The Aspen Healthy Communities Fellowship 2027 is now open for nominations and self-nominations. The application deadline is October 30, 2026. This one-year fellowship supports U.S.-based local leaders who are building healthier communities through grassroots work, organizing, innovation, and cross-sector leadership.
The program is offered by Aspen Global Innovators at the Aspen Institute. It provides tailored communication, narrative, and leadership training, along with mentorship and access to a broader network. Importantly, all program costs are covered, although fellows do not receive a salary.
Application Deadline: October 30, 2026 (Nominations Close)
Eligible Countries: United States
Program Duration: One-year fellowship organized around four major in-person group meetings (approximately 3-4 days each) plus an estimated 5-10 hours per month of fellowship activities.
Program Location: United States (priority given to leaders in Laredo, Texas; 22 counties across the Rio Grande Valley region of Texas; and Louisville, Kentucky)
Funding/Benefits: All program costs covered (no salary)
Award Provider: Aspen Global Innovators (Aspen Institute)
About this Program
The Aspen Healthy Communities Fellowship is a U.S.-based leadership program for locally rooted leaders. It focuses on helping fellows strengthen their voice, expand their influence, and advance community change.
Throughout the year, fellows take part in individualized training in communication, narrative, and leadership. In addition, they receive mentorship and networking support through Aspen Global Innovators and the wider Aspen network.
The fellowship includes four major in-person group meetings. Each meeting lasts about 3 to 4 days. Fellows should also expect to spend about 5 to 10 hours each month on fellowship-related activities.
Eligibility Criteria
- Applicants must be U.S.-based local community leaders.
- The program is open to grassroots leaders, community organizers, entrepreneurs, and innovators working across sectors.
- Priority consideration is given to leaders from Laredo, Texas; specified Rio Grande Valley counties in Texas; and Louisville, Kentucky.
- There is no age limit.
- Self-nominations are accepted.
What Fellows Receive: Individualized and tailored communication, narrative, and leadership training; mentorship and access to Aspen Global Innovators’ network; program costs covered; op-ed development support, prize nomination consideration, attendance at Aspen events, and potential travel stipends as alumni opportunities
Program Components include:
- Attendance at four major in-person training meetings, with full attendance required
- Ongoing training and mentorship
- Support to write opinion pieces and develop advocacy plans
- Opportunities to conduct interviews and build a digital media presence
- Fellowship-related engagement of about 5 to 10 hours per month
How to Apply
Interested candidates should apply or submit a nomination through the official program page. Before applying, review the program expectations, location priorities, and participation requirements carefully.
👉 Visit the official fellowship page for details
