About the opportunity
The Fortis Society Fellowship is a selective five-month program designed to welcome new members into the Society. Fellows build relationships with peers, receive mentorship from established members, and participate in professional learning workshops. The program concludes with cohort programming and the Fortis Summit in Medellín. Following the Summit, participants become lifelong members of the Fortis Society. The program is built around four core pillars: humble beginnings from low-income backgrounds, an altruistic focus on improving others’ lives, ambition at scale with a track record of action, and a spirit of generosity toward the community. No nomination or institutional endorsement is required to apply, and there are no specific degree requirements.
Funding and benefits
- Cohort programming and participation in the Fortis Summit in Medellín are fully funded.
- Access to a dedicated mentor paired from the Society's membership.
- Participation in professional learning workshops and virtual networking sessions.
- Lifetime membership in the Fortis Society upon completion.
Who can apply?
- Open to individuals from humble beginnings and low-income backgrounds, particularly those who are the first in their family to pursue their path.
- Open to applicants from any sector, with strong encouragement for those in the arts, education, government, and healthcare.
- No education requirement or degree is necessary.
- Open to any years of work experience, though new cohorts typically skew toward individuals with one to five years of full-time work experience.
- Open to applicants worldwide with a global representation focus.
Required documents
- Resume or portfolio showcasing work so far
- Written responses to three short questions about background and goals
- A short two-minute introductory video filmed on a laptop or phone
- Virtual interview for shortlisted candidates
When to apply
- Applications close on November 8th, 2026.
- Interviews take place between November and December 2026.
- Membership decisions will be communicated by the end of January 2027.
- The fellowship runs from January to June 2027, culminating in the Fortis Summit in June 2027.
How to apply
- Complete the online application form with your resume or portfolio, written responses, and introductory video.
- Shortlisted candidates will be invited to complete a virtual interview with the recruitment committee.
- Receive final membership decisions by the end of January 2027.
Additional information
- The application takes approximately two to three hours to complete.
- The time commitment from January to June is 2-4 hours of monthly virtual sessions and mentorship, followed by four full days in Medellín.
- Candidates who are not selected may reapply in future annual cycles.
Our Take on This Opportunity
This section reflects Open Opportunities’ own analysis of the opportunity from an applicant’s perspective.
You may be a strong fit if…
- Early-career professionals or changemakers with 1 to 5 years of experience who come from low-income or disadvantaged backgrounds.
- Individuals who have demonstrated tangible initiative and scale in their work, whether in nonprofits, corporate roles, public service, or entrepreneurship.
- Applicants looking for high-level cross-sector networking, mentorship, and a lifelong global community.
What should you think carefully about?
- Applicants must commit to monthly virtual sessions and mentorship from January to June alongside a demanding job schedule.
- Attendance at the final cohort programming and Summit requires traveling to Medellín for four days in June 2027.
- Selection is competitive, requiring concise written responses and a video submission.
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This fellowship serves as a powerful accelerator for ambitious early-career individuals seeking to scale their impact and build a trusted international network. It is well-suited for professionals who want structured mentorship and cross-sector connections without stepping away from their current employment.
Our take
Applicants from humble backgrounds who have already initiated impactful work across any discipline should seriously consider applying. Those unable to commit to the virtual workload or travel to Colombia in June may find the schedule less suitable.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
Official-source verified




