Program Overview

Introduction to the Fellowship For Change Program

The Fellowship For Change (FFC) program is a one-year scholarship program for high school students passionate about leading transformative change. Launched by the Qi Social Innovation Center in partnership with Columbia Global Center Beijing, the program aims to equip young social innovators with the skills, knowledge, and mindsets to inspire and effect meaningful progress in their communities and beyond.

Program Overview

• The program is completed in parallel with academic schooling.
• It is anchored through three in-person Learning Summits where Fellows come together during the summer break, the winter holiday, and the following summer break.
• These Learning Summits offer Fellows an opportunity to gather with leading industry professionals and scholars from Columbia University in interactive sessions that include:
  • Academic sessions led by Columbia professors and other facilitators on key learning modules.
  • Experiential learning with organizations, companies, and communities that are creating social impact or by inviting guest speakers to share their experiences.
  • Reading discussions to encourage reflection on philosophical readings and engage Fellows in sharing diverse perspectives.
  • Team building activities to understand individual strengths and how to effectively work together in unity for the common good.
  • Project studio time enables fellows to apply learning in real time to their project development and execution.

Program Highlights

• Learn from World-Class Facilitators
• Connect to the Real World
• Forge a Global Network

Eligibility and Application Process

• The program is open to students throughout China entering Grades 10-12 in September 2026 who have displayed a proven commitment to creating a better world for future generations.
• The Selection Committee looks for students who:
  • Deeply care about social or environmental issues that impact communities
  • Are service-oriented
  • Persevere and learn from failure or challenges
  • Are creative problem solvers that take action
  • Display intellectual curiosity
  • Prioritize consultation and collaboration, seeking to listen and learn from the community of stakeholders
  • Bring diverse perspectives from their life experience, culture, and background
  • Can balance the Fellowship program with school studies
  • Have good English speaking and listening skills to understand professors and reading materials, and actively participate in discussions

Application Details

• Application Deadline: January 11, 2026
• Shortlist Notification: Applicants selected for interviews will be notified before the Chinese New Year.
• Interviews: Shortlisted candidates will participate in up to two interview rounds in February and March 2026.
• Offers: Successful applicants will receive an offer to participate in the Fellowship for Change (first offers sent by the end of March)

Frequently Asked Questions

• To apply, do you need to have an existing project to work on? No, an existing project is not mandatory to apply.
• Can I apply if I am a student living overseas? Yes, however, you must commit to attending all three in-person Learning Summits and the online Learning Sessions, and work with local communities in China to address a social or environmental issue.
• Can I apply if I am in Grade 7 or 8 now? No, applications from students who are currently in Grade 7 or 8 will not be considered for the Fellowship for Change.
• What is the time commitment during the school year for the Fellowship For Change? The privilege of being a Fellow comes with responsibility and time commitment to undertake research and meaningful action.
• Do I work in a team or by myself in the Fellowship For Change? Fellows can choose to either work in teams or individually on a project.
• Do I receive grades or have to take tests as part of the Fellowship program? No, there are no grades or tests.
• What happens if I cannot attend a Learning Summit? Fellows are required to attend all three learning summits. If a Fellow cannot attend a Learning Summit, they cannot continue participating in the Fellowship program.
• Are there any expenses to take part in the Fellowship program? The Fellowship For Change program is a scholarship program, covering all expenses including hotel accommodation, field visits transportation, meals for all three in-person Learning Summits, and curriculum materials. However, travel to and from the three in-person Learning Summits will need to be paid by the Fellows. Financial aid can be applied if the family cannot afford travel expenses.
• If I do not get into FFC this year, can I apply again next year? Yes, we encourage anyone who does not get into FFC to apply again the following year, regardless of whether you applied for FFC in previous years, and assuming you are still in high school.

Past Cohorts

• The 2025 cohort was selected from a highly competitive pool of applicants based on their demonstrated commitment to social impact, creativity in problem-solving, and potential for driving systemic change.
• The 2024 cohort comprises individuals from diverse backgrounds, all of whom share a passion for creating a more equitable and sustainable future.

Advisory Board

• The Advisory Board consists of esteemed individuals with expertise in various fields, including social innovation, environmental sustainability, and education.
• Members include:
  • MA Jun, Founder and President of the Institute of Finance and Sustainability
  • ZHANG Mei, Founder of Wild China
  • Husayn Anwar, Environmental Consultant
  • Spring Fu, Managing Director at the Aspen Institute
  • Jack Hsu, Founder and CEO of the Ivy Education Group
  • Helena Xiao, Deputy Director of the Columbia Global Center Beijing
  • SHAO Yue, Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Energy Foundation China
  • Elizabeth Sobhani, Director of Social Innovation at Ivy Education Group and Director of the Qi Social Innovation Center

The Fellowship For Change program offers a unique opportunity for high school students to develop their skills, knowledge, and mindsets to create meaningful social impact. With its comprehensive curriculum, interactive learning sessions, and global network, the program equips young social innovators to drive transformative change in their communities and beyond.