Announcing the Black Male Achievement Fellowship Finalists

The first fellowship program for social entrepreneurs starting up organizations to improve the lives of black men and boys has 16 finalists in the running. The Open Society Black Male Achievement Fellowship, known as the BMA Fellowship, is a new venture shared by the Open Society Foundations and Echoing Green. The fellowship will provide creative thinkers the space and support they need to tackle the entrenched problems facing black males and advance the field of black male achievement.

In the late spring of 2012, the BMA Fellowship will be awarded to up to eight of the finalists who are generating new ideas and best practices in the areas of education, family, and work. Examples include initiatives related to fatherhood, mentoring, college preparatory programs, community-building, supportive wage work opportunities, communications, and philanthropic leadership. The fellowship will provide start-up capital and technical assistance over 18 months to help new leaders launch and build their organizations; access to technical support and pro bono partnerships; and a community of like-minded social entrepreneurs and public service leaders.

Over 1,200 individuals applied to join the inaugural class of eight fellows since the selection process began several months ago. Go to the Echoing Green website to learn about each of the finalists’ innovative solutions and grand aspirations to confront the challenges and obstacles black men and boys encounter with their bold solutions for social change.