Empower your local community.
Local Fellowship Program
Our Local Fellowship Program is designed for students and professionals who are Indian or Nepali nationals, passionate about international development, gaining social business experience, social entrepreneurship and sustainability.
Our Local Fellowship Program has been postponed until further notice. In 2021, Pollinate Group is delivering a new Digital Fellowship Program for Students and Young Professionals, with applications open now! Find out more here.
You and your goals
- You’re passionate about applying your education to empower women, end poverty and create access to clean energy in your country
- You seek personal and professional development
- You’re curious about social enterprise
- You’re keen to work with people from India, Nepal and all around the world
We look for go getters who are driven by a sense of purpose and seek action to make the world a better place.
Preference is given to applicants who are fluent in English, as well as any of the following languages: Kannada, Telugu, Bengali, Hindi, Nepali, Urdu, Tamil.
Your impact
You’ll refine, test and evaluate projects that have a direct impact on the future of people living in neglected communities. Example projects include:
- Conducting community surveys and market analyses to evaluate impact
- Developing approaches to identify, train and support women entrepreneurs
- Mapping communities and collecting customer data through interviews
Your involvement is essential to building our capacity and sharing knowledge with our team, women entrepreneurs and customers.
Program structure
As a local fellow you will participate in the same program and projects as our international fellows. You also help international fellows understand the culture of your country and assist in communication with our wonderful customers and communities.
You’ll become a part of the social businesses, Asha Kiran or Kalpavriksha, gaining a practical understanding of the entrepreneurial approach to community development, an appreciation for involving the end user in design and change, and tools to help you initiate and lead game changing ideas in your future.
The program involves 2-4 weeks at one of our offices, including time interacting with our customers and women entrepreneurs to understand their challenges and needs.
You will be:
- Part of a high performing, diverse group
- Working in teams of 3 to 4 on strategic projects
- Joining people from diverse industries or areas of study
- Collaborating across cultures with your peers and our team
- Spending 50% of your time in communities to understand women entrepreneur and customer needs
Local Fellowship Program fee and inclusions
This is a volunteer internship, and as an Indian or Nepali national there is no cost to you to participate in this program.
No stipend is provided. Your travel expenses to and from our communities will be reimbursed, however other expenses such as travel to and from the office and lunches must be covered by you.
The program includes:
- Program facilitation
- Program related ground transport costs (commuting is a personal cost unless otherwise negotiated)
- Public liability insurance
FAQs
Check out our program FAQs, including what we look for in an applicant.
Chat with a participant
We have a growing alumni of fellows who are passionate about their experience. If you’d like to discuss what our program is like with a past participant please email us.
Love what we do?
Join in and we’ll share what’s happening on the ground every couple of months.
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Testimonials From Our Social Environmental Leaders
Hema Sai Sree
“During my two weeks’ experience as a Local Fellow, I had the chance to meet many people living in urban slums, who were so happy to share their stories with us. I also got to be with other great fellows who have come all the way to India just to be a part of this. I am totally glad that I was a part of all this. I love how Pollinate is so conscious of every person involved, be it the communities, the fellows or the sales network.”
Faizan Alam
“The program helped me get a better knowledge on how to impact your society, as well as yourself. During my fellowship I have gained skills in communication, execution, planning, strategy and punctuality. It was also an extraordinary experience because I was able to get an experience with individuals and professionals from overseas.”
Apply now
This program is attended by students and professionals from diverse occupations, fostering a strong interdisciplinary exchange. Places are limited and we encourage you to apply as soon as possible!