HerStart Fellowship 2025 Is Now Open—Here’s How to Snag Your Spot Before It’s Too Late!

HerStart Fellowship 2025 Is Now Open: If you’re a young Canadian changemaker dreaming of going global while making a real difference—stop scrolling. The HerStart International Fellowship 2025 is officially open, and this isn’t just another post-grad gig. It’s your ticket to impact-driven work abroad—and yep, it’s fully funded.

Think 3 months in Ghana, Uganda, or Tanzania, empowering women entrepreneurs, working on climate action projects, and building global leadership skills—all while your flight, visa, health insurance, and housing are covered. It’s part mission, part career boost, and 100% unforgettable.

HerStart Fellowship 2025 Is Now Open

The HerStart Fellowship 2025 isn’t just a trip—it’s your gateway to purpose, people, and professional growth. You’ll be shaping lives, including your own, in communities that welcome your skills and energy. With applications closing soon and spots limited, now’s the moment to act.

What’s the HerStart Fellowship All About?

Run by Youth Challenge International (YCI), HerStart is more than a fellowship—it’s a movement for gender equality, inclusive economies, and climate action. You’ll be embedded in a local community, helping drive entrepreneurship and innovation with women-led organizations.

Whether you’re crafting social media stories in Tanzania, leading training workshops in Uganda, or crunching data in Ghana, your work will leave a footprint—and fuel your personal growth.

Who Can Apply for Fellowship?

You qualify if you:

• Are 18–30 years old
• Are a Canadian citizen or permanent resident
• Speak English fluently
• Have post-secondary education or equivalent work experience
• Own a personal laptop
• Are fully vaccinated against COVID-19
• Can commit to raising $2,500 CAD (YCI supports your campaign)

Why You Shouldn’t Sleep on This Opportunity

1. No Student Debt Required

Your travel, accommodation, training, and even a monthly living stipend are fully funded. You won’t need to break the bank to make a global impact.

2. Experience That Gets You Hired

HerStart alumni go on to careers with UN agencies, international nonprofits, and government roles. This isn’t fluff—it’s real-world, cross-cultural, purpose-driven work.

3. Direct Community Impact

Since its launch, HerStart has supported over 650 women entrepreneurs, helped launch 130+ new businesses, and trained more than 1,500 participants in climate-resilient entrepreneurship.

4. You’re Not Alone

From pre-departure training to on-ground mentorship, to the HerStart Alumni Network, you’re supported at every turn.

Available Fellowship Roles

Choose from four professional pathways:

Social Entrepreneurship Fellow

Support female founders with mentorship, business model design, and access to resources.

Communications & Marketing Fellow

Create compelling visual and written content. You’ll amplify local voices and successes to a global audience.

Research & Learning Fellow

Dive into surveys, impact reports, and program evaluations to optimize delivery and fundraising.

Program & Partnerships Fellow

Strengthen NGO partnerships, organize training sessions, and collaborate on strategic program growth.

How to Apply (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Visit the Official Website

Go to yci.org/herstart/fellowships and explore roles available for your skills.

Step 2: Prep Your Application

You’ll need:

• A recent resume
• Written answers to a few long-form questions
• Samples of past work (for creative roles)

Step 3: References

Have two academic or professional references ready. You’ll be asked to provide them post-screening.

Step 4: Plan Your Fundraising

You’ll raise $2,500 CAD before departure. YCI gives you templates, coaching, and a support system.

Step 5: Submit Before June 2, 2025

Don’t procrastinate—apps are reviewed on a rolling basis!

Fellowship Timeline (Fall Cohort)

For Parents & Guardians: Is This Safe?

Absolutely. YCI has over 30 years of experience in youth placements and partners with vetted local organizations. Fellows are insured, receive emergency support, and go through rigorous pre-departure training that covers safety, mental health, and culture shock.

This isn’t backpacking—it’s structured, supervised leadership training abroad.

Alumni Voices

“I joined HerStart hoping to help—and ended up being changed myself. Working with women entrepreneurs in Ghana taught me more about resilience and leadership than any textbook.”
— Renee C., 2023 Fellow

“It’s more than a fellowship. It’s a launchpad.”
— Carlos M., 2024 Fellow

Quote from YCI Leadership

“We believe youth are powerful agents of change. HerStart empowers young Canadians to lead projects with tangible outcomes for women and communities across the globe.”
— Julie Harland, Program Director, YCI

Stay Connected & Get Help

Follow HerStart on Instagram: @herstart_yci
Email: [email protected]
Apply Now: yci.org/herstart/fellowships

FAQs About HerStart Fellowship 2025 Is Now Open

What if I’ve never traveled abroad?

No problem! Many fellows are first-time travelers. YCI offers extensive pre-departure training to prep you.

Is the fundraising goal mandatory?

Yes, but it’s doable. Fellows use events, social media, and GoFundMe-style platforms. You’ll get help every step of the way.

Can I choose where I’m placed?

You can express a preference during application, but placements are based on fit and availability.

Is this a volunteer or a paid role?

It’s technically a funded volunteer placement. You’re not earning a salary, but you receive a stipend and all expenses are covered.

Will this help my career?

Absolutely. Alumni have gone on to graduate schools, policy fellowships, nonprofit leadership roles, and more.