Posted on December 10, 2011

Open Society Foundations, Echoing Green Launch Fellowship Program

The Open Society Foundations and Echoing Green have announced the launch of a fellowship program designed to support social entrepreneurs who are starting up new organizations in the field of black male achievement.

The Open Society Black Male Achievement Fellowship program will award stipends of $70,000 to eight individuals who are pursuing ideas and ventures in the areas of education, family, and work that improve life outcomes of black men and boys. Fellowships also will be awarded for efforts in the areas of communications and philanthropic leadership.

During his or her fellowship, each participant will receive technical assistance over eighteen months to help them launch and build their organization; access to technical support, pro bono partnerships, and a community of like-minded social entrepreneurs; and other benefits. Applications will be accepted online through January 9.

For over two decades, Echoing Green has managed a social entrepreneur fellowship program. Of the participants that enroll in its program, 85 percent remain in the social sector in leadership positions after their fellowship ends.

"The pioneering efforts of social entrepreneurs have real and long-term systemic impacts on society," said Echoing Green president Cheryl L. Dorsey. "We're excited to be partners in this new fellowship program focused on black male achievement. When all segments of our society succeed, we can be much more innovative and competitive as a country."