Deadline: January 7, 2018
Applications for the 2018 Our Generation Speaks (OGS) Cohort are now open. Our Generation Speaks (OGS) is a fellowship program and incubator where emerging leaders create high-impact ventures. The fellowship establishes a set of innovative enterprises that generate significant social and economic value, while creating a cohort of young Israeli and Palestinian community leaders who cooperate across ethnic and political lines to build shared prosperity within the region.
They empower fellows by providing them with:
- A fully-funded three-month residency at Brandeis University’s Heller School for Social Policy and Management, one of the top ten social policy schools in the US. Our tailor-made coursework focuses on entrepreneurship, communications, financial management, negotiation, and more, delivered by faculty of Brandeis University.
- One-on-one coaching and support from a highly accomplished network of Palestinian, Israeli, and American mentors from the private and public sectors, including serial entrepreneurs and leaders of Fortune 500 companies.
- An ideal environment to receive seed funding and resources to launch high-impact ventures through our partnerships with MassChallenge, the world’s largest startup accelerator, and MIT, a globally-recognized research university.
- Ongoing support from our network and the OGS Alumni Organization to fellowship graduates and startups launched from the fellowship.
OGS-MIT TRACK: New in the 2018 Fellowship, six fellows will have the opportunity to participate in a collaborative partnership with MIT to develop ventures in the fields of architecture, urban planning, and real estate.
Benefits
As an OGS Fellow, you will be connected to a network of global entrepreneurs, angel investors, venture philanthropists, and leaders of Fortune 500 companies. Their fellowship is fully-funded to ensure that fellows can focus on what really matters.
They provide:
- Round-trip travel from the region to Boston, including visa application and border crossing fees
- Comfortable living arrangements, including accommodations for all genders, ethnicities, and religions
- All meals, transportation, and other logistical necessities
- Dedicated fellowship personnel, including a full-time staff member in-residence
- A modest stipend for living expenses during the fellowship
- A world-class academic program customized for OGS Fellows with tuition, fees, and books included
- One-on-one mentoring from the OGS Network of business and community leaders
- Guidance and coaching for the ventures created through the fellowship
- Social activities, including professional sporting matches and evening outings in Boston
- Access to the OGS Network of entrepreneurs and investors and the OGS Alumni Organization, comprised of over forty-five fellowship graduates
- Seed funding for the startups launched from the fellowship
- Continued support for ventures, including pro bono services from top legal firms
- Access to the OGS Alumni Fund for need-based financial aid to support alumni who continue to work on OGS ventures in the region
Eligibility
OGS seeks a highly-qualified group of 28 Israelis and Palestinians between the ages of 21-30 who have:
- Completed an undergraduate degree;
- A valid passport (US visa not necessary for application);
- A working knowledge of English and strong communication skills;
- A history of demonstrated leadership and aspirations to lead in new capacities;
- Proven experience working successfully in a team environment;
- Dedication to the OGS Values;
- The ability to complete the entire duration of the program (June 4-August 31, 2018); and
- A commitment to continued involvement with OGS activities in the region.
If you do not meet the above criteria but you still feel that you would contribute to the program (e.g. you are 31 years old), please send an introductory email to [email protected] making your case for consideration.
Selection Criteria
Applications will be assessed based on the following:
- ABILITY TO MOTIVATE OTHERS OGS: Fellows demonstrate self-awareness, personal motivation, empathy, and social skills. They see themselves as change agents and work efficiently and comfortably in a team environment.
- COMMITMENT TO SOCIAL & ECONOMIC IMPACT OGS Fellows are passionate about bridging communities, fostering cooperation, and creating access to opportunities. They use innovative approaches to provide positive changes in the lives of others and address business and social challenges.
- DEMONSTRATED LEADERSHIP The OGS Fellowship is designed to build upon the existing skillset of our fellows to set them on an accelerated trajectory that maximizes their impact in the community.
- ENTREPRENEURIAL MINDSET OGS Fellows are individuals who actively seek positive change, rather than those who await it. They are problem solvers who pursue unique solutions, implement creative and innovative thinking in their work, and strive to improve themselves and their surroundings.
Application
The OGS Application takes 3-4 hours to complete and includes:
- 4 essay responses, one of which can be submitted in video form
- Your undergraduate academic transcript
- 1-2 letters of recommendation
- 1 professional reference, who may be contacted via phone
- Your CV or resume
Due to the competitive nature of the OGS Fellowship, they are only able to accept 28 candidates to the program.
Applicants selected to move forward into our interviewing phase will be notified by January 21, 2018. Interviews will be conducted between January 28-February 4, 2018 in Israel and Palestine.
If you have any questions regarding the offerings of the OGS Fellowship, you may contact us at [email protected].
For more information, visit Our Generation Speaks Fellowship.
