AV Fellowship
Developing Tomorrow’s Leaders, Today.
Actively Seeking Change-makers
Since our inception in 2014, Access Ventures has been lifting up transformational leaders who challenge the status quo. Our fundamental belief is that at the heart of any change in a community, company, market or movement…are people.
Over the course of 10 months, Fellows engage in a rhythm of learning and experimentation that blends intellectual formation, relational depth, and practical experience. Their projects serve as a living laboratory and a space to test ideas, encounter real-world challenges, and integrate insight through in-person gatherings and virtual sessions. Through encounters with diverse leaders, tactical workshops, and reflection-oriented experiences, Fellows explore our core leadership pillars:
Systemic Thinking: theories of change, creative confidence, iteration, and innovation
Reflection: imagination, resilience, and self-awareness
Community Orientation: generosity, empathy, communication, and presence
The AV Fellowship in 2026 is designed around a regional focus for each cohort, reflecting our belief that leadership is formed through proximity and shared place. Concentrating Fellows within a common region fosters deeper relationships, stronger cohort cohesion, and a more immersive Fellowship experience.
The AV Fellowship in 2026-2027 is situated in Southern California (San Diego/LA)
What we’re looking for…
Leadership is not born in isolation or theory; it is forged through exploration, reflection, and the shaping of what we come to love most. The AV Fellowship provides emerging leaders with the time, resources, and guidance to pursue early-stage ideas that contribute to human flourishing, while cultivating leadership rooted in purpose, responsibility, and care for the common good.
The Access Ventures Fellowship empowers young leaders (ages 22-30) who are dedicated to creating meaningful change in their communities and beyond. By providing resources, a supportive community, and a stipend, the fellowship enables these leaders to explore ideas that champion human flourishing.
At the heart of this mission lies a vision inspired by St. Augustine’s concept of flourishing—beatitudo—a deeper form of happiness and fulfillment achieved by aligning one’s life with purpose. Augustine taught that true flourishing requires a commitment to justice, love, and community, themes that resonate with Access Ventures’ dedication to advancing human dignity. This fellowship cultivates leaders who confront structural barriers and craft solutions that honor the inherent worth of every individual.
Throughout the Fellowship, participants are invited to examine not only what they are building, but what is shaping them. Fellows explore who they are as leaders, articulate the values that guide their decisions, and develop the emotional and strategic capacities needed to lead with wisdom and integrity. Leadership, in this context, is not defined by authority or achievement, but by stewardship, of influence, ideas, relationships, and attention.
Each Fellow emerges from the experience with a more refined project and a clearer sense of purpose one formed by reflection, rightly directed ambition, and a deeper understanding of how personal formation shapes public impact.
Ultimately, the AV Fellowship seeks to equip a generation of emerging leaders whose vision extends beyond personal success toward shared flourishing.
Participants Receive
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Personal Development
A comprehensive program to build and grow leadership skills and develop the strategies needed to make ideas thrive.
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Expert Resources
Connections to other leaders and facilitation of opportunities according to each Fellow’s needs.
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Funding
A $20,000 stipend, spread over 10 months, to allow Fellows to explore their idea and acquire resources to ensure the greatest outcome.
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Connection
Virtual and in-person gatherings with the cohort and industry leaders to nurture development.
Selection & Requirements
Applications are accepted annually
Selection
Applicants will be asked to submit a letter of recommendation, CV, and an abstract for the project the Fellow wishes to explore that is related to human flourishing (this can be in any field, from finance to science to the arts).
KEY DATES:
Application Open: Jan 27 - Feb 27 (2026)
Selection Review: March 2026
Announcement: April 2026
Orientation Retreat (San Deigo): August 16-19, 2026
Midpoint Retreat (NYC): January 5-7, 2027
Celebration Retreat (LA): May 10-12, 2027
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The AV Fellowship is designed for emerging leaders in a season of inquiry – those who are sharpening instincts, testing their voice, and exploring early-stage ideas. Your project becomes the arena to practice leadership: a hands-on space to apply skills, experiment, and learn from both successes and challenges.
Ages 22-30 represent a uniquely formative window when leaders are out of school, carrying real responsibility, and still open enough for deep formation rather than mere optimization. At this stage, convictions are becoming operational, habits are solidifying, and the right environment can shape not just what leaders build, but who they become. The Fellowship meets leaders early enough to influence trajectory, yet grounded enough for reflection to translate into meaningful action and long-term impact.
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The AV Fellowship is designed around a regional focus for each cohort, reflecting our belief that leadership is formed through proximity and shared place. Concentrating Fellows within a common region fosters deeper relationships, stronger cohort cohesion, and a more immersive Fellowship experience.
This model enables more meaningful in-person engagement, peer support, and access to regional mentors and resources that enrich personal development.
The regional focus may change from year to year based on program priorities. Applicants are required to live in, or within reasonable proximity to, the designated region to ensure full participation in the Fellowship’s in-person gatherings and community life.
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Willingness to commit fully to the fellowship, attending all virtual and in-person gatherings, workshops, and discussions. The ability to manage the time commitment is crucial, as consistent participation is vital to the success of the program and the cohort.
The Fellowship is designed as a 9-10-month season, during which Fellows dedicate focused time (roughly 5-10 hours per week) toward their projects, learning, and growth. The $20,000 stipend is not just support; it reflects the Fellowship’s expectation that Fellows can and will invest themselves fully in this transformative season. It’s a paid opportunity to practice leadership, take risks, and advance ideas that matter.
Fellows MUST be present for:
Orientation (San Diego): August 16-19,2026
Midpoint Retreat (NYC): Jan 5-7, 2027
Celebration Retreat (LA): May 10-12, 2027
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A deep interest in exploring an area or project aimed at improving the well-being of others. Whether the idea revolves around the arts, finance, social innovation, or any other field, candidates should demonstrate a commitment to advancing human dignity and flourishing.
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Demonstrates the ability to navigate professional and personal challenges. Fellows should have encountered and learned from setbacks, showing perseverance in pursuing their goals.
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A proven history of initiating projects or ventures. The ideal candidate is proactive and takes ownership of ideas, consistently working to bring them to life.
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Fellows should not only benefit from the fellowship but also be committed to paying it forward. The ideal candidate will consider how to carry the program's spirit into their future endeavors and communities, ensuring a lasting impact beyond the fellowship year.