Imagine Scholar Development & Community Impact Fellowship

Location: Remote (with optional 4-week on-site immersion in South Africa)

About Imagine Scholar

Imagine Scholar is an education innovation program in rural South Africa. For over 15 years, we’ve been unlocking human potential by equipping motivated youth with the skills, mindset, and networks to become changemakers in their communities. Our alumni are launching businesses, leading nonprofits, pursuing advanced degrees, and shaping a brighter future for their region.

This fellowship is your chance to join that mission.

👉 Watch our mission video

The Fellowship

As a Development & Community Impact Fellow, you’ll take part in an immersive professional and personal growth journey that blends remote fundraising, nonprofit leadership, and the possibility of an on-the-ground community experience in rural South Africa.

Your Fellowship will include:

• Remote Fundraising & Development Training
  • Work directly with Imagine Scholar’s Executive Team to design and run your own fundraising campaign. You’ll gain practical skills in donor engagement, digital fundraising, and event planning. We’ll fully support you with training, mentorship, and toolkits to make the process as seamless and empowering as possible.

• Community-Based Development Learning
  • Collaborate remotely with Imagine Scholar’s alumni-led staff team to learn about community-driven leadership models and grassroots development.

• Optional On-Site Immersion in South Africa
  • Fellows who meet their fundraising goal will have the opportunity to travel to Imagine Scholar’s campus in rural South Africa for a 4-week on-site immersion. You’ll engage directly in student programming, mentor young leaders, and experience firsthand how the mission comes alive.

What We’re Looking For

We welcome anyone eager to make an impact, including:

• Recent graduates and young professionals exploring careers in social impact.
• Retired professionals looking for a meaningful way to give back.
• Individuals considering launching their own nonprofit or social venture.
• Anyone who feels called to contribute their time, energy, and creativity to a mission bigger than themselves.

What matters most is a genuine passion for education, social change, and authentic community engagement. While you’ll receive strong support from our team, this is a remote role, so it’s important that you can take initiative, be self-motivated, and work independently.

What You’ll Gain

• Professional Development: Fundraising, nonprofit leadership, cross-cultural teamwork.
• Global Perspective: Experience education and community development from a grassroots lens.
• Mentorship: Work alongside the Executive Director and alumni staff.
• Impact: Know that the funds you raise directly support student programming.
• Travel Opportunity: Fellows who reach the $10,000 fundraising target will receive a fully paid 4-week travel experience to South Africa.

Fellowship Details

• Commitment: Remote fundraising + optional 4-week on-site immersion in South Africa.
• Fundraising Expectation: Fellows will design and lead their own campaign, supported by Imagine Scholar. This may include a digital crowdfunding initiative and/or an in-person event, with mentorship at every step.
• Dates: Flexible, rolling applications.
• Fundraising Goal: Meeting the $10,000 target unlocks the fully paid South Africa immersion.

How to Apply

Send your CV and a short cover letter (or a video introduction) explaining why this opportunity excites you to info@imaginescholar.org