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What is The Ripple Center Fellowship?
The Ripple Fellowship is a fully-funded immersive social entrepreneurship program for young adults, ages 18 - 24, who live, work, or go to school in New Jersey during the length of the Fellowship. Fellows will… 1. meet in-person as a cohort (6x) for field experiences and learning opportunities with impact businesses and leaders 2. construct a business plan that incorporates people and planet 3. engage in a weekly online curriculum facilitated by experts and changemakers 4. be paired with a mentor, who specializes in the Fellow’s business needs 5. participate in a formal incentivized business pitch
What is social entrepreneurship?
Social entrepreneurship is enacting business practices that account for people and the planet as much as it does profit. Therefore, a social entrepreneur is someone who creates business opportunities that have a positive environmental and human impact locally and/or globally.
What is the length of the Fellowship?
The Fellowship lasts 8 months. It begins September 7, 2024 and runs through April 7, 2025.
What is the time commitment to be a Fellow?
Fellows will be expected to attend weekly 1-2 hour virtual sessions (with the exception of holiday breaks). Fellows will also work independently on their business plan to meet relevant deadlines. There will be several New Jersey travel experiences to different locations throughout the state. The full Fellowship calendar, including in-person and virtual meetings, and the curriculum outline, will be made available to individuals when they are notified about their selection.
What are the dates of the in-person experiences?
The 2024-2025 dates (though subject to change) for these experiences will be September 7, October 25, December 7, January 14, March 2 and April 6. These experiences may include visits to: Subaru of America, Tony’s Chocolonely (NYC), Sustainable Haus, Hackensack Riverkeeper EcoCruise, and more…
How many Fellows will be selected for the 2024-2025 year?
We will be selecting up to 15 Fellows for the 2024-2025 year.
Who is eligible to apply to The Ripple Fellowship?
This opportunity is available to any individuals, ages 18 - 24, that will be living, working, or going to school in New Jersey between September 7, 2024 and April 7, 2025.
Can I apply to the Fellowship if I am attending school?
Absolutely. This opportunity is open to any motivated individuals ages 18 - 24.
Can I apply to the Fellowship if I’m not presently attending school?
Absolutely. This opportunity is open to any motivated individuals ages 18 - 24.
Are there any educational requirements?
No, we recognize that impactful entrepreneurs come from all different backgrounds.
What is the application deadline for The Ripple Fellowship?
Applications will be accepted until April 7, 2024.
What qualifications and/or characteristics are you looking for in a Fellowship cohort?
During our Admissions process, the committee will work to assemble a cohort of Fellows that are diverse in character, social entrepreneurship qualities, and merit. We are seeking highly motivated and ambitious individuals who work well independently and in a group. Additionally, our cohort will aim to represent the full spectrum of diversity in New Jersey in all demographic categories.
What if I turn 25 during the course of the Fellowship?
As long as you are between the ages of 18 and 24 when the Fellowship begins on September 7, 2024, you are eligible to apply.
Does my business have to be environmentally-focused?
Environmental decisions will guide your business, but that does not have to be the sole focus of the products and/or services you will be developing and creating.
What important dates should I remember?
1. November 1, 2023 - Applications open 2. April 7, 2024 - Applications close 3. April 8, 2024 - Interviews begin 4. April 22, 2024 - Fellows notified 5. May 3, 2024 - Fellows commit 6. September 7, 2024 - Fellowship begins
What are the Covid-19 protocols for participation?
We request that Fellows who are not feeling well prior to an in-person experience test themselves for COVID-19.
Do I need a vehicle to travel to the in-person experiences?
The Ripple Center will work with you to make sure you have transportation to and from our in-person experiences. If you are able to drive your own vehicle, we will reimburse you for tolls, parking and gas. If you need the use of public or private transportation, we will assist you with making the arrangements and covering the costs.
Do Fellows receive stipends?
Each Fellows will receive a $750 stipend to assist them with any financial burdens they may encounter while investing time into their business plans. This stipend can be used however a Fellow chooses.
Are there any materials I will need?
Fellows will need a computer or laptop with a web camera as well as internet access.
Does my involvement and connection to The Ripple Center end when the Fellowship concludes?
Completing the Ripple Fellowship will give you lifelong access to this community. Opportunities include being a part of the Alumni council, sitting on future Admissions committees, and having access to our network of mentors, facilitators and networking resources.