There is one final opportunity to join the 2021 Fellowship. With thanks to some brand new funding partnerships, we are delighted to offer two additional bursaries to emerging social entrepreneurs with lived experience of the social issues they are aiming to tackle.
Lived experience is the direct personal experience of a social issue or injustice. Read more on our Medium publication, Here and Now.
We’re looking to offer places in the Fellowship, starting on 15th February 2021, to people with lived experience of the criminal justice system or of life shocks.
To be considered for a place on the programme and one of our lived experience bursaries, you’ll need to submit an application by midnight, Sunday 17th September. If you are successful at application stage, you’ll be invited to a selection workshop on January 21st.
At Year Here we understand the value of lived experience when attempting to address societies greatest challenges; Which is why we have made these new bursaries available. However, we also understand speaking about your lived experience or life-shocks may be challenging or potentially traumatic. We ask that you share only information you feel comfortable disclosing to us. The purpose of gathering this information is to ensure applicants qualify for this support. This information will be used for internal use only and will not be disclosed outside of the purpose of this bursary.
Who is eligible for bursary support?
To be eligible for our lived experience leadership bursaries, you must have both of the following:
- Lived experience of the criminal justice system or of life shocks; and
- Evidence that you don’t have the means to take part in the programme without financial support.
How much are the bursaries?
The bursaries are £5,000. They are paid in 4 equal instalments of £1,250 over the course of the 10-month programme.
What counts as lived experience?
Lived experience of the criminal justice system includes:
- direct experience with the police or youth offending teams;
- you or someone directly related to you having been charged for and/or convicted of a crime; or
- you being a victim/survivor of a serious crime.
Life shocks are unexpected events that result in a negative financial impact for individuals and families. They might be caused by a sudden change in individual’s employment status, health, housing situations or caring responsibilities – or, perhaps, a bereavement.
What is the application and selection process?
The application and selection process is a condensed version of our regular process.
The first step is to complete our sign up form. We’ll check your eligibility and, if you are eligible, you’ll be sent an online application form covering your background, motivation and interest in social entrepreneurship.
If your written application is successful, you’ll be invited along for a selection workshop on January 21st and final interview – as well as having the chance to apply for financial support.
If you’re successful at selection workshop, you’ll be offered a Fellowship shortly after. This offer is conditional on references.
When will I find out if I’ve been accepted into the programme?
If you are successful, you will be offered your position by Friday 22nd January.
The programme will start on 15th February as per the current prospectus.
Can I apply to the programme even if I don’t have lived experience?
You are welcome to apply to the 2021 programme, kicking off in February, but you won’t be eligible for financial support.
Can I apply if I want to join the 2021/22 programme?
These bursaries are only available for our 2021 intake, kicking off in February.
We do not offer deferrals so, if you want to join the 2021/22 programme, kicking off at the end of August, apply during our next recruitment intake in March 2021.