The Memorial Foundation’s Global Impact Fellows Program builds upon the foundation we established in 2021 when we launched the Social Justice Fellows Program. This reimagined take on the development of emerging leaders leans even deeper into the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. – a global icon in the fight for equality, justice, and peace. Through a renewed commitment to broadening the base of socially conscious emerging leaders, connecting intergenerational cohorts of movement builders, and shifting advocacy efforts from protest the policy change, the Global Impact Fellows Program will engage young adult (ages 18-35) community leaders in a dynamic learning and personal development experience.
The Global Impact Fellows Program unites like-minded emerging leaders from across the nation who share an unwavering commitment to Democracy, Justice, Hope, and Love in the United States and abroad. Global Impact Fellows share an unwavering commitment to positive social change and embrace opportunities to advance social good through effective leadership. Additionally, Fellows are passionate, community-oriented leaders who believe in organizing and mobilization as keys to advancing transformational change in communities across the globe.
The curriculum for the Global Impact Fellows Program centers effective advocacy, public policy, community organizing, and shared learning to creatively leverage the unique experiences of each Fellow. Learning sessions are guided by some of the nation’s leading voices in the areas of human rights, politics, and social equality, as well as other luminaries who have made significant contributions to various social change movements in the United States and abroad. As a result of participating in this program, Fellows can expect to:
• build an intentional community of support with other community leaders across the nation;
• explore high impact practices that move communities from consumers of a movement into activism; and
• develop an understanding of leadership and advocacy for long-term, sustainable community change.
The Global Impact Fellows Program includes four interconnected phases that occur over a twelve-month period:
• Phase I – Virtual Lecture Series and Learning Workshops
• Phase II – Independent Learning Journey (Capstone Proposal)
• Phase III – Capstone Convening (in-person event)
• Phase IV – Capstone Implementation
Applications for the 2026 Global Impact Fellows Program will be available beginning October 15th. If you have interest in applying, please consider the following:
• You must be at least 18 years of age but not older than 35 years of age by January 1, 2026.
• You must reside in the United States at the time of your application and physically reside within the United States throughout the duration of the Program.
• The application includes three required sections:
o Section I: Personal Information
This portion of the application requires you to answer very specific questions about yourself, including your name, current residence, and other demographic information.
o Section II: Leadership Profile
This portion of the application provides space for you to tell us about your leadership experiences and your interest in the Global Impact Fellows Program. Responses are limited to 500 words for each question so be thoughtful and intentional about what you want us to know about your leadership in the space provided.
o Section III: Required Attachments
This section requires you to upload a current headshot, your leadership resume, and at least one item that documents your active leadership within you community, school, or workplace. Examples of leadership documentation include letters of recommendation, news/media articles or features highlighting your work, and other documents that help to tell the
story of your impact.
• Each section is required. Incomplete applications will be automatically disqualified from consideration.
• All learning activities in Phases I and II will be hosted via virtual meeting rooms (e.g., Zoom; Google Meets; etc.). For the first eight to ten weeks of the program, Fellows can expect to dedicate approximately three to four hours per week to fully engage in weekly lectures, peer-led discussions, capstone research, and special topic workshops.
• After the initial learning period, Fellows will dedicate their time to independent learning journeys, as well as working on research and capstone proposals. TheCohort will meet in Washington, DC in Summer 2026 (dates TBD) as the culminating activity for the structured portion of the program.
• Completed applications are due by 11:59 p.m. ET on Sunday, November 30, 2025.
CLICK HERE to access the application site. To begin your application, click the “Start Filling” button.
If you need any assistance in completing the application form or if you have any questions, please email David Lewis, Senior Associate for Programs and Operations, at dlewis@thememorialfoundation.org.
