The Aspire Leaders Programme, initiated by the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), aims to provide a transformative leadership development journey for low-income, first-generation college students and recent graduates from around the world. Through its various social media accounts, the AICTE has shared information inviting eligible candidates to join this free online interactive leadership development journey.

PROGRAMME OVERVIEW

The Aspire Leaders Programme offers a unique opportunity for young individuals to engage in a comprehensive leadership development experience. Participants will not only undergo an enriching learning process but also have the chance to receive seed funding for their project plans focused on societal impact.

KEY HIGHLIGHTS

Eligibility Criteria: The programme is open to individuals aged 18-26 from low-income backgrounds, who are first-generation college students or recent graduates not enrolled in a postgraduate programme, and who possess intermediate-level English proficiency.

Seed Funding: Aspirants will have the opportunity to receive seed funding of Rs 80,000 upon submission of a project plan focused on societal impact. Outstanding projects may qualify for a grant of Rs 8,00,000.

Duration: The programme will be conducted in cohorts. Cohort 2 is scheduled to run from April to August 2024, with the application deadline on Thursday, March 21, 2024, at 11:59 pm EST (Boston, USA). Cohort 3 will be conducted from August to November 2024, with the application deadline on Wednesday, July 3, 2024, at 11:59 pm EST (Boston, USA).

Certificates: Successful candidates will receive certificates from the Aspire Leaders Institute, headquartered in Boston, USA. The entire programme is completely free of cost for selected candidates.

PROGRAMME CURRICULUM

The Aspire Leaders Programme is designed to facilitate the personal and professional development of participants through a comprehensive curriculum. It includes the following key components:

Strengths-Based Leadership Skills Assessment: Participants will undergo an assessment to identify and harness their inherent strengths for effective leadership.

Professional Development Resources: Co-created with Harvard Business School, these resources will cover topics such as creating a LinkedIn profile, crafting a resume, interview tips, and networking strategies.

Live Interactions: Participants will engage in live interactions with a global cohort of peers, fostering a diverse and enriching learning environment.

CONCLUSION

The Aspire Leaders Programme presents a remarkable opportunity for low-income, first-generation college students, and recent graduates to embark on a transformative leadership development journey. With its focus on personal and professional growth, societal impact projects, and the provision of seed funding, the programme stands as a beacon of empowerment for young individuals seeking to make a positive difference in the world. Interested aspirants are encouraged to seize this opportunity and apply for the 2024 cohorts to embark on a journey of growth, learning, and impact.

For more details and to apply, please visit the official Aspire Leaders Programme website or refer to AICTE's social media accounts for updates and announcements regarding the application process and programme details.