Appplications for 2022 Curtis Fellows are now closed.

What is the Curtis Fellowship?

The 2022 Curtis Fellowship is an annual leadership development program to support youth ages 18-21 from underserved communities in South Africa who embody the values of global citizenship.

To qualify, applicants must be between ages 18-21 (by time of application), a South African Citizen, have limited past travel experiences, and a family household income of under $120,000 RAND. Those who come from previously disadvantaged backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply.

Curtis Fellows will further develop their professional and personal development through an innovative and engaging curriculum. After completion, fellows will receive letters of recommendation, guidance on future endeavours and stay connected with other Curtis Fellow alumni.

Supported by members of the Global Citizen staff, the Curtis Fellows will explore social issues and innovative international organisations with a focus on poverty alleviation in Global Citizen's issue areas.

Our mission is to equip students between the ages of 18-21 years old with the tools to become changemakers and ethical leaders through collective and engaged experiences.

Application Requirements


Applicants must submit a 2-3 minute video or 500-700 word essay to curtisscholarship@globalpovertyproject.com answering the following questions: 

  • What qualities do you identify with as an active citizen of the world? 
  • If selected, what lasting change would you like to achieve through the program?
  • What specific socio-economic issues are you taking action on and why?

Applicants must submit a recommendation letter from a teacher/professor, school administrator, community leader, or colleague to be considered for the Curtis Fellowship.

Program Highlights


  • Innovative & Engaging curriculum from April-October focused on personal and professional development 
  • All Expenses paid learning trip to New York City in late September exploring cultural institutions, meeting with industry leaders, and more (if travel permits)
  • Speaker Series with various industry leaders
  • Networking Opportunities & Internship Opportunities
  • Access to a growing Alumni Network & many more opportunities 
  • Monthly stipend to be included for a part-time commitment between April-October 2022

Eligibility Criteria

  • Ages 18-21 (by time of application)
  • Limited travel experience
  • Family household income of under R 120 000
  • Those who come from previously disadvantaged backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply.

curtisscholarship@globalpovertyproject.com

About the Curtis Scholarship

The Curtis Fellowship, conceived and funded by Global Citizen Ambassador and former long-time Pearl Jam manager Kelly Curtis through the Vitalogy Foundation, is an annual award to mentor and support Curtis Fellows. The Curtis Fellowship seeks to create, support, and equip a network of youth advocates and community leaders committed to local and global response on issues surrounding extreme poverty.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Global Citizen?

Global Citizen is a community of people like you. People who want to take action to end extreme poverty.

At Global Citizen we encourage people to learn and take action on our platform; those actions apply pressure on world leaders to make commitments around the issues associated with extreme poverty: gender equality, food security, education, the environment, global health, citizenship, and sanitation. 

When does the application open? When does it close?

The application opens for submission on March 17, 2022 at 9:00 AM SAST and closes on March 31st, 2022 at 11:59 PM SAST.

When will I find out if I’ve been accepted? 

You will be notified on the 6th of April.

What are the eligibility requirements for the Curtis Fellowship? Do I need specific academic requirements to be eligible? 

  • Ages 18-21 (by time of application)
  • A legal citizen in South Africa
  • Limited past overseas travel
  • Family household income of under R 120, 000
  • Those who come from previously disadvantaged backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply.
  • Monthly stipend to be included for a part-time commitment between April-October 2022

Who should write a letter of recommendation?

The letter of recommendation should come from someone who can speak about your motivation, ability to work in a team and potential to be an agent of change. Preferred letters will be from a teacher/professor, school administrator, community leader, or colleague. Guidelines for Recommendation letter.

What if I turn 22 years two days before the application deadline? 

If this is true for you, unfortunately, you would not be eligible. All applicants must be 18-21 years on the application deadline which is March 31st, 2022. 

How do I submit an application? 

You will need to Submit a 2-3 minute video or 500-700 word essay AND a letter of recommendation to curtisscholarship@globalpovertyproject.com Answering the following questions: 

  • What qualities do you identify with as an active citizen of the world? 
  • If selected, what lasting change would you like to achieve through the program?
  • What specific socio-economic issues are you taking action on and why? 

If am I not accepted, can I get feedback on my application?

Due to the high volume of applicants, we are not able to respond to questions about specific application feedback. We encourage all applicants to re-apply if not selected. 

How many fellows are participating in this program?

There will be 4 fellows for the 2022 cohort.

What should I expect to do as a participant in the Curtis Fellows Program? 

Global Citizen will support the scholars in professional and personal development through a deeper understanding of complex social issues and prepare the Curtis Fellows to become advocates of social change.

Fellows will be expected to spend about 2 hours per week engaging in group and individual activities that focus on professional development, personal growth, advocacy, cultural exposure, social justice and equity. This will include group discussions and working to apply skills in local communities. After completion, fellows will receive letters of recommendation, guidance on future endeavors and stay connected with other Curtis Fellow alumni.

Who makes the Curtis Fellowship possible?

The 2022 Curtis Fellowship was generously supported by Kelly Curtis, Vitalogy Foundation and Live Nation.

Where can I ask questions not covered here?

If you have any questions that are not answered on the award’s information page or in these FAQs, please email curtisscholarship@globalpovertyproject.com. Regretfully we will only be able to respond to questions not answered here.

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