Selection for the Leadership & Society Initiative

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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:โ€ฏ

  • 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 Rรฉsumรฉ or Personal Biography
  • The candidateโ€™s background will be reviewed by the LSI Selection Committee.
  • All candidacies are vetted to ensure alignment with LSIโ€™s eligibility criteria.
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 nomineeโ€™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

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.

2027-2028 Fellowship Timeline

December 1, 2026

Early Admittance Deadline

Candidacy Deadline: December 1, 2026
Full Application Invitations: December 8, 2026
Application Deadline: January 15, 2027
Interviews: January 28 – February 10, 2027
Admissions Decisions: February 15, 2027

February 5, 2027

Round 1 Deadline

Candidacy Deadline: February 5, 2027
Full Application Invitations: February 12, 2027
Application Deadline: March 15, 2027
Interviews: March 30 – April 9, 2027
Admissions Decisions: April 15, 2027

March 25, 2027

Round 2 Deadline

Candidacy Deadline: March 25, 2027
Full Application Invitations: April 2, 2027
Application Deadline: April 30, 2027
Interviews: May 17 – June 4, 2027
Admissions Decisions: June 10, 2027

June 1, 2027

Round 3 Deadline

Candidacy Deadline: June 1, 2027
Full Application Invitations: June 7, 2027
Application Deadline: July 5, 2027
Interviews: July 26 – August 6, 2027
Admissions Decisions: August 10, 2027

June 1 – September 1, 2027

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.

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