Applications for the IOC Young Leaders Program are now invited. The program is delivered over four years to give participants sufficient time to go through the stages of developing a project/social enterprise that provides a local, sports-based solution to a pressing challenge in their communities.
Each year of the program is designed around the development of the young leader and their sport-based social work/project.
Description Program
The learning journey offered by the IOC Young Leaders Program encompasses a wide range of topics and experts, in areas such as human-centered design, prototyping, ecosystem mapping, leadership skills, customer segmentation, public relations, fundraising, impact measurement, and research. User, user testing, digital communications and finance.
The four-year program features a blended approach that combines virtual sessions and discussions, community spaces, and learning through personal experiences and networking. Most of the monthly learning will be online, and will include expert sessions, sharing of practical resources, and linking group sessions and self-learning activities.
Benefits
Each of the young leaders receives from the IOC:
Initial funding of CHF 10,000 to be delivered over the four years.
Monthly expert-led workshops and mentorships.
Access to thought leaders and inspiring personalities.
An exclusive invitation to attend the bi-annual IOC Youth Summit.
Invitations to attend and speak at global gatherings.
Networking opportunities and knowledge sharing.
Leadership training.
A dedicated team is on hand to provide support
Eligibility criteria
The program is looking to invest and work with an exceptional group of young leaders who are passionate about solving local problems through grassroots sports initiatives and sustainable social business models – with different backgrounds, perspectives, skills, motivations and experiences.
Young Leaders Eligibility for the International Olympic Committee:
20-28 years old.
Proficiency in English.
Passion for sport as a tool for social and economic change.
Interest in community work.
Knowledge of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
Strong communicator and team player willing to learn and grow.
Comfortable managing social media, new technologies and platforms
This program is for you if you want:
Turning ideas and research into real action and developing solutions.
Become a more effective and powerful sports and social business leader (or a sports and social entrepreneur).
Drive local transformational change in and through sport.
Representing and embodying Olympic values in action.
Committed to the entrepreneurial journey for four years.
Be coached and mentored through a comprehensive mentorship programme.
Collaborate with fellow young leaders, experts, researchers, sports leaders, and social entrepreneurs
Application procedures
The IOC Young Leaders selection process for 2023-2026 consists of two phases: the 4-week learning sprint and the application process for the IOC Young Leaders Programme.
level 1:
Completion of the 4-week Learning Sprint is the first prerequisite for a candidate to be eligible to apply for the IOC Young Leaders Program.
Registration for the 4-Week Learning Sprint begins September 15th and ends October 20th, 2022.
The 4 sessions of the 4-week Learning Sprint will take place in November: every Tuesday starting November 8th.
Learning materials for the 4-Week Learning Sprint, including session recordings, can be found in the Learning Center
Stage 2:
After successful completion of the 4-week learning sprint (certificate of participation obtained), the candidate becomes eligible to apply for the IOC Young Leaders Program.
The application process opens December 5 and ends December 31, 2022.