The Atlas Corps Virtual Leadership Institute is an online learning professional development program for global social change leaders based on the established Atlas Corps Global Leadership Lab. Participants, known as Atlas Corps Scholars, enhance their leadership skills, build their global networks, and prepare for leadership in their home communities. Atlas Corps launched Virtual Leadership Institute with Cohort 1 in November, 2020! Meet our Scholars here.

Themes 

The Virtual Leadership Institute focuses on three themes: Developing Self, Developing Others, and Leading Movements. 

Format 

The Virtual Leadership Institute is organized into five online learning modules: Orientation, Developing Self, Developing Others, Leading Movements, Reflection Retreat. This five-month leadership development program includes keynote speakers, interactive workshops, self-led activities, discussion groups, and community-building activities with leading U.S. organizations and leaders. Scholars will also work on an individual project focused on their own professional development and/or on positive social impact for the community; projects can be new or existing activities.

Eligibility for the Virtual Leadership Institute

— Two or more years of full-time professional experience working to address critical social issues;
— Bachelor’s degree or equivalent;
— English proficiency (oral, writing, reading);
— Age 35 or younger;
— Technological capacity to participate in video calls (1-2 per month);
— Availability to commit to 2-3 hours of online leadership courses and assignments per week for 5 months.

Atlas Corps Fellows and Alumni are not eligible to participate in the Virtual Leadership Institute. However, Virtual Leadership Scholars are eligible to be considered for the Atlas Corps Fellowship.

Application Process

For other applicants, the application is a multi-step process that aligns with the application for the Atlas Corps Fellowship (learn more). Once you achieve Step 3 – Semi-Finalist Status, you are eligible to receive an invite to our Virtual Leadership Institute. Please note that only a select group of Semi-Finalists will receive this invitation, and Semi-Finalists may be considered for both the Fellowship and Virtual Leadership Institute leadership development program simultaneously. 


Questions? Check out our Frequently Asked Questions page. If your question isn’t answered there, please email apply@atlascorps.org