Healthy Communities Fellowship is a U.S.-based program that prepares locally rooted leaders to cultivate healthy, thriving communities through tailored communication, narrative, and leadership training. The Healthy Communities Fellowship supports fellows to write opinion pieces, devise advocacy plans, conduct interviews, and build a digital media presence to highlight their expertise and impact.
The fellowship is run by the Aspen Global Innovators Group and leverages the Aspen Institute’s network and experience to provide mentorship, curated connections, and training. Fellows engage in cohort-based learning, in-person sessions, and mentorship to accelerate community health initiatives.
Benefits of Healthy Communities Fellowship Scholarship 2026
- The Healthy Communities Fellowship provides individualized and tailored communication, narrative, and leadership training to locally rooted leaders who are building healthy communities.
- Fellows learn to write opinion pieces, devise advocacy plans, conduct interviews, and establish a digital media presence that highlights their expertise and leadership.
- Leverage the Aspen Global Innovators Group’s vast experience and influential network of more than 7400 locally-rooted leaders.
- Fellows engage in cohort-based training, mentorship, and curated connections with global leaders.
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Eligibility Criteria for the Healthy Communities Fellowship Scholarship 2026
- 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 and make time to actively engage in training and mentorship.
- This is a U.S.-based fellowship that benefits from curated connections with global leaders.
- Priority for the 2027 Fellowship will be given to grassroots leaders, community organizers, entrepreneurs, and innovators from Laredo, Texas; 22 counties across the Rio Grande Valley of Texas; and Louisville, Kentucky.
- 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 frontline health worker issues.
- No age limit; individuals of all age ranges are eligible.
- Communications professionals are welcome but the fellowship is primarily for local community leaders.
How to Apply for the Healthy Communities Fellowship Scholarship 2026?
- Nominate via the online nomination form: https://aspeninstitute.tfaforms.net/wfok03M (button text: NOMINATE).
- You can nominate yourself.
- For the 2027 cohort you can apply through the link between September 30th and October 30th (see FAQ).
- Follow instructions on the program page and complete required nomination/application fields before the closing date.
Don’t miss this deadline
Applications close on Friday, 30 October 2026. We’ll email you 7, 3 and 1 days before.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are the most frequently asked questions about the Healthy Communities Fellowship. These answers cover how to learn more, nominate or apply, eligibility, timelines, and program expectations.
Where can I watch an informational session about the Healthy Communities Fellowship Scholarship 2026?
The site links to an informational video session hosted on YouTube. The FAQ and video gallery reference a specific informational session — you can follow the provided YouTube links on the program page to watch and learn more about the fellowship and hear from alumni and partners.
Can I nominate myself for the Healthy Communities Fellowship Scholarship 2026?
Yes. The fellowship explicitly states that you can nominate yourself. The site provides a NOMINATE button linking to the online nomination form and the FAQ confirms that self-nomination is accepted for consideration.
How can I apply to be a Healthy Communities Fellow?
Applications are submitted through the nomination/application link on the program page. The FAQ specifies that for the 2027 cohort you can apply through the provided link between September 30th and October 30th. Use the nomination form linked as NOMINATE to complete your submission.
What geographic areas receive priority consideration for the Healthy Communities Fellowship Scholarship 2026?
Priority consideration for the 2027 Fellowship is given to leaders from Laredo, Texas; 22 counties across the Rio Grande Valley region of Texas; and Louisville, Kentucky. The FAQ lists specific Rio Grande Valley counties (e.g., Brooks, Cameron, Hidalgo, Starr, Webb, Willacy, Zapata, Zavala) as included in priority consideration.
How much time will I spend on the fellowship?
The fellowship year is organized around four major group meetings, each approximately 3–4 days long, with full attendance required. In addition to those training weeks, most fellows estimate spending about 5–10 hours per month on fellowship-related activities, interviews, and writing opinion pieces.
Can communications professionals participate in this fellowship?
While communications professionals are valued, the fellowship is primarily intended for local community leaders. The FAQ states that they ‘love communications people, but this fellowship is really for local community leaders,’ emphasizing a preference for those with community-rooted leadership roles.
Is there an age limit to apply for the fellowship?
No. The FAQ states there is no age limit and that the program is looking for individuals of all age ranges. The emphasis is on community impact and leadership rather than age.
What are the key qualities you are looking for in a fellow?
Healthy Communities Fellowship Scholarship 2026 seeks individuals with a record of significant positive impact in a local community, addressing health issues innovatively, using an explicit equity lens, or demonstrating strong advocacy for frontline health workers. Commitment to engagement in training and cohort collaboration is also important.
When do nominations open and close for the 2027 cohort?
According to the timeline on the program page, nominations open on September 30, 2026 and close on October 30, 2026. Applicants are notified of their status in early December 2026, with the fellowship beginning in January 2027.
What kinds of training and outputs does the fellowship provide?
Healthy Communities Fellowship Scholarship 2026 provides individualized training in communication, narrative, and leadership. Fellows learn to write opinion pieces, devise advocacy plans, conduct interviews, and establish a digital media presence. The program also offers mentorship, curated connections, and cohort-based training to amplify community impact.
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