The Enlight Fellowship 2026, powered by the Watson Institute and supported by the Enlight Foundation, is a prestigious fully funded fellowship designed to empower rising leaders working to improve youth mental wellbeing globally.
This highly competitive program targets entrepreneurs, innovators, and changemakers who are actively building solutions to address mental health challenges among young people. Through a powerful combination of leadership training, mentorship, funding support, and global networking, the fellowship equips participants with the tools needed to scale their impact and drive meaningful change.
Overview of the Enlight Fellowship 2026
The Enlight Fellowship is a 16-week intensive leadership and entrepreneurship program that blends virtual learning with in-person immersive experiences. It is specifically designed to support individuals who are:
- Building ventures or initiatives focused on youth mental wellbeing
- Seeking to scale their impact globally
- Looking for mentorship, funding guidance, and global exposure
The fellowship fosters cross-cultural collaboration, enabling participants from around the world to share ideas, learn from one another, and co-create solutions to global mental health challenges.
Program Dates and Key Timeline
Applicants should carefully note the following key dates:
- Priority Application Deadline: July 5, 2026
- Final Selection Announcement: July 20, 2026
- Program Duration: August 17 – December 18, 2026
- Summit (Final Pitch Event): December 18, 2026
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis after the priority deadline until all positions are filled.
What the Enlight Fellowship Offers
The fellowship provides a comprehensive package of benefits aimed at accelerating leadership growth and venture scalability.
1. Leadership and Entrepreneurship Training
Participants will engage in expert-led workshops covering:
- Business development and strategy
- Financial literacy and sustainability
- Leadership and personal growth
- Social innovation and impact measurement
These sessions are facilitated by global experts and successful entrepreneurs.
2. Personalized Mentorship and Life Coaching
Fellows receive:
- One-on-one mentorship from industry experts
- Guidance from experienced facilitators and speakers
- Personalized life coaching to support leadership development
This ensures tailored support for both professional and personal growth.
3. Financial Tools and Venture Support
Participants gain access to:
- Financial frameworks and tools
- Funding strategies and investment readiness training
- Support from Watson Institute’s global network
These resources help strengthen the financial sustainability of each venture.
4. Basecamp Initiative (Community Impact)
A key component of the fellowship is the Basecamp model, where fellows:
- Design and lead a 1-day community workshop
- Support early-stage entrepreneurs
- Receive a stipend for community engagement
This approach ensures that fellows not only grow individually but also contribute to their local ecosystems.
5. Pitch Training and Global Exposure
Fellows will:
- Develop professional pitching skills
- Refine storytelling and communication strategies
- Present their ventures at a global Summit
At the final Summit, participants pitch to:
- Investors
- Community leaders
- Mentors
- Representatives from the Enlight Foundation
6. Global Network and Alumni Community
Participants join a vibrant global network that offers:
- Long-term mentorship
- Collaboration opportunities
- Continued access to resources
- Career and funding pathways
Immersive Experience (In-Person + Virtual)
The fellowship begins with a week-long immersive experience, which is a core highlight of the program.
Location Options:
Fellows will attend one of the following:
- Boulder, Colorado (USA)
- Week 1: August 17–21, 2026 (In-person)
- Week 2: August 24–27, 2026 (Virtual)
- Qingshan Village, Hangzhou (China)
- Week 1: July 3–9, 2026 (In-person)
- Week 2: August 24–27, 2026 (Virtual)
Additional regional networking events will take place throughout the fellowship.
Weekly Schedule and Time Commitment
The program requires consistent engagement:
- Workshops: Every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday
- Time Slots:
- 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM MT
- 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM MT
- Weekly Commitment: 8–10 hours
Activities include:
- Workshops
- Mentorship sessions
- Community engagement
- Basecamp planning
- Summit preparation
Eligibility Criteria
The Enlight Fellowship is designed for committed, impact-driven leaders.
Who Can Apply?
Applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Focus on Youth Mental Wellbeing
- Must be actively building solutions addressing youth mental health challenges
- Venture Stage
- Organization or business operating for 1–5 years
- Fewer than 10 employees
- Demonstrated traction (users, results, or funding)
- Global Eligibility
- Open to applicants worldwide
- Strong focus on leaders working in China and globally
- Age Requirement
- Must be 18 years or older
- Commitment
- Ability to fully participate in the 16-week program
Check full eligibility requirements HERE!
Why You Should Apply
The Enlight Fellowship offers a rare opportunity to:
- Scale your mental health initiative globally
- Learn from world-class experts
- Access funding and mentorship opportunities
- Join a global community of changemakers
Ideal Candidate Profile
The fellowship seeks individuals who:
- Are passionate about improving youth mental wellbeing
- Demonstrate leadership and entrepreneurial mindset
- Have scalable and impactful solutions
- Are eager to grow through mentorship and collaboration
Application Process
The selection process is structured and competitive.
Step-by-Step Process:
- Submit Application
- Complete online application (approx. 30 minutes)
- Application Review
- Evaluated by admissions committee
- Interview
- 20-minute virtual interview for shortlisted candidates
- Final Selection
- Results announced by July 20, 2026
- Enrollment
- Confirm participation before program start
Click HERE to start your application!
For more information about this opportunity, visit HERE.
Conclusion
The Enlight Fellowship 2026 stands out as a transformative opportunity for rising leaders committed to improving youth mental wellbeing worldwide.
With full funding, immersive learning experiences, global mentorship, and access to powerful networks, this program equips fellows with the skills and resources needed to create lasting, meaningful impact.
If you are building a solution that supports youth mental health and are ready to take your impact to the next level, this fellowship is designed for you.
Discover more global Fellowship opportunities on OFY HERE.
