Healthy Communities Fellowship

Investing in community-based leaders driving solutions for healthy, thriving communities across the U.S.

OVERVIEW OF THE FELLOWSHIP

The Healthy Communities Fellowship prepares fellows to lead from a place of lived and learned experience as they cultivate healthy communities.We know that those closest to the challenges are best positioned to design and implement the most effective solutions. The Healthy Communities Fellowship provides individualized and tailored communication, narrative, and leadership training to locally rooted leaders who are building healthy communities.

During the fellowship, fellows learn to write opinion pieces, devise advocacy plans, conduct interviews, and establish a digital media presence that highlights their expertise and leadership. Leveraging the Aspen Global Innovators Group’s vast experience and influential network of more than 7000K, locally-rooted leaders accelerate and improve health and well-beings of their communities.

WHAT MAKES A HEALTHY COMMUNITIES FELLOW?

  • Healthy Communities Fellows are people who make things happen in their communities.
  • Fellows bring a deep connection and commitment to their work. It isn't just a job -- it's a passion.
  • The most successful fellows approach the year as an investment in themselves. That means making time to actively engage in training and mentorship, to think and write, and to support and be supported by their cohort.
  • This is a U.S.-based fellowship that benefits from curated connections with global leaders.

WHAT HAPPENS IN THE FELLOWSHIP?

  • 12-month intensive and individualized media and public speaking/narrative training
  • Support in strengthening their advocacy plan
  • 3-4 in-person convenings per year
  • Individualized support to tackle organizational or systemic challenges
  • Participation in high profile virtual and in person convenings

IMPACT OF THE FELLOWSHIP

Over the past five years, our fellows have engaged in over 650 hours of training and mentorship, published more than 30 impactful articles, and raised $6 million to support their innovative health initiatives.

HCF's Impact report highlights the remarkable achievements of our fellows, such as the work of alumni in improving maternal health, food security, and community wellness. It also showcases the dedication of our 2023 cohort in continuing to drive meaningful change in their communities.

As we look ahead, we remain committed to expanding our reach and fostering sustainability in both new and existing communities. The collective efforts of our fellows, partners, and supporters are paving the way for a healthier, more equitable future.

Map of HCF fellows

Explore the full impact of our journey and our vision for the next five years in the Healthy Communities Fellowship Five Year Impact Report.

2024 HCF Announcement Website (2000 x 600 px) (3)

THE FELLOWSHIP IN ACTION: HEAR FROM FELLOWS & PARTNERS

WHAT TO EXPECT?

October 1

Nominations Open

October 1

November 29

Nominations Close

November 29

December

Applicants are notified of their status

December

January 2025

Fellowship begins

January 2025

FAQ

Interested in learning more. Watch now.

Yes. You can nominate yourself.

Fellowship nominations October 1, 2024, for the 2025 cohort.

The Fellowship year is organized around four major group meetings, each of which is approximately 3-4 days long. Your full attendance at these in-person sessions is required. In addition to those training weeks, most fellows estimate spending about 5-10 hours per month working on fellowship-related activities, taking part in interviews, and writing opinion pieces.

We love communications people, but this fellowship is really for local community leaders.

No, we are looking for individuals of all age ranges!

We are looking for a person who has a record of significant positive impact in a local community by addressing health issues in an innovative way, using an explicit equity lens, or demonstrating strong advocacy efforts around one or more issues being faced by frontline health workers.

For the 2025 class nominations open Tuesday, October 1, 2024, and close Friday, November 29, 2024. 

No, but we will cover all costs for the fellowship.

Fellows will become part of a lifelong community with access to a deep network of support. Fellows will have the opportunity to continue to actively engage with the Aspen Global Innovators Group as program alumni and be eligible for many opportunities including op-ed development support, prize nominations, attendance at Aspen events, travel stipends, and more.

MEET OUR 2024 FELLOWS

Contact us at HealthyCommunities@aspeninstitute.org if you have any questions.