Aspire empowers limited-income and first-generation university students to reach their full potential.
What We Do
Develop Skills for the Future: We equip learners with the core leadership and workplace skills needed to thrive in an increasingly complex, technology-enabled world.
Foster a Global Community: Aspire builds peer networks spanning 195 countries, fostering belonging and connection among underrepresented young leaders.
Local Impact, Global Mindset: Aspire Institute strengthens local ecosystems through regional hubs and partnerships, bringing global perspectives to learners’ own contexts.
Promote Lifelong Learning: We provide ongoing opportunities for growth, such as mentorship, financial awards, career pathways, and AI leadership programs.
Turn Ambition into Action: We enable learners to build confidence, find their voice, and lead meaningful change in their communities and beyond.
Above all, we seek to broaden what learners believe is possible for themselves and help them aspire to lives of meaning and impact.
Alumni meetup in Delhi with Aspire Institute Co-Founder Tarun Khanna, CEO Meena Sonea, and India Foundry staff members Sashi Gundala and Nithyambika Gurukumar
MESSAGE FROM OUR CO-FOUNDERS
We founded Aspire four years ago with a simple conviction: that talent is universal, but opportunity is not. Every day, millions of young people navigate systems that were never built with them in mind. Yet, they carry ambition, resilience, and curiosity that — if nurtured — can transform not only their own lives, but also their families, communities, and economies. Aspire was created to unlock this possibility at scale.
Over these four years, we have learned that when you remove barriers to opportunity for limited-income, first-generation youth, you do far more than deliver a program — you create a catalyst. You spark the moment in which a learner begins to see themselves
differently, connects with peers from across the world, and gains access to spaces they were previously shut out from. With this shift comes agency, confidence, and an ability to imagine a future that once felt out of reach.
This is what Aspire makes possible: a world where a young person in Lagos can learn alongside a peer in Lahore; where a first-generation learner in Bolivia can launch a project to serve their community; where a college student in rural India can receive mentorship from leading experts; where the power of a global community becomes a lifelong resource. When these individual transformations multiply across hundreds of thousands of learners, they form a collective force
for economic mobility and impact. Today, the need is more urgent than ever: nearly half a billion young people worldwide have the potential to create change, yet lack the resources and networks to realize it. At Aspire, we’ve been humbled by what becomes possible when such individuals are supported with the right tools and opportunities. It is their progress that drives us forward as we strive to reach millions more.
BANGALORE, INDIA | LAHORE, PAKISTAN | ISTANBUL, TÜRKIYE | SÃO PAULO, BRAZIL | SANTA CRUZ, BOLIVIA
REACHING THE LAST MILE IN FOUR YEARS, WE HAVE RECEIVED
500,000 APPLICATIONS FROM 195 COUNTRIES
GEOGRAPHIC DISTRIBUTION OF APPLICANTS (2025)
GENDER DISTRIBUTION OF APPLICANTS (2025)
MESSAGE FROM OUR CEO
2025 was a year of innovation and impact for Aspire. We received over 250,000 applications from more than 195 countries, continued to grow our alumni community, and launched our brand new AI-Integrated Leadership Program. Since our founding, we’ve now served over 500,000 learners from every corner of the globe, creating the world’s largest network of first-generation student leaders.
Our work in 2025 would not have been possible without the people at Aspire and their deep commitment to the work that we do. This year,
our teams in Cambridge and across our regional Foundries delivered high-quality programs at unprecedented scale, forged partnerships with employers and universities to strengthen pathways for alumni, and supported our learners through every stage of their Aspire journey. We continued to leverage technology to engage with our community thoughtfully, while remaining lean with our operations and focused on delivering impact.
What made this year particularly meaningful was seeing hundreds of alumni return to Aspire as
Meena Sonea
JOURNEY TO ASPIRE
ASPIRE LEADERS PROGRAM
Braian Song
volunteers — giving their time to guide new cohorts and strengthening the friendships and connections that remain central to our mission. Our network of mentors generously contributed their expertise and time, and the invaluable support of our donors made it possible for us to keep the program accessible as we scaled.
I’m deeply grateful to everyone who made 2025 a successful year, and I am excited about what we’ll accomplish together in the year ahead.
LOOKING BACK AT 2025
In this year’s review, we follow the journey of Braian Song, a 21-yearold first-generation college student from Argentina. Braian’s journey took him from Chaco, one of Argentina’s poorest regions, to Principia College in Illinois, to IE University in Spain, and later to Aspire.
At Aspire, he progressed from our foundational Aspire Leaders Program to launch a community project with seed funding from our organization. Most recently, he took
part in our AI-Integrated Leadership Program. His story shows what becomes possible when firstgeneration students connect with a global community and gain the support they need to pursue their ambitions.
Thank you for helping young people like Braian discover their potential and transform their futures. Read on to learn more about our impact in 2025 and what’s ahead.
Meena Sonea CEO
AI-INTEGRATED LEADERSHIP PROGRAM EXTENDED LEADERSHIP PROGRAM
ASPIRE VOLUNTEER PROGRAM
Clockwise from top left: Sumi Shakya (Seed Fund winner ’25) creates employment opportunities for women in Nepal by transforming discarded temple flowers into ecofriendly incense; Aspire alumni meetup in Georgia, USA; Henry Kweku Duah’s (Seed Fund winner ’25) project Data Bloom equips high school students in underserved Ghanaian communities with practical skills in data, AI, and digital literacy; Maryam Chaudhary (Seed Fund winner ’25) from Pakistan presenting her product O'Pasta; Laurie-Anne Tejiodonkeng Keuagho (Seed Fund winner ’25) conducts rabies awareness campaign in Cameroon; Meena Sonea, Aspire CEO, joins an alumni-led gathering in Mexico City; Viergina Jeanty (Seed Fund winner ’25) leads citizen-led clean-up efforts in Haiti; (Center): Angel Solis from Mexico (CAA winner ’25) presenting his organization Kukulmat's Mayanumeracy board game.
Clockwise from top left: Flora Modesty (Seed Fund winner ’25) equips deaf students in Tanzanian public schools with sign-language-integrated science tools; Milko Gonzales (Seed Fund winner ’25) from Bolivia, presents his AI edtech solution to students; Fatma Kus (Seed Fund winner ’25) from Poland with participants of her project Unofficial Mentorship; Zikrullah Faizan (Seed Fund winner ’25) holds a digital soft skills workshop in Malaysia; First-generation professionals and a panel of Aspire alumni gather at the first Aspire event held in Mexico City; Aspire alumni meetup in Rio de Janeiro; Aspire alumni join CoFounder Tarun Khanna at the NDTV World Summit in India.
BRAIAN’S JOURNEY TO ASPIRE
REACHING LEARNERS AROUND THE WORLD THROUGH CAMPUS NETWORKS, DIGITAL OUTREACH, AND GLOBAL FOUNDRIES
The First-Generation Experience
Born in Brazil and raised in Argentina as the son of South Korean immigrants, Braian grew up navigating education across cultures and systems.
When you grow up like this, you don’t realize the pressure at first — but later, you start to understand how different your background is...
Like millions of first-generation students, Braian had talent, determination, and curiosity, but faced internal and external barriers to opportunity that many of his peers didn’t have to consider.
HOW LEARNERS FIND ASPIRE Partnerships: Universities, NGOs, and government agencies share about Aspire through their social media, newsletters, and student services. 196 Partnership Networks
Photo credit: Juan Ignacio Roncoroni/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock
Photo credit: Braian Song
Discovering Aspire
The program stood out to him immediately. It was accessible, reputable, and designed for students just like him.
Braian came across Aspire while attending Principia College in the United States on a rugby scholarship.
The most important thing was feeling heard. It’s quite difficult for people like me to feel a sense of belonging, or that our stories matter. Aspire gave me that sense of empowerment.
Aspire’s flexible structure allowed him to fit learning in his busy schedule of studies, work, and sport. Most importantly, it gave him a newfound sense of community.
Regional Foundries:
Local staff in Bolivia, Brazil, India, Pakistan, and Türkiye reach learners through in-person events and outreach.
5 Global Foundries
Digital Platforms:
Social media campaigns on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, and X reach students in 200+ countries, including remote areas.
Alumni Networks:
Aspire learners and graduates refer peers from their universities and communities.
Photo credit: Braian Song
BRAIAN’S ASPIRE LEADERS PROGRAM (ALP)
EXPERIENCE
EMPOWERING FIRST-GENERATION AND LIMITED-INCOME COLLEGE STUDENTS AND GRADUATES WORLDWIDE THROUGH FREE LEADERSHIP EDUCATION
O rientation
Weeks 0-1
In his first week, Braian completes onboarding videos, meets Aspire founders, and joins his cohort community on Discord.
He is now ready to begin Module 1.
91,937 LEARNERS ENROLLED IN 2025 FROM ACROSS
206 COUNTRIES
Personal & Professional Development
Weeks 1-4
In Module 1, Braian completes selfpaced modules on personal and professional development — learning how to identify his leadership strengths, build a resume, and practice skills like public speaking.
He earns his Personal & Professional Development badge and advances to the second module.
COHORT CYCLES
Aspire Horizons Course
Weeks 5-9
Braian begins to apply leadership concepts to the real world. He completes lessons led by Harvard faculty on self-awareness, contextual intelligence, emerging technology, and social impact. He identifies a societal challenge to address through a Capstone project.
He earns his Aspire Horizons badge and graduates from the Aspire Leaders Program.
Braian sees the harmful effects of rising food waste and fossil fuel pollution on the environment. His Capstone project proposal, LipoFuel, explores developing a waste collection network from local businesses, and then turning that food waste into biodiesel in a cheap and efficient way, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and creating a new market for cleaner fuel.
Braian then joins the Extended Leadership Program for mentorship, networking, and funding opportunities. →
Throughout the nine weeks, Aspire Learners attend live Masterclasses from leading faculty and industry experts across humanities, science, and business, and build lasting connections through interactions with alumni and peers on Discord.
35,976 ALP GRADUATES IN 2025
37% of students enrolled in ALP graduated, compared to an average of 5-10% for other free, online programs.
BRAIAN’S EXTENDED LEADERSHIP PROGRAM (ELP) EXPERIENCE
EMPOWERING GRADUATES TO DRIVE LASTING IMPACT THROUGH MENTORSHIP, FINANCIAL RESOURCES, PARTNERSHIPS, AND LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES
After completing the ALP, Braian joins the Extended Leadership Program — an ecosystem of support designed to help Aspire alumni achieve their long-term goals.
Regional Mentorship
Braian attends live sessions led by experts from his region, where he engages in discussions on leadership and impact and receives guidance tailored to his local context.
External Resources
He gains access to a range of external resources — such as Harvard Business School’s Foundry for Entrepreneurs and Aspire’s extensive network of mentors and corporate partners — to further accelerate his personal and professional growth.
Braian explores Aspire’s growing set of career pathways such as Level All — a US-based platform for professional development — where he can access internship and job opportunities and network with potential employers.
A lum B ridge: Connecting Students with Alumni Mentors USA & Spain
During his time in the ELP, Braian built AlumBridge, a platform that uses AI to connect students with alumni mentors for personalized guidance, career advice, and professional networking opportunities. AlumBridge received $500 in seed funding from Aspire and went on to be recognized as a finalist at Red Bull Basement and other startup competitions.
Financial Awards
Braian gains access to funding opportunities to launch a new initiative or pursue further study.
Seed Funds: $200-$500 to start a community project. Academic Grants: up to $300 for certifications & courses. Community Action Awards: up to $5,000 to scale an initiative.
AI-Integrated Leadership Program
pp. 18-19 →
He prepares himself for the future of work by joining Aspire’s new course combining soft skills with AI literacy. Here, he learns how to leverage AI tools effectively through a curriculum designed by industry leaders.
pp. 20-21 →
Braian gives back to Aspire by returning as a volunteer. He facilitates discussions on Discord, leads in-person events, and helps new learners navigate their Aspire journeys with confidence.
ASPIRE ALUMNI PATHWAYS
ENABLING LEARNERS TO BUILD ENTERPRISES, ADVANCE PROFESSIONALLY, AND TRANSFORM THEIR COMMUNITIES
Aspire alumni pursue diverse paths. Some launch social ventures, others continue their studies, and many advance in careers that range from technology, medicine, and education. A common thread runs through their journeys: the leaders that Aspire supports go on to support others, creating ripples of change in their communities.
Skills Training: Opening Doors for Others
Ximena Sandoval
Mexico
December 2025
Ximena launched a project called Global Women with seed funding from Aspire, creating a platform that empowers Latin American women to participate in decision-making forums. Her program trained over 200 women through free Spanish-language training in scholarship applications, professional development, and global advocacy.
FUNDING DISTRIBUTED IN 2025
SEED FUNDS, ACADEMIC GRANTS, AND COMMUNITY ACTION AWARDS
$171,100
150,000+
PROJECT BENEFICIARIES
FORTY SIX
PROJECTS REGISTERED AS ORGANIZATIONS TILL DATE
Social Entrepreneurship: Turning Traditional Knowledge into Innovation
Sushma Paudel
Nepal
August 2025
Sushma led an initiative to develop natural soaps using Reetha and Chiuri butter, two underutilized Nepali resources. In collaboration with social enterprise EcoRevive Research and Innovation, her team trained 20 women and youth while empowering over 100 others through sustainable entrepreneurship.
Education and Research: Transforming Research Into Global Opportunity Leadership Institute for 2024 STEAM Fellows
July 2025
In partnership with Mountaintop International, Aspire Institute convened its 2024 STEAM Fellows to showcase the innovative research projects they developed through a year-long journey of academic growth and expert mentorship. The Fellowship culminated in a fully funded Leadership Institute hosted by Mountaintop International at Harvard University’s Edmond & Lily Safra Center for Ethics, where Fellows engaged with global leaders, built international networks, and refined their leadership skills to drive systemslevel change in their communities.
Career Development: Continuing to Learn and Lead EmpowerEd Conference
November 2025
Aspire hosted its first Career Readiness Conference, bringing together over 2,000 alumni for hands-on workshops and mentorship sessions with professionals from Mastercard Foundation, Harvard University, and other leading organizations.
BRAIAN’S AI-INTEGRATED LEADERSHIP PROGRAM (AILP)
EXPERIENCE
PREPARING LEARNERS FOR THE FUTURE OF WORK
BY BUILDING SOFT SKILLS AND AI FLUENCY
Week 1
Braian is oriented to the platform’s built-in AI tools, including a 24/7 tutor, smart prompts, text clarification, and personal encouragement. He learns the basics of artificial intelligence and its role in the future of work.
I really appreciate how the program encourages reflection and iteration. It is helping me develop a stronger mindset for problem-solving and creativity.
Jeanty Viergina Haïti
Weeks 2-3
He builds essential workplace skills like communication, time management, and team collaboration through avatar-led videos and interactive games, quizzes, and practical frameworks while strengthening his responsible use of AI as a support tool.
2,760
LEARNERS FROM ACROSS 106 COUNTRIES
100% SPONSORED SEATS BY
Week 4
During reflection week, he connects with peers around the world and reflects on key learnings through a community platform and guided discussion.
DESIGNED BY 7 INDUSTRY LEADERS
CONCEPTUALIZED TO INCREASE FAMILIARITY WITH AI TOOLS
Weeks 5-6
He develops leadership capabilities — negotiation, resilience, problem-solving, and values-based leadership — through real stories, role-playing bots, practical frameworks, and AI tools.
This program is mind-blowing. I’ve learned so much about AI and got a chance to access extremely valuable resources.
Dibya Dwari India
Week 7
He reconnects with peers on the community platform, reflects on key learnings, and begins developing ideas and direction for his capstone project.
93%
Learners felt confident using the strategies they learned in the workplace
67 NPS (Net Promoter Score)
Capstone
Braian attends live masterclasses on AI from industry leaders while developing his project. He earns a certificate of completion from both Aspire and Adobe, a sponsor of the AILP.
Participating in the AILP was incredibly enriching. The practical exercises helped me apply new skills directly in my studies and volunteer work.
Sondos Aldhoon Jordan
BRAIAN’S ASPIRE VOLUNTEER PROGRAM (AVP) EXPERIENCE
BUILDING A GLOBAL COMMUNITY THROUGH ALUMNI ENGAGEMENT AND SERVICE
After graduating from Aspire, Braian can return as a volunteer to support program delivery, lead outreach, or organize events.
This unique aspect of Aspire’s model allows him to stay connected to his global community while continuing to hone his leadership skills and give back to the next generation of Aspire leaders.
530
ACTIVE VOLUNTEERS IN 2025 ACROSS 29 COUNTRIES
250+ VOLUNTEER-LED EVENTS
12,500 PEOPLE REACHED THROUGH VOLUNTEER EFFORTS
Nigeria, February: Community Leaders organized a Meet and Greet in Lagos, where alumni reflected on their aspirations, built meaningful relationships, and immersed themselves in interactive sessions.
Community Leader
Angel Solis Mexico
Community Leaders organize social events, connect regional alumni, and serve as the main point of contact for their local Aspire community.
Brazil, April: Alumni Community Leaders organized a networking event in Cubo Itaú, an innovation hub in Sao Paulo, featuring guest speakers on e-commerce and entrepreneurship.
Volunteers in Braian’s cohort (right)
Domain Leader
Andrea Araujo Peru
Domain Leaders lead discussions on relevant topics (such as entrepreneurship, sustainability, or digital skills) and curate thematic online events for alumni
Bangladesh, September: Community Leader Sumaya Ali hosted 90 alumni and prospective students for a session on balancing mental health and career goals. The session was led by psychologist Sabina Akter.
Campus Leader
Andile Sanele
South Africa
Campus Leaders raise awareness of Aspire on university campuses, share their Aspire journey, and support incoming students.
Moderator
Gabriel Kwaku Agbeshie
Ghana
Moderators facilitate peer discussions on Discord, support live sessions, and help guide learners through Modules 1 and 2.
Bolivia, September: Community Leader Alexander Felipe Pacheco Flores led an outreach event in Cochabamba that centered around discussions regarding self-confidence and leadership.
India, October: Nitiesh Taral, a Community Leader, represented Aspire at the NDTV World Summit alongside co-founder Tarun Khanna, fellow alumni, and several heads of state, contributing to discussions on higher education.
TECHNOLOGY TO SCALE: A HUMAN-CENTERED APPROACH
LEVERAGING PROVEN PLATFORMS AND BESPOKE TOOLS TO DELIVER IMPACT, ENGINEERED IN CAMBRIDGE AND PUNE, INDIA
Engage LMS
Braian logs into Engage LMS, a bespoke platform built by Tekdi Technologies for Aspire learners, to access his coursework, watch lectures from Harvard faculty, and submit assignments.
LinkedIn
.
During the program, Braian creates his first LinkedIn profile, learns to present himself professionally, and connects with alumni who can open doors to career opportunities.
Sana Learn
In the AILP, Braian uses Sana, an AI-powered virtual classroom to learn alongside AI avatars, receive instant feedback, and access interactive content that adapts to his pace of learning.
Zoom . Through Zoom, Braian attends live masterclasses from industry experts and participates in speaker events that bring his global cohort together in real time.
~30,000 ACTIVE LEARNERS PER COHORT ON ASPIRE’S LMS
560,000+ ASSIGNMENTS SUBMITTED
8,500+
learners created their first LINKEDIN profile in latest cohort
87% Learners recommended Sana platform
63% found the 24/7 AI tutor helpful
57 ZOOM MASTERCLASSES
TWENTY ONE LIVE DISCORD SERVERS
Discord
. Braian connects with his peers using Discord, where he discusses module content, collaborates on group projects, and builds friendships that extend beyond the program.
Full Fabric CRM
From the moment Braian submits his application to his graduation and beyond, the Aspire team leverages Full Fabric CRM to track progress and provide personalized support at scale.
WhatsApp
. Braian receives program announcements, reminders, and updates through WhatsApp, a platform that works reliably with limited bandwidth or older devices.
AI Across Aspire
Learning & Curriculum:
AI concepts are integrated into the curriculum and used to enhance content delivery.
Community Support & Operations:
AI-powered chatbots are used to assist learners with troubleshooting and support.
Evaluation & Moderation:
AI tools are leveraged by staff to evaluate funding proposals and maintain safe community spaces.
2026: THE YEAR AHEAD
SUSTAINING OUR SCALE AND AMBITION WHILE STRENGTHENING HOW WE FUND AND MEASURE OUR WORK
500,000 APPLICATIONS
Double the number of applications to 500,000 through digital outreach, alumni referrals, and new Foundries.
NEW FOUNDRIES
Launch regional hubs in Azerbaijan, Mexico, Nigeria, and Philippines to expand presence in growth markets.
INDUSTRY PARTNERSHIPS
Collaborate with institutions and industry leaders to expand skills training and career pathways for alumni.
PROGRAM RETENTION
Increase ALP completion rates from 37% to 50% through enhanced engagement incentives and targeted support touchpoints.
PHILANTHROPIC GRANTS
Secure $1M in philanthropic grants to sustain free access to core programs and support global expansion.
AI-INTEGRATED LEADERSHIP PROGRAM
Secure corporate and philanthropic sponsors for AILP cohorts, generating $1M in revenue. Funding
US EXPANSION
Build presence across the U.S. and 10x applications through university partnerships and targeted outreach to college students.
REPORTING & INSIGHTS
Publish Aspire’s first Global Impact Report (2026), with third party validation.
PAID CREDENTIALS
Introduce optional $5 e-verifiable credential bundle to generate $50,000 in additional revenue.
IMPACT EVALUATION
Establish longitudinal alumni tracking across education, employment, and entrepreneurship to measure economic mobility outcomes.
ALUMNI VENTURES
Support 600+ alumni projects across 80+ countries, impacting 250,000+ beneficiaries.
FINANCIAL OVERVIEW
Aspire Foundries
Locally supported by Donors
Foundry Budget (FY 2025)
THE PEOPLE BEHIND ASPIRE: OUR STAFF, FACULTY, AND MENTORS
POWERED BY A SMALL GLOBAL TEAM AND A WIDE NETWORK OF FACULTY, MENTORS, AND VOLUNTEERS
Karim Lakhani, Co-Founder, Faculty Director; Dorothy & Michael Hintze Professor of Business Administration, Harvard Business School; Founder & Co-director, Laboratory for Innovation Science at Harvard (LISH)
Tarun Khanna, Co-Founder, Faculty Director; Jorge Paulo Lemann Professor, Harvard Business School
Eleri Dixon, Board Director & Digital Transformation Leader
Nandkishore “Andy” Kalambi, Chairperson, ATREE USA
Niren Chaudhary, Former CEO, Panera Brands
Peter “Pete” Chow, Chief Technology Officer, ASSIA Inc
Sháka Raheed, General Partner, Open Opportunity Fund
Global Mentors
Andy Klump, Founder, Clean Energy Associates
Asser el Nahas, Automation Director, Orange
Mila Fang, Founder, Klike AI
Nandkishore “Andy” Kalambi, Chairperson, ATREE USA
Niren Chaudhary, Former CEO, Panera Brands
Rahmat Eyinfunjowo, Founder, Early Career Place
Richard Burgos, Senior Sales Manager, Goldwind Americas
Shivani Hegde, Former CEO, Nestlé Sri Lanka
ECOSYSTEM OF PARTNERS
COLLABORATING WITH PHILANTHROPIC, CORPORATE, AND REGIONAL PARTNERS TO EXPAND
OPPORTUNITY FOR LEARNERS
Global Partners
Philanthropy & CSR
ORGANIZATIONS
Adobe JC Flowers
Param Hansa Philanthropy
Learner Outreach
UNIVERSITIES
Boston University Newbury Center
CETYS Universidad
Chesapeake College
CUNY
George Washington University
Hamilton College
Howard University
Northeastern University
Tecnologico de Monterrey
Universidad Mayor
Universidad Adolfo Ibáñez
Universidad Virtual del Estado de Guanajuato (UVEG)
NGO s
Achieving the Dream Africa.com
Algo Peers
Ashoka Changemakers
Babban Gona
BlackNorth Initiative
COOP Careers
Crown Prince Foundation
Daayitwa
First-Gen U/America Needs You
Formando Chile
Innovate Academy
Kosi Africa
Leaf Lives Africa
Leap Africa
Nepal Leadership Academy
One League
Riley’s Way
The Early Career Place
Alumni Impact
Career Span
Global Mentorship Initiative
Global Post
Forage: Virtual Job Simulations
Harvard Business School Foundry
Harvard Advanced Leadership Institute
IBM SkillsBuild
Level All
Practice Interviews
Warmer Jobs
Technology & Evaluation
PLATFORMS
Dataiku
Discord
Full Fabric
Sana AI
Tekdi Technologies, India
PROGRAM EVALUATION
Harvard Business School
Harvard Graduate School of Education
University of Oregon
Regional Partners
Bolivia
FOUNDRY AFFILIATE
Bolivia 360
UNIVERSITIES
Universidad Mayor de San Andrés
Universidad Privada de Santa Cruz de la Sierra
Universidad Privada Domingo Savio
Universidad Privada Franz Tamayo
Universidad Católica Boliviana “San Pablo”
Universidad Autónoma Juan Misael Saracho
Universidad para el Desarrollo y la Innovación
Universidad Privada Bolivia
OTHER
Bolivia Joven
DUX Academy
Favorcito
The Quick English
Brazil
FOUNDRY AFFILIATE
Insper University
UNIVERSITIES
São Paulo University
Paula Souza Center
Ânima Education
Conif (Federal Institutes) REARI
Senac
NGO s GROW
Insper Scholarships Program
Faubai
OTHER
Richard Burgos
MillAI
India
FOUNDRY AFFILIATE
Aspiring Leaders India Foundation
NGOS
Kshirsagar Apte Foundation
JC Flowers
Foundation for Excellence
Avanti Fellows
Teach for India
Lions International
Talerang
Piramal Foundation
Rotary Skyway
Buddy4Study
CORPORATIONS
Mahindra Group
InMobil
NDTV
Porter
GlanceTalentFarm AI
Visara
GOVERNMENT
Department of Technical Education
Karnataka
Ministry of Youth and Sports
Rajasthan and Sikkim state government
Pakistan
FOUNDRY AFFILIATE
Chughtai Institute of Leadership and Learning
NGO s
Orange Tree Foundation
Scholarbridge Society
UNIVERSITIES
Dow Medical University
International Islamic University
Islamabad Government College Hyderabad
Capital University of Science & Technology
FAST Nuces
Türkiye
FOUNDRY AFFILIATE
Aspire Supporting Education Association
UNIVERSITIES
Sabanci University
Gebze Technical University
WORDS FROM THE ASPIRE COMMUNITY
Aspire Mentors
I was pleasantly surprised to see 2,400 students joining from different parts of the world. No matter what their cultural backgrounds, color, gender, ethnicity, economic situations, or education, they all were superpowered with one aspiration: the aspiration to learn significantly and become successful with their earnest endeavours and hard work.
Rajesh Dhuddu Masterclass Faculty Speaker
Aspire entrepreneurs gave us valuable insights into how founders learn, where they want support, and what AI tools are most helpful in building their ventures. They created extraordinary value for us, for each other, and for the other founders on the platform. We look forward to advancing the HBS Foundry together and helping committed founders succeed.
Elise Bates Senior Director, Harvard Business School Foundry
We are deeply grateful to be in partnership with an organization that is also supporting young global leaders as they launch their careers. With each mentorship, we are strengthening connections across cultures and borders, and helping to build inclusive workplaces for the future.
Jon Browning CEO, Global Mentorship Initiative
Photo
Aspire Alumni
This program has helped close a lot of gaps that existed in my career path. Now, I am confident enough that I am on the right path. I have been able to land my first job after this program, and with the leadership training Aspire gave me, I am doing excellent here.
Albert Fiifi Amoah Ghana
Aspire gave me the validation, backing, and confidence to actually go on and tackle a problem that is ambitious and urgent. Being part of the ELP opened doors with institutions and businesses.
Milko Gonzalez Bolivia
The Aspire program emphasized that good leadership is not just about managing those below you, but also about effectively collaborating with peers and managing relationships with those you report to.
Alina Ijaz Pakistan
Growing up in a low-income family, I didn’t have role models in the corporate world or people around me who could tell me how to get into leadership, how to find mentors, or even how to believe I deserved to be in those spaces. There were many times in my life when I felt invisible. When I discovered the Aspire Leaders Program, it felt like someone was finally saying, ‘You matter. Your story matters. Your voice matters. You belong here, too.’
Fadhrullah Yusop Malaysia
JOIN THE ASPIRE MOVEMENT
INVEST IN THE NEXT GENERATION OF LEADERS THROUGH FUNDING, EXPERTISE, AND OPPORTUNITY
Strengthen Regional Foundries
Fund local outreach, university partnerships, and on-the-ground support in Brazil, India, Pakistan, Bolivia, and Türkiye – or our new foundries.
Fund
Our Core Programs
Support Aspire's foundational leadership training (ALP) and extended alumni support (ELP) programs through unrestricted giving.
Expand Alumni
Opportunities
Provide seed funding, academic grants, and Community Action Awards for alumni-led projects and continued education.
Sponsor the AI-Integrated Leadership Program
Support our new program preparing learners for an AI-driven workplace:
For Individuals:
Support 100 to 1,000 AILP learners at $100 per seat. Opportunity to offer named scholarships, receive impact reports, and directly engage with Aspire learners.
For Corporates & Philanthropies:
Support 1,000 to 10,000 AILP learners, with option to include complimentary employee seats. Opportunity to name cohort, integrate your tools into AILP curriculum, access talent pool, and more.
Give In-Kind
Share your expertise by mentoring our learners, teaching a masterclass, or connecting our alumni with jobs and internships.
Have an idea that you don’t see here? Reach out to discuss custom partnerships to match your vision and goals.
