Call for applications: 2021 TED Fellows

The programme will select 20 participants who will get career coaching and speaker training as well as mentorship and public relations guidance. Fellows will then give a talk at a TED conference in Monterey, California – a huge opportunity to share their work with a wide and new audience.

"While we are currently planning on an in-person conference in Monterey between 29 May and 4 June 2021, given the global pandemic this conference may be cancelled, and the TED Fellowship may become entirely virtual. This will depend on expert advice and local health safety protocols," a TED statement reads.

Since 2009, the programme has engaged more than 450 fellows who continue to inspire one another and collaborate on new projects.

Previous African musicians who have been selected include Blitz Bazawule (2019), Muthoni Drummer Queen (2019), Somi (2015), Blinky Bill (2014) and Meklit Hadero (2012), among others.

The application deadline is 24 August 2020 (1.59pm Coordinated Universal Time).

Submit your application here.

Eligibility

The applicants should:

• Be individuals on the rise in their respective fields who are doing bold, original work and have a record of achievement in their field.
• Be courageous and collaborative people dedicated to improving life where they work.

The programme accepts the following experts:

• Musicians.
• Business people.
• Professionals.
• Policy works and government officials.
• Inventors.
• Advocates.
• Filmmakers.
• Photographers.
• Visual artists.
• Scientists.
• Entrepreneurs.
• NGO heads.
• Human rights activists.

Requirements

The applicants should:

• Have an idea worth spreading.
• Complete the online application consisting of general biographical information, short paragraphs on your work and three references.
• Be at least 18 years old.
• Be fluent in English.
• Be excited to participate in a collaborative, interdisciplinary global community.
• Be available between 29 May and 4 June 2021.

Benefits

The selected participants will:

• Become part of a diverse, collaborative and global community of more than 500 emerging and established experts.
• Receive professional development through virtual workshops and webinars.
• Gain valuable feedback from TED's expert coaches on how to hone, express and communicate your work and your ideas.
• Give a TED talk (at a virtual or live event, depending on the state of the pandemic).
• Receive career coaching and mentorship from TED's team of professional coaches.
• Receive public relations guidance and media training.
• Participate in virtual programming for TED fellows.
• Have the opportunity to participate in and contribute to a thriving and connected global community.

View the original call here.