Aspen-Kern Program on Leadership and Character in Higher Education
This fellowship helps new college presidents promote character, leadership, and democratic citizenship in undergraduate education through seminars, coaching, and support for campus initiatives.
Funder: Aspen Institute
Due Dates (Anticipated): March 2027 (Fellowship application deadline, projected)
Funding Amounts: Seminar-based fellowship; includes personalized coaching and support for on-campus initiatives (award amount not specified).
Summary: Fellowship supporting new college presidents in fostering character, leadership, and democratic citizenship in undergraduate education.
Key Information: For new presidents of four-year undergraduate-serving institutions within their first three years in office.
Description
The Aspen-Kern Program on Leadership and Character in Higher Education is a new initiative from the Aspen Institute, designed to support and develop the leadership of new college presidents. The program focuses on the non-technical, character-driven aspects of undergraduate education, such as critical thinking, civil and creative dialogue, and the cultivation of values that contribute to democratic citizenship and human flourishing. Fellows participate in seminar-based gatherings, receive personalized coaching from experienced leaders, and are supported in implementing on-campus initiatives. The program draws on the Aspen Institute’s humanities-based leadership tradition and Kern-supported character education.
