Apply for the 2025 Dalai Lama Fellows Program for Emerging Leaders & Changemakers Around the World
The Dalai Lama Fellows program is seeking 15-20 changemakers from around the world for the 2025 cohort. This unique fellowship is designed for emerging leaders who are committed to driving social change through compassion-based leadership and contemplative practices.
Application Timeline:
- October 15, 2024: Application opens
- December 3, 2024: Application deadline (22:00 UTC)
- February-March 2025: Fellows selected and notified
- March 2025: Virtual onboarding of new Fellows
- April 2025: Fellowship year begins (includes online curriculum, coaching, and group learning calls)
- July 2025: 5-day Contemplative Leadership Assembly (in the U.S.)
- April 2026: Fellowship year concludes; Fellows join the LifeLong Fellows global community
- July 2026: Contemplative Leadership Assembly (TBD location)
Eligibility Requirements:
To apply, candidates must meet the following minimum requirements:
- Age: 20-36 years old as of April 1, 2025
- Fluency: Proficiency in written and spoken English
- Social Change Project: Must be actively engaged in or planning to launch a social change project. Preference given to applicants with ongoing projects, but individuals with concrete plans and the necessary resources will also be considered.
- Community Knowledge: At least one year of experience working with the community you aim to serve
- Interest in Contemplative Practices: A willingness to engage in mindfulness and reflection throughout the year
- Commitment: Full participation in all aspects of the fellowship (approximately 12 hours/month, not including project work)
- Assembly Attendance: Must attend the Contemplative Leadership Assembly in July 2025 (DLF covers all travel, lodging, and meal costs)
Application Components:
The application includes:
- Applicant Background: Overview of your experience and social change work
- Short Essays: Responses to key questions about your project and leadership journey
- Video Submission: A personal introduction and statement of purpose
- Resume/CV: Detailing relevant experience and achievements
- Letter of Recommendation: From a mentor or professional reference
LIVE Info Sessions:
Join one of the live info sessions to learn more about the program and ask questions:
- Nov 22, 2024 @ 14:00 UTC – Register here
If you can’t attend live, a recording will be available here (passcode: ^Mpir36R).
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I apply if I’m outside the 20-36 age range? Unfortunately, we can only accept applications from individuals aged 20-36 as of April 1, 2025.
- Do I need to take time off from school/work? No! The fellowship is designed to fit alongside your current academic or professional responsibilities, though we recommend you set aside 12 hours per month for the program.
- Do I need to be interested in Buddhism? No. The program is non-sectarian and draws from various wisdom traditions. We encourage participants to connect with practices that resonate with their own backgrounds.
- Do I need to be a student? No. Applicants can be in school, working, or pursuing other professional endeavors.
- Can a team apply together? No, we encourage individual applications to foster personal growth and leadership development.
Selection Criteria:
The Dalai Lama Fellows program is not just about the projects, but about personal transformation and compassionate leadership. We evaluate candidates based on:
- Their ability to develop as social innovators
- Their self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and resilience
- Their commitment to connecting with others across differences and navigating complex systems
- The alignment of their social impact project with key areas: Health, Education, Social Justice, Environmental Sustainability, Contemplation, and Cultural Understanding
This fellowship is about impact through personal transformation, not just project outcomes. We’re looking for applicants who are ready to grow and develop as leaders who can create lasting, compassionate change in the world.
Apply Now!
If you are ready to embark on a transformative journey of leadership and social impact, apply for the 2025 Dalai Lama Fellows Program today!
For any questions, please visit our FAQs or email us at [email protected].
For more specific details on how to apply and eligibility requirements, VISIT HERE
