2025 Aspire Leaders Program: Cohort 4 & 5

The Aspire Leaders Program 2025 is a fully funded, online leadership development initiative designed for young adults aged 18–29 from limited-income backgrounds or who are the first in their families to attend university. This free program offers a transformative journey to cultivate leadership skills, enhance professional development, and build a global network of peers and mentors.

🌏 Program Overview

• Duration: 9 weeks (August 6 – October 7, 2025)

• Application Deadline: July 9, 2025, at 11:59 P.M. EST

• Format: Fully online and accessible worldwide

• Cost: Completely free, with no application or participation fees.

✅ Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must:

• Be between 18 and 29 years old

• Be currently enrolled in an undergraduate program or have recently graduated (not enrolled in or graduated from a postgraduate program)

• Come from a limited-income background or be the first in their family to attend university

⚠️ NOTE: The program defines "limited income" broadly, allowing individuals to self-identify based on personal circumstances, acknowledging that economic disadvantage varies across different regions and contexts.

🧩 Program Structure

Module 1: Personal & Professional Development (3 weeks)

Participants engage in a strengths-based leadership skills assessment and access professional development resources co-created with Harvard Business School, including guidance on creating a LinkedIn profile, crafting a resume, interviewing tips, and networking strategies.

Module 2: Aspire Horizons Course (5 weeks)

This leadership development course, designed and delivered by Harvard University faculty, covers topics such as understanding oneself as a leader, building trust, digital transformation and AI, addressing community challenges, and taking action in communities worldwide.

Masterclasses: 

Throughout the program, participants attend synchronous sessions led by world-class educators from universities around the world, fostering immersive learning and discussions with a global cohort of peers and mentors.

🎓 Post-Program Opportunities

Upon completion, alumni gain access to extended leadership programs, including a vibrant community of young leaders, mentors, and funding opportunities to support their continued growth and impact.

📝 Application Process

The application is straightforward, requiring approximately 10 minutes to complete, with no essays, recommendations, or resumes needed. Applicants must verify their email and ensure all required sections are completed before submission.

🔗 OFFICIAL LINK

2025 Aspire Leaders Program: Cohort 4 & 5