Social Innovation Accelerator

The New World Social Innovation Fellows Program is a rigorous co-curricular accelerator for changemakers committed to addressing pressing social problems in new and creative ways. The Fellows Program selects and supports students – known as Cheng Fellows – advancing progress on a social challenge through a project of their design. Collectively, Fellows’ efforts represent innovation across issues, around the world, and within sectors, including civil society, business, government, and NGO organizations.

Through weekly co-curricular programming, coaching, mentoring, and seed funding, the Fellows Program provides a platform for students to develop and scale efforts while in school and post-graduation. The program is rigorous and time-intensive, intended for students with a steadfast commitment to a defined social or public problem and dedication to advancing concrete progress against this problem while in school and post-graduation.

Program Framework

The Fellows Program is guided by a social innovation organizing framework developed by our SICI faculty team called the “3P Framework.” Our research and teaching experience suggests three key lenses through which social innovators should consider their social change efforts: the nature of the social problem they aim to help address, their personal characteristics, and the requirements of the pathway to social innovation. Through weekly sessions, the program brings together academic theory and practitioner frameworks to explore each of these aspects at increasing levels of depth to guide better decisions that result in positive social impact.

Program Elements

The New World Social Innovation Fellows Program is comprised of four key elements:

  1. Co-Curricular Session: Learn frameworks and tactical workshops introduced by SICI staff, faculty, and established social innovators in weekly sessions.
  2. Coaching: Work with the SICI team through regular office hours and custom support for all Fellows.
  3. Action: Undertake a self-directed project and produce a comprehensive Social Change Plan that serves as a springboard for continued action post-graduation.
  4. Funding: Be eligible for up to $30,000 in funding for project advancement upon successful completion of the program.

Please note that all funding awarded through the New World Social Innovation Fellows Program is not applicable to tuition, school fees, etc.

Our Supporter

We are grateful for the generous support of this program by the New World Group Charity Foundation Company Limited, the philanthropic arm of the New World Group Company: a Hong Kong-listed company led by Dr. Adrian Cheng Chi-Kong, a 2002 graduate of Harvard College. Dr. Cheng is committed to supporting social innovation, empowering the next generation, and building a business and cultural ecosystem that connects society. In addition to his roles as Chief Executive Officer and Executive Vice-Chairman of the New World Development Company, he is the chairman of the New World Group Charity Foundation Limited; founder of the New World Springboard Community Program, which encourages young people to give back to society; and also founder of the K11 Art Mall and K11 Arts Foundation, which nurtures young artists, offers international scholarships, and hosts exhibitions around the world.