Rising Leaders of Mexico Fellowship 2025 | Applications Now Open
- Omran Aburayya
- 9 hours ago
- 3 min read
If you are a passionate entrepreneur or community leader in Mexico seeking to amplify your impact, applications for the Rising Leaders of Mexico Fellowship 2025 are now open! This fully-funded fellowship, powered by the Watson Institute, offers a transformative journey designed to equip you with the tools, mentorship, and global network needed to scale your venture. With a 5-day immersive experience in Boulder, Colorado, and a comprehensive 16-week curriculum, you will join a cohort of driven changemakers committed to creating positive change across Mexico.
🗒️ Fellowship Summary
Location: Boulder, Colorado, USA (in-person immersive) + virtual sessions
Host Institution: Watson Institute
Study Level: Fellowship program (professional/entrepreneurial development)
Target Group: Entrepreneurs and community leaders based in Mexico
Fields of Study / Focus: Social entrepreneurship, business development, community leadership
Award Value and Coverage: Fully funded (covers all tuition, mentorship, Basecamp stipend, and travel support for immersive)
Award Duration: August 18 – December 2, 2025
Application Deadline: Priority deadline – June 22, 2025 (rolling admissions thereafter)
Start Date: August 18, 2025
Eligible To: Applicants 18 years or older, located in or impacting communities in Mexico, particularly in Baja California Sur, Oaxaca, and Monterrey.
🎓 Fellowship Overview
The Rising Leaders of Mexico Fellowship is a prestigious and intensive program tailored for Mexican social entrepreneurs ready to scale established ventures. The fellowship experience includes:
5-Day In-Person Immersive: Held in Boulder, Colorado (August 18–22, 2025), fostering deep connections, leadership training, and venture scaling strategies.
Virtual Workshops: Interactive online sessions (Tuesdays–Thursdays, 10:00 AM–12:00 PM MT) to strengthen core entrepreneurial skills.
Basecamp Project: Each Fellow designs and leads a 1–3 day community workshop, applying leadership skills in a real-world setting, supported by a stipend.
Impact Series: Fireside chats and workshops with influential social impact leaders.
Braintrusts: Exclusive intimate discussions with experienced entrepreneurs and business leaders offering practical feedback.
Pitch Development: Fellows will refine their venture pitches and receive a professional recording to leverage for future fundraising and visibility.
Schedule Commitment:
8–10 hours per week from August to December 2025
Additional time for planning and leading Basecamp events
🎁 Fellowship Benefits
Full Financial Support: Covers program fees, travel support for the Boulder immersion, Basecamp stipend.
Mentorship Access: One-on-one coaching, entrepreneur-in-residence support, and expert-led mentorship circles.
Professional Pitch Recording: Creation of a polished, professional pitch video to advance your venture’s visibility.
Skills Development: Hands-on training in leadership, business development, strategic planning, and resilience building.
Networking Opportunities: Connection to a vibrant community of Fellows, alumni, funders, and global change leaders.
Visibility and Recognition: Showcase your work at Watson Institute events and gain national and international exposure.
Community Empowerment: Hands-on opportunity to impact your local community through the Basecamp initiative.
✅ Eligibility Criteria
To be considered for the Rising Leaders of Mexico Fellowship 2025, you must:
Be 18 years or older
Reside in Mexico or have a strong impact in Mexican communities
Be the founder, co-founder, or primary decision-maker of a for-profit or nonprofit venture
Demonstrate a clear track record of creating positive change
Have a venture that is beyond the idea stage (already serving customers or beneficiaries)
Preference will be given to applicants from Baja California Sur, Oaxaca, and Monterrey
Ventures in the fields of education, health, sustainable manufacturing, agriculture, technology, renewable energy, and financial literacy are highly encouraged
📝 Application Procedure
Step 1: Online Application
Complete the online application form (approximately 30 minutes). Submit by June 22, 2025 for priority consideration. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis thereafter.
Step 2: Application Review
Applications will be reviewed by the Watson Institute Admissions Committee, prioritizing entrepreneurs with demonstrated potential for scalable impact.
Step 3: Interview Stage
Shortlisted candidates will be invited for a 20-minute Zoom interview to discuss their venture, leadership journey, and alignment with fellowship goals.
Step 4: Final Selection
Successful applicants will be notified by July 15, 2025, and must confirm enrollment to secure their spot.
📂Documents Required
Completed online application form
Personal information and venture details
Short essays describing your leadership journey and venture impact
No application fees required
ℹ️ Additional Information
Priority Fields: Education, edtech, financial literacy, sustainable manufacturing, nutrition and agtech, e-commerce, healthcare, mental health, renewable energy, technology, and software.
Travel Details: Travel to Boulder, Colorado, for the immersive experience is fully covered.
Community Impact: On average, each Fellow’s Basecamp impacts over 600 individuals, showcasing the Fellowship’s powerful ripple effect across Mexico.
🔗 OFFICIAL LINK