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 7400, 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?
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.
Explore the full impact of our journey and our vision for the next five years in the Healthy Communities Fellowship Five Year Impact Report.
THE FELLOWSHIP IN ACTION: HEAR FROM FELLOWS & PARTNERS
WHAT TO EXPECT?
September 30, 2026
Nominations Open
October 30, 2026
Nominations Close
Early December 2026
Applicants are notified of their status
January 2027
Fellowship begins
For the 2027 Fellowship, priority will be given to grassroots leaders, community organizers, entrepreneurs, and innovators working across sectors in Laredo, Texas; 22 counties across the Rio Grande Valley, Texas; and Louisville, Kentucky*, who are addressing pressing social and economic challenges in their communities.
*See the full list below.
FAQ
Interested in learning more. Watch now.
Yes. You can nominate yourself.
You can apply through this link between September 30th and October 30th for the 2027 cohort.
For the 2027 Fellowship, priority consideration will be given to leaders, community organizers, entrepreneurs, and innovators from Laredo, Texas; 22 counties across the Rio Grande Valley region of Texas; and Louisville, Kentucky who are addressing social and economic challenges within and across their communities.
Rio Grande Valley counties include:
Brooks County, Cameron County, Dimmit County, Edwards County, Hidalgo County, Jim Hogg County, Kenedy County, Kinney County, La Salle County, Maverick County, Starr County, Uvalde County, Val Verde County, Webb County, Willacy County, Zapata County, and Zavala County
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 2027 class nominations open September 30, 2026, and close October 30, 2026.
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.
