The Enlight Fellowship 2026, powered by Watson Institute and supported by the Enlight Foundation, is a prestigious fully funded program designed to empower emerging leaders working to improve youth mental wellbeing worldwide. This highly competitive fellowship equips participants with the entrepreneurial skills, leadership training, mentorship, and global network needed to scale impactful solutions.
If you are building a venture focused on mental health and social impact, this fellowship offers a transformative opportunity to accelerate your growth and expand your global influence.
About the Enlight Fellowship
The Enlight Fellowship is a 16-week leadership and entrepreneurship development program tailored specifically for individuals addressing youth mental wellbeing challenges. It combines immersive learning, expert mentorship, and practical application to help fellows scale their ventures and deepen their impact.
Core Objectives of the Fellowship
- Strengthen leadership capacity among youth-focused innovators
- Foster cross-cultural collaboration and global partnerships
- Equip fellows with tools to scale sustainable mental wellbeing solutions
- Build a long-term global network of changemakers
The program begins with a week-long immersive experience, followed by structured virtual sessions, mentorship, and hands-on project implementation.
Priority Application Deadline
- Priority Deadline: July 5, 2026
- Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis after this date until all slots are filled
Final decisions are announced by July 20, 2026, and the program officially begins on August 17, 2026.
Program Timeline and Key Dates
Program Duration
- August 17 – December 18, 2026
In-Person Immersive Experience (Choose One Location)
- Boulder, Colorado
- Week 1: August 17 – August 21, 2026
- Week 2: August 24 – August 27, 2026 (Virtual continuation)
- Qingshan Village, Hangzhou, China
- Week 1: July 3 – July 9, 2026
- Week 2: August 24 – August 27, 2026 (Virtual continuation)
Additional Components
- Regional networking events (dates to be announced)
- Final Summit: December 18, 2026
What the Enlight Fellowship Offers
1. Leadership and Entrepreneurship Training
Participants engage in hands-on workshops covering:
- Business development and strategy
- Financial literacy and venture sustainability
- Entrepreneurial leadership and innovation
2. Financial Tools and Resources
- Access to practical frameworks for managing and scaling ventures
- Guidance from financial and business experts
- Support tailored to early-stage social enterprises
3. Basecamps: Community Impact Initiatives
Fellows will:
- Design and lead a one-day workshop in their local community
- Receive training and a stipend to execute their Basecamp
- Strengthen local entrepreneurial ecosystems
4. Pitch Training and Global Exposure
- Develop a compelling pitch for your venture
- Present at a global Summit to:
- Investors
- Mentors
- Community leaders
5. Mentorship and Expert Guidance
Fellows learn directly from experienced professionals, including:
- Entrepreneurs
- Industry experts
- Leadership coaches
6. Global Network and Alumni Support
- Join a lifelong community of changemakers
- Access ongoing mentorship and collaboration opportunities
Weekly Commitment and Structure
Participants should be prepared for an engaging and structured schedule:
- Weekly Workshops: Held Tuesday to Thursday
- Two available time slots:
- 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM MT
- 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM MT
- Weekly Commitment: 8–10 hours
- Workshops
- Mentorship sessions
- Community-building activities
- Project planning and execution
Eligibility Criteria
The Enlight Fellowship seeks passionate and driven individuals committed to improving youth mental wellbeing.
Who You Are
- A leader working on solutions for youth mental health challenges
- Committed to creating scalable and meaningful impact
- Possess an entrepreneurial mindset and willingness to grow
Your Venture Stage
- Operating for 1–5 years
- Fewer than 10 employees
- Demonstrated traction:
- Active users or customers
- Measurable results
- Some funding (grants, revenue, or investments)
Commitment Requirements
- Full participation in the 16-week program
- Attendance at the mandatory in-person immersive experience
- Active engagement in all virtual sessions and activities
Location
- Open to applicants worldwide
- Special focus on leaders addressing youth mental wellbeing in China and globally
Age Requirement
- Applicants must be 18 years or older
Application Process
Step 1: Submit Application
- Complete the online application (approximately 30 minutes)
- Submit before the priority deadline for early consideration
Step 2: Application Review
- Evaluated by the Admissions Committee
- Focus on innovation, scalability, and impact
Step 3: Interview
- Shortlisted candidates attend a 20-minute virtual interview
Step 4: Final Selection
- Results announced by July 20, 2026
- Selected fellows confirm participation
APPLY HERE
Why You Should Apply for the Enlight Fellowship
This fellowship is an exceptional opportunity for social entrepreneurs who want to:
- Scale their mental health initiatives globally
- Gain access to world-class mentorship and training
- Build a powerful international network
- Strengthen their leadership and entrepreneurial skills
- Create meaningful, sustainable change in their communities
The Enlight Fellowship goes beyond traditional programs by combining leadership development, real-world application, and global collaboration.
For more information about this opportunity, visit here.
Discover more Global Fellowship Opportunities on OFY here.
