Introduction

Empower to Rise Fellowship 2024

Empower to Rise Fellowship 2024

Systemic, structural, and social barriers often hinder the path of youth with disabilities from realising their full potential, pursuing their dreams, and contributing meaningfully to society. At Rising Flame, we are committed to addressing these challenges and fostering an inclusive environment where every individual has the opportunity to thrive, and so we proudly announce the next edition of the Empower to Rise Fellowship – 2024.

Through the Empower to Rise Fellowship, we aim to dismantle barriers and empower youth with disabilities to achieve their academic and professional aspirations. By providing financial support and individualised mentoring, we seek to create an environment where every youth with disabilities can flourish, contribute, and lead change.

Eligibility criteria:

Applications are open for young people with disabilities who meet the following criteria:

  1. The applicant should be between the ages of 18 and 25.
  2. The percentage of disability should be 40% or above.
  3. The applicant should be a resident of India.
  4. The applicant should be a student admitted to a course in one of the “registered institutions.”
  5. The applicant should be striving hard to achieve their dreams.

We welcome applications from youth with disabilities across India, from diverse backgrounds and disability groups. Applicants can submit their applications in English, Hindi, Indian Sign Language, or audio-visual formats. The application form is available in English and Indian Sign Language or Hindi and submit it before 5 pm IST, June 25, 2024. (Deadline extended)

All applications without references and mandatory documents will be disqualified.

Support offered

The Empower to Rise Fellowship offers support to five selected fellows in two ways: Financial assistance and Mentoring support.

Financial Assistance: Rs 50,000 will be allocated as follows:

  • Rs 30,000 is for reasonable accommodation* allowance. 
  • Rs 20,000 is allocated for the purchase of assistive devices and technology**.

Mentoring support: Fellows will engage in individualised mentoring  tailored to their academic and professional goals. Mentors will provide guidance and support to help fellows navigate challenges and maximise their potential. Mentoring component is mandatory to avail financial support in full.

Apply now in English and Indian Sign Language or Hindi.

You can listen in detail about our last Empower to Rise Fellowship from idea to process to winners here.

*In this context, “reasonable accommodation” means necessary and appropriate modification and adjustments, without imposing a disproportionate or undue burden in a particular case, to ensure that persons with disabilities enjoy or exercise rights equally with others. (Source: The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act- 2016)

**In this context, “assistive devices” refer to the devices used by persons with disabilities to improve their quality of life in terms of mobility, communication, and performance in their daily activities. (Source: National Trust for the Welfare of Persons with Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Mental Retardation, and Multiple Disabilities)