- The candidate’s background will be reviewed by the LSI Selection Committee.
- All candidacies are vetted to ensure alignment with LSI’s eligibility criteria.
Selection Criteria
LSI is a fellowship for distinguished leaders who are at a point of transition toward a purposeful next chapter.
We welcome candidacies from highly accomplished professionals who have begun or are nearing retirement from primary careers in any sector.
To be eligible for LSI, a candidate must demonstrate:
- At least two decades of senior-level leadership experience.
- A track record of significant professional accomplishment.
- A willingness to engage in deep, rigorous, and respectful open exchange with those who have differing perspectives.
- A proven commitment to address important societal issues, as illustrated through their career or volunteer leadership.
- A compelling vision for how participation in LSI will support a meaningful and impactful next chapter for the individual and for society.
Selection Process
Being considered for the LSI fellowship involves a three-step application process.
Note: There is no application fee for the LSI fellowship. English proficiency scores are not required for the selection process; however, international Fellows should be prepared to submit English proficiency scores as part of the visa process.
Step 1: Submit a Résumé or Personal Biography
Step 2: Complete an In-Depth Application
- If selected by the committee to move forward with the application process, a candidate will be asked to submit an in-depth application that includes:
- A personal Statement of Purpose of no more than 1,000 words explaining why the candidate is pursuing a next chapter of purpose for society and how the LSI experience can support their journey.
- Responses to four short answer questions.
- Contact information for two references who can attest to the nominee’s fitness for the fellowship experience.
Step 3: Participate in an Interview
- Individuals with successful applications are invited to present their candidacies through an interactive interview.
- Candidates have the opportunity to share their vision for how the fellowship will help to deepen their understanding of themselves and society as well as how their unique talents will bring value to the entire cohort.
Design & Imagine Pathways
2026-2027 Fellowship Timeline
December 5, 2025
Early Admittance Deadline
Candidacy Deadline: December 5, 2025
Full Application Invitations: December 15, 2025
Application Deadline: January 15, 2026
Interviews: February 2 – 13, 2026
Admissions Decisions: February 20, 2026
February 5, 2026
Round 1 Deadline
Candidacy Deadline: February 5, 2026
Full Application Invitations: February 11, 2026
Application Deadline: March 10, 2026
Interviews: March 30 – April 10, 2026
Admissions Decisions: April 15, 2026
March 20, 2026
Round 2 Deadline
Candidacy Deadline: March 20, 2026
Full Application Invitations: March 25, 2026
Application Deadline: April 20, 2026
Interviews: May 4 – 15, 2026
Admissions Decisions: May 20, 2026
May 30, 2026
Round 3 Deadline
Candidacy Deadline: May 30, 2026
Full Application Invitations: June 1, 2026
Application Deadline: July 1, 2026
Interviews: July 20 – 31, 2026
Admissions Decisions: August 10, 2026
June 1 – October 1, 2026
Rolling Admissions
Candidates will be considered on a rolling basis if Fellowship spots remain. Candidates will be invited to go through the application and interview process on an individualized timeline.