while being part of the full program.
- Enough time should be given so that all online sessions and group work can be attended without missing anything.
- The program is being offered in many places like India, UK, Pakistan, East Africa, and others where different people are facing different problems.
- English must be known well by the person, but in Spain and Colombia, Spanish can be used instead.
- In some cases, two people from the same team are needed so that teamwork and support can be made stronger.
Benefits of Acumen Fellowship Program
The benefits of Acumen Fellowship Program are as follows:
- New leadership and problem-solving skills are being taught, which helps fellows do better work and solve big issues in smarter ways that help more people.
- A strong group of kind and smart people is being made, where ideas are shared, support is given, and learning from each other is also done often.
- Fellows are helped to understand themselves deeply, and they also learn how teams can be lead with more care, respect, and moral thinking.
- Big and useful ideas are given during the program that can be used to make real changes in the lives of poor and struggling people.
- Fellows are seen as future leaders, so more chances are being opened for them later to grow bigger and do more good work in their fields.
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Salient Features
This Acumen Fellowship Program has several important features, which are as follows:
- The program is done in a hybrid way, so some sessions are online while some are being done in person at different places.
- Learning is being given through talks, group works, quiet thinking time, and also by doing some things by self.
- People from many regions and countries are being chosen, so many cultures and ideas are shared during the program.
- Fellows are selected through an online form and a special meeting, where their work and thinking is seen closely.
- The whole program is planned for 6 months, and fellows must be fully present in every part, even the small ones.
Selection Process
The selection process for the Acumen Fellowship Program includes these simple steps:
- First, an online form is filled and sent by the person who wants to join.
- Then in Stage 2, two short videos are made and essay-type questions are answered by the applicant.
- After that, some people are picked and called for a full-day event where group tasks, idea pitching, and panel interviews are being done.
- At last, the final list is being made and the best ones are selected as fellows for the program.
Required Documents
These are the following documents which are required for the application of this scholarship program:
- Identity proof
- Resume or CV
- Work experience details
- Video submissions
- Essay answers
Application Process for Acumen Fellowship Program 2025
To apply for the Acumen Fellowship Program 2025, please follow these below mentioned steps:
Step 1: All those applicants who are eligible under this fellowship program are requested to visit the official website of Acumen to proceed with the application process.
Step 2: Once you are on the homepage of the official website, go to “What we do” section and then from the drop down menu click on Acumen Academy option to proceed further.
Step 3: Then you will be taken to another page, here you have to click on Learn more option which is present under “Fellowships” section to move ahead.
Step 4: You will be taken to another page again, here you have to click on “Find a Fellowship” option and then from the drop down menu, click on India option to proceed.
Step 5: The details of the India Acumen Fellowship Program will appear on your screen, read the details of the fellowship carefully, and then click on “Apply Now” option to open up the application form.
Step 6: Now the application form will appear on your screen, fill out the application form carefully with all the required details such as email, name, city, phone number, etc.
Step 7: You have to accept the terms & conditions and make a tick mark on three box there and then verify the form carefully.
Step 8: Once you have verified the application form carefully, click on “Submit” button to complete the application process.
Contact Details
Address:
Mumbai
602, Sapphire, Condominium (Notandas Realty),
SV Road Khar West – 400052
Mumbai, India
FAQs
Who can apply for the Acumen Fellowship Program 2025?
Anyone with at least 5 years of work experience in solving poverty-related issues, especially in leadership or social impact roles, can apply if they are committed to learning and creating real change.
What is the duration of the Fellowship?
The Fellowship lasts for 6 months and includes virtual sessions, in-person meetings, group activities, and self-paced learning, all designed to build leadership and problem-solving skills for social change.
Is there any age limit to apply?
There is no specific age limit, but applicants must be mature professionals with a clear focus on poverty-related work and show strong leadership qualities, dedication, and readiness to engage fully in the program.
Do I need to pay any fee to apply?
No application fee is charged at any stage of the process. It’s completely free to apply, and selected fellows receive all training and resources without having to pay anything during the program.
Will I get a certificate after the program?
Yes, all fellows who complete the full six-month program, attend sessions, and participate actively will be awarded a certificate by Acumen as proof of their completion and learning journey.
Can people from other countries apply?
Yes, the fellowship is offered in different regions like India, East Africa, Spain, Colombia, and more. You must apply under the correct country or region where the fellowship is being offered.
What kind of support is given during the program?
Fellows receive mentorship, peer-to-peer learning, expert guidance, and leadership tools. They also join a global network that supports their personal growth and helps them increase their social impact effectively.