Clinton Global Initiative Entrepreneurship Program

Former President Clinton (c), GW Business senior Joe Gursky (r) and Kai Kurosu from the University of Tokyo at the Clinton Global Initiative University.

Former President Clinton (c), GW Business senior Joe Gursky (r) and Kai Kurosu (l) from the University of Tokyo at the Clinton Global Initiative University 2023.


The Honey W. Nashman Center works with the Clinton Foundation to support and fund GW commitmentmakers with Social Innovation solutions that create sustainable and meaningful impact.

Students can apply to either or both of the Clinton Global initiative programs, Clinton Global Initiative University and the Clinton Global Initiative Fellowship.

Clinton Global Initiative University Deadline:
November 20, 2024 (Early Deadline), December 20, 2024 (Final Deadline)
Clinton Global Initiative Fellowship Deadline:
November 20, 2024 (Early Deadline), December 20, 2024 (Final Deadline)

Clinton Global Initiative University applicants are also considered for grant funding from the Honey W. Nashman Center upon submitting their project proposal for review.

CGI University

  • CGI U’s social impact curriculum, hosted on edX
  • Interactive trainings and group mentorship
  • Identification and growth of entrepreneurship and workforce development skills
  • Development of early-stage social impact ideas into scalable projects and businesses
  • Peer collaboration with a global exchange of ideas, comprised of diverse students from over 80 countries and across all types of higher education institutions
  • Invitations to virtual events with best-in-class speakers
  • Receive funding from the Nashman Center upon submitting a separate project proposal.

CGI Fellowship

  • Access to mentorship, resources, networks, and partnerships through CGI and its network
  • Enabling Fellows to secure funding, have access to expertise, and explore collaboration opportunities
  • An all-expenses-paid trip to attend the CGI 2025 Annual Meeting in New York City in September. This includes coverage for conference registration, travel expenses, and accommodation
  • Virtual and In-Person Community Building Events that aim to foster a sense of community within the cohort, strengthen relationships among peers, network, and share progress
  •  Support in measuring and reporting the impact of their projects against the goals in the Commitment to Action

Clinton Global Initiative University

Founded by President Bill Clinton in 2007, CGI University is a community of students who are taking action together on pressing challenges facing their campuses, communities, and the world. Through the Clinton Global Initiative’s power of convening and Commitment to Action model, more than 12,500 students have made an impact in over 160 countries and all 50 states — with the support of more than $4.8 million in funding from CGI University’s corporate and university partners. Now in its 16th year, CGI University’s year-round program engages students, alumni, colleges and universities, and influential voices in creating new ways to effect change on the topics that matter most to emerging leaders.

APPLY FOR THE 2025 COHORT!

APPLY NOW→

Criteria:

  • Applicants must be at least 18 years of age at the time of admission.
  • Applicants must be enrolled at least part-time in an accredited institution of higher learning.

IMPORTANT DATES:

  • Application opens: October 15, 2024
  • Apply by November 20, 2024 for early decision
  • Apply by December 20, 2024 for regular decision
  • Students accepted: February 2025
  • CGI U program commences: April 2025
  • CGI U program graduation: December 2025

 

Group of 5 women sitting on a bench in SEH
2020 CGI U Recipients

Students compete in the Commitment Maker Challenge and submit their Commitments to Action. The Commitment Maker Challenge helps turn students’ ideas into action, with training, mentorship, funding, and follow-up.

Students who have been accepted to CGI U are also considered for grant funding from the Honey W. Nashman Center upon submitting their project proposal for review to  fund their Commitments to Action. 

Clinton Global Initiative University Deadline:
November 20, 2024 (Early Deadline), December 20, 2024 (Final Deadline)

Apply and Submit Your Commitment to Action

Submit Your Project Proposal for Nashman Funding

Clinton Global Initiative Fellowship

The Clinton Global Initiative (CGI) Fellowship engages a curated cohort of emerging entrepreneurs, providing critical tools and guidance as they build and implement programs that address urgent global challenges.

Launched in 2024, the CGI Fellowship program selects 25 individuals to develop CGI Commitments to Action – new, specific, and measurable projects that advance solutions to critical challenges in humanitarian response, women and girls equality, economic inclusion, climate resilience, and health equity.

Clinton Global Initiative Fellowship Deadline:
November 20, 2024 (Early Deadline), December 20, 2024 (Final Deadline)

APPLY TO BECOME A CGI FELLOW!

APPLY NOW→

Criteria for applying:

  • Applicants must be at least 18 years of age at the time of admission
  • Commitment to Action that aligns with a CGI focus area
  • Current resume or CV
  • Responses to three essay prompts on entrepreneurship, leadership, and partnerships
  • Letter of Recommendation

Important dates:

  • Application opens: October 15, 2024
  • Apply by November 20, 2024 for early decision
  • Apply by December 20, 2024 for regular decision
  • Fellows accepted: February 2025
  • CGI Fellowship commences: April 2025
  • CGI Annual Meeting: September 2025
  • CGI Fellowship ends: End of 2025 

OTHER CONSIDERATIONS:

  • Part-time, personalized program means fellows can continue their other pursuits: full-time or part-time employment, schooling, family responsibilities
  • No relocation necessary
  • No cost to participate
  • One-year fellowship experience is virtual except for the in-person CGI Annual Meeting in September in New York City, which all CGI Fellows are invited to attend, expenses covered

 

Questions?

Contact us at [email protected]