Announcements Archives - Tilting Futures https://tiltingfutures.org/category/announcements/ Tilting Futures provides young people with the tools needed to create change in themselves and the world around them. Tue, 06 Jan 2026 17:31:49 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.4 https://tiltingfutures.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/cropped-favicon-tf-blue-32x32.png Announcements Archives - Tilting Futures https://tiltingfutures.org/category/announcements/ 32 32 Tilting Futures Announces Strategic Partnership with Carnegie Mellon University’s Heinz College to Expand Graduate Pathways for Emerging Global Leaders https://tiltingfutures.org/announcements/tilting-futures-announces-strategic-partnership-with-carnegie-mellon-universitys-heinz-college-to-expand-graduate-pathways-for-emerging-global-leaders/ Mon, 05 Jan 2026 23:02:37 +0000 https://tiltingfutures.org/?p=57924 New collaboration guarantees scholarships, a waiver of application fees, and customized programming for Tilting Futures alumni pursuing master’s degrees at CMU’s Heinz College starting Fall 2026. January 6, 2026 Tilting Futures today announced a new strategic partnership with Carnegie Mellon University’s (CMU) Heinz College of Information Systems and Public Policy designed to broaden access to […]

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New collaboration guarantees scholarships, a waiver of application fees, and customized programming for Tilting Futures alumni pursuing master’s degrees at CMU’s Heinz College starting Fall 2026.

January 6, 2026

Tilting Futures today announced a new strategic partnership with Carnegie Mellon University’s (CMU) Heinz College of Information Systems and Public Policy designed to broaden access to graduate study in public policy, technology, and data analytics for emerging leaders around the world.

Through this collaboration, Heinz College will award scholarships each academic year to up to ten incoming master’s students who are also alumni of Tilting Futures, a nonprofit coalition of young people equipped to solve global challenges.  

“We are so pleased to enter into this partnership with Tilting Futures,” said David Eber, Executive Director of Admissions and Financial Aid at Heinz College. “Tilting Futures alumni are committed to creating meaningful impact on global issues, and we look forward to welcoming them into the Heinz College community.”

Beginning with students enrolling in Fall 2026, Tilting Futures alumni who have completed their bachelor’s degree can apply and enroll in one of Heinz College’s full-time master’s programs. Eligible students will receive a waiver of application fees, a guaranteed merit-based scholarship equal to at least 30% of tuition per semester, and full consideration for additional merit aid based on the strength of their application. Students will also have access to annual sessions jointly offered by Heinz College and Tilting Futures on topics such as careers in public service and navigating the graduate school application process.

Tilting Futures equips emerging leaders with the skills and networks to solve complex global challenges and strives to make global experiential learning a universal rite of passage. Through its programs, the organization prepares young adults to navigate diverse perspectives, engage in civil dialogue, and drive positive social impact in their communities and industries.

“We are honored to help build a leadership pipeline rooted in humility, community, and a deep understanding of our interconnected global challenges.” said Elikem Tomety Archer, Chief Program Officer at Tilting Futures. “With guaranteed scholarships and focused programming, this collaboration creates a clear pathway for alumni to deepen their learning, expand their community, and continue shaping solutions in public policy, technology, and data analytics.”

Alumni: Explore graduate pathways at Carnegie Mellon University’s Heinz College and learn whether a master’s program in public policy, technology, or data analytics is right for you.

Explore Programs

Universities and Colleges, want to offer your students an evidence-based global learning experience that strengthens academic outcomes and career readiness?

Get in Touch

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About Tilting Futures

Tilting Futures is building a worldwide coalition of young people with the skills and networks to solve our most complex global challenges. For 15 years, we have been equipping emerging leaders (ages 17-22) to navigate diverse perspectives, engage in civil dialogue, and drive positive impact in their communities and careers. Our flagship program, Take Action Lab, immerses students in hands-on apprenticeships, blending real-world experience with self-discovery and global orientation.

With rising demand from students, industry leaders, and in collaboration with a growing coalition of partners — including the University of Pittsburgh, the Bonner Program, Morehouse College, the University of Oregon, Rhodes College, African Leadership University, Clinton Global Initiative University, Harvard University, and the University of California, Berkeley — we are working to integrate this powerful learning model into mainstream education, ensuring access for all. When they graduate, our students join a global alumni community 3,000+ strong, continuing to collaborate, lead, and drive impact across sectors and borders.

Learn more at https://go.tiltingfutures.org/annual-report/2025/ 

Carnegie Mellon University’s Heinz College

The Heinz College of Information Systems and Public Policy is home to two internationally recognized graduate-level institutions at Carnegie Mellon University: the School of Information Systems and Management and the School of Public Policy and Management. This unique colocation combined with its expertise in analytics set Heinz College apart in the areas of cybersecurity, health care, the future of work, smart cities, and arts & entertainment. In 2016, INFORMS named Heinz College the #1 academic program for Analytics Education. 

Learn more at www.heinz.cmu.edu

Contacts

Aziza Musa
Chief External Affairs Officer, Tilting Futures

Aziza@tiltingfutures.org

Caitlin Kizielewicz
Media Relations, Carnegie Mellon University’s Heinz College

ckiz@andrew.cmu.edu 

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]]> Tilting Futures and LearnerStudio Partner on New Model to Credential Civic and Human Skills Inside U.S. Higher Education https://tiltingfutures.org/announcements/tilting-futures-and-learnerstudio-partner-on-new-model-to-credential-civic-and-human-skills-inside-u-s-higher-education/ Thu, 18 Dec 2025 00:00:24 +0000 https://tiltingfutures.org/?p=57861 The partnership supports Tilting Futures’ work to embed measurable, credit-bearing civic and human skills into learning pathways, advancing institutional adoption of learning models that build agency, civic participation, and social cohesion. December 18, 2025   Tilting Futures is proud to announce a new partnership with LearnerStudio that will help accelerate the organization’s work to build […]

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The partnership supports Tilting Futures’ work to embed measurable, credit-bearing civic and human skills into learning pathways, advancing institutional adoption of learning models that build agency, civic participation, and social cohesion. 

December 18, 2025

Tilting Futures is proud to announce a new partnership with LearnerStudio that will help accelerate the organization’s work to build scalable, credit-bearing pathways for the civic skills and uniquely human capacities young people need to thrive.

At a time when education systems are under increasing pressure to engage learners and prepare them for a rapidly changing world, this partnership advances a critical systems shift, ensuring that learning experiences that build civic capacity, ethical agency, and readiness for participation in a pluralistic society are not only valued, but formally recognized within established degree pathways. 

From Experience to Evidence to Credit

Tilting Futures’ flagship Take Action Labs combine immersive, real-world learning with a rigorous evidence base validated by research partners at Harvard University and UC Berkeley. These studies demonstrate statistically significant gains in self-awareness, systems thinking, empathy, and civic orientation, the very skills that are essential for democratic participation, workforce adaptability, and long-term social cohesion.

This partnership with LearnerStudio is a strategic component of Tilting Futures’ next phase of growth: translating these outcomes into institutionally adoptable models, including:

  • Credit-bearing pathways recognized by U.S. colleges and universities
  • An accreditation and credentialing playbook designed for replication
  • Field-building research and shared learning to support broader adoption

This partnership builds on Tilting Futures’ role as a field-building partner focused on identifying what works, reducing risk for institutional adoption, and accelerating the spread of proven learning models across the broader learning ecosystem.

“Tilting Futures is doing the hard work of translating powerful learning experiences into models that the education sector can adopt, learn from, and build on. Their focus on evidence and credit pathways helps create the conditions for this kind of learning to spread.” said Courtney Garcia, Partner. 

This partnership represents an important early investment in this next phase of work. Realizing the full potential of these pathways will require additional philanthropic partners committed to strengthening civic participation, agency, and social connection through education.

Tilting Futures is inviting philanthropic and programmatic partners into a growing coalition committed to reimagining how young people in the U.S. are prepared for lives of civic contribution, community engagement, and resilient careers. 

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About Tilting Futures

Tilting Futures is building a worldwide coalition of young people with the skills and networks to solve our most complex global challenges. For 15 years, we have been equipping emerging leaders (ages 17-22) to navigate diverse perspectives, engage in civil dialogue, and drive positive impact in their communities and careers. Our flagship program, Take Action Lab, immerses students in hands-on apprenticeships, blending real-world experience with self-discovery and global orientation.

With rising demand from students, industry leaders, and in collaboration with a growing coalition of partners — including the University of Pittsburgh, the Bonner Program, Morehouse College, the University of Oregon, Rhodes College, African Leadership University, Clinton Global Initiative University, Harvard University, and the University of California, Berkeley — we are working to integrate this powerful learning model into mainstream education, ensuring access for all. When they graduate, our students join a global alumni community 3,000+ strong, continuing to collaborate, lead, and drive impact across sectors and borders.

Learn more at https://go.tiltingfutures.org/annual-report/2025/ 

LearnerStudio

LearnerStudio is a nonprofit guided by one focal question: What do young people need to be inspired and prepared to flourish in the Age of AI – as individuals, in careers, and for democracy? By seeding ideas that reimagine the purpose of learning, funding innovators who are building a future-ready learning ecosystem, and connecting allies dedicated to this vision, LearnerStudio supports the individuals and organizations essential for transforming how we learn and thrive in a rapidly evolving world.

Learn more at https://thelearnerstudio.org/ 

Contacts

Aziza Musa
Chief External Affairs Officer, Tilting Futures

Aziza@tiltingfutures.org

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]]> 15 Years. 3,000 Young Leaders. One Unstoppable Movement. https://tiltingfutures.org/announcements/15-years-3000-young-leaders-one-unstoppable-movement/ Thu, 20 Nov 2025 16:17:54 +0000 https://tiltingfutures.org/?p=57737 Tilting Futures’ 2025 Annual Report showcases a decade and a half of globally recognized, research-backed experiential learning, and the bold next chapter ahead. November 20, 2025 Tilting Futures today released its 2025 Annual Report, Building a More Human World: 15 Years of Tilting Futures, marking a major milestone in the organization’s journey. Now celebrating its […]

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Tilting Futures’ 2025 Annual Report showcases a decade and a half of globally recognized, research-backed experiential learning, and the bold next chapter ahead.

November 20, 2025

Tilting Futures today released its 2025 Annual Report, Building a More Human World: 15 Years of Tilting Futures, marking a major milestone in the organization’s journey. Now celebrating its fifteenth anniversary, the organization reflects on its most ambitious and impactful year yet.

The report highlights young changemakers leading with courage and creativity, expanding university partnerships across continents, and the growing momentum behind immersive, credit-bearing global learning. Across every story emerges a clear throughline: this progress is powered by a global coalition of students, educators, partners, and supporters advancing a shared vision for the future of education.

Since stepping into the CEO role three years ago, Erin Lewellen has led a new era that is now delivering results at a scale we’ve never seen before. It’s proof that when visionary work is carried forward collectively – with young people, partners, a global team, and Board – its reach becomes exponentially greater.

“Applications in the past three years now exceed the prior twelve combined. This is clear proof that young people are hungry for a model that matches the scale and urgency of today’s challenges. Tilting Futures is building a global launchpad for the next generation of leaders, and the momentum behind this movement has never been stronger.”

–Erin Lewellen

The full anniversary report is now available.

Read the Report

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About Tilting Futures

Tilting Futures is building a worldwide coalition of young people with the skills and networks to solve our most complex global challenges. For 15 years, we have been equipping emerging leaders (ages 17-22) to navigate diverse perspectives, engage in civil dialogue, and drive positive impact in their communities and careers. Our flagship program, Take Action Lab, immerses students in hands-on apprenticeships, blending real-world experience with self-discovery and global orientation.

With rising demand from students, industry leaders, and in collaboration with a growing coalition of partners — including the University of Pittsburgh, the Bonner Foundation, Morehouse College, the University of Oregon, Rhodes College, African Leadership University, Harvard University, Carnegie Mellon University and the University of California, Berkeley — we are working to integrate this powerful learning model into mainstream education, ensuring access for all. When our students graduate, they join a global alumni community 3,000+ strong, continuing to collaborate, lead, and drive impact across sectors and borders.

Learn more at https://go.tiltingfutures.org/annual-report/ 

Contacts

Aziza Musa
Chief External Affairs Officer, Tilting Futures

Aziza@tiltingfutures.org

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]]> Tilting Futures Welcomes Amr Razzak to Board of Directors https://tiltingfutures.org/announcements/tilting-futures-welcomes-amr-razzak-to-board-of-directors/ Wed, 30 Jul 2025 13:59:35 +0000 https://tiltingfutures.org/?p=56882 Oakland, CA – Tilting Futures is thrilled to welcome Amr Razzak to its Board of Directors. A seasoned international corporate law partner and Peace Corps alumnus, Amr brings a rare combination of cross-sector experience, global perspective, and deep commitment to public service.  He joins a dynamic and engaged board at a pivotal moment in Tilting […]

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Oakland, CA – Tilting Futures is thrilled to welcome Amr Razzak to its Board of Directors. A seasoned international corporate law partner and Peace Corps alumnus, Amr brings a rare combination of cross-sector experience, global perspective, and deep commitment to public service. 

He joins a dynamic and engaged board at a pivotal moment in Tilting Futures’ growth, when demand for our programs is rising, and the opportunity to shape global learning systems is greater than ever. He shares our conviction that young people everywhere deserve access to transformative opportunities to grow, connect, and lead.

“Amr brings a wonderful combination of global perspective, legal expertise, and a deep commitment to equitable partnership,” said Erin Lewellen, CEO of Tilting Futures. “In our earliest conversations, he asked thoughtful questions about how our students engage with local communities to enable mutual growth. That – paired with his deep governance and international experience – makes him a powerful addition to our board.”

A Bold Future Ahead

With the addition of Amr to our Board of Directors, Tilting Futures is accelerating its work to build a worldwide coalition of young people equipped to tackle our most pressing global challenges. We aim to make experiential global learning a standard in mainstream education. With rising demand from students, higher education institutions, and industry leaders, expanding access has never been more critical. The leadership of our Board will guide us in ensuring more young people have the opportunities, networks, and experiences they need to lead, innovate, and create lasting social impact.

A Global Legal Mind with a Heart for Service

Amr Razzak

Corporate/M&A partner at Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom

Amr Razzak is a corporate/M&A partner at Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom, where he advises public and private companies, private equity funds, and multinationals on complex cross-border transactions. Over his 25-year career, he has led deals across Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and Australia, and has been recognized as one of the top technology and M&A lawyers in the U.S. by Chambers USA, Lawdragon, and MergerLinks.

After graduating from college, Amr served in the Peace Corps in Cameroon, supporting community development initiatives in the Far North Province. During his final year, he acted as the Peace Corps Provincial Representative for the Far North Province, supervising volunteers posted in the region’s many hard-to-reach project sites — an experience that continues to shape his approach to service and cross-cultural collaboration. He joined Skadden in 2000 and became a partner in 2008. He led Skadden’s pro bono “Know Your Rights” initiative and serves as chair of the firm’s Palo Alto Skadden Experience Committee.

 

AMR’S TILT MOMENT

During the majority of his Peace Corps service in Cameroon, Amr was based in Yagoua, a town in the country’s Far North Province near the Chad border. He did a lot of work in a village called Polgué, and the surrounding area, which he reached by riding a motorcycle along narrow, sandy roads through fields of millet, beans, and peanuts.

One ride out to the village became a defining moment. As he recalls, “I felt incredibly grateful. I was contributing in a small way, but a way that positively impacted a number of people’s lives in a very real sense. People were looking out for me, sharing what brought them joy, and inviting me into their lives. That moment of clarity pulled everything together: the experience, the relationships, the learning — how much I was learning from them.” 

That insight, about humility, shared learning, and deep listening, continues to shape how Amr shows up in his work and leadership. It’s also what drew him to Tilting Futures. The organization’s commitment to centering local expertise, creating reciprocal learning environments, and equipping young people to lead with empathy aligns with the values that have guided his life and career. 

As he joins the Board of Directors, Amr brings a lived understanding that meaningful impact starts with showing up, staying curious, and building trust across lines of difference.

 

***

About Tilting Futures

Tilting Futures is building a worldwide coalition of young people with the skills and networks to solve our most complex global challenges and to make global experiential learning a universal rite of passage. For 15 years, we have been equipping emerging leaders (ages 17-22) to navigate diverse perspectives, engage in civil dialogue, and drive positive social impact in their communities and industries. Our flagship program, Take Action Labs, immerses students in hands-on apprenticeships, blending real-world experience with self-discovery and global orientation. With rising demand from students, higher education institutions, and industry leaders, we are working to integrate this powerful learning model into mainstream education, ensuring access for all. When they graduate, our students join a global alumni community 3,000+ strong, continuing to collaborate, lead, and create impact across sectors and borders.

 

For more information about our board and programs, visit https://www.tiltingfutures.org.

 

Media Contact: 

Aziza Musa, Chief External Affairs Officer

Aziza@tiltingfutures.org  

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]]> Introducing Our New Board Members https://tiltingfutures.org/announcements/introducing-our-new-board-members/ Thu, 10 Apr 2025 07:00:01 +0000 https://tiltingfutures.org/?p=56530 Oakland, CA – Tilting Futures is proud to announce the appointment of three dynamic leaders who will contribute their expertise and vision to the organization. They join an active, majority-women board at an exciting moment in the organization’s momentum. Their collective backgrounds in higher education, media, and philanthropy will help us expand access to transformative, […]

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Oakland, CA – Tilting Futures is proud to announce the appointment of three dynamic leaders who will contribute their expertise and vision to the organization. They join an active, majority-women board at an exciting moment in the organization’s momentum. Their collective backgrounds in higher education, media, and philanthropy will help us expand access to transformative, experiential education opportunities for young people worldwide.

Our New Board Members

  • Eric Nee, Writer, Editor, and Social Innovation Advisor
  • Dr. Jem Spectar, President, University of Pittsburgh Johnstown

Our New Development & Nominating Committee Member

  • Craig Styles, Vice President, Morgan Stanley
 
 

Erin Lewellen, CEO of Tilting Futures, shared:

“At Tilting Futures, we believe that global education and service opportunities have the power to unlock potential and catapult young people’s trajectories. What unites our new board and committee members is the seismic, life-altering experiences they had in cultures and communities beyond their own. These moments didn’t just shape their worldviews; they set them on the path to breaking barriers, driving change, and expanding access to opportunity. Their expertise and insight will help us shape the future of experiential learning. I’m thrilled to welcome them aboard and look forward to all we will accomplish together.”

A Bold Future Ahead

With the addition of Eric, and Jem to our Board of Directors, and Craig to our Development & Nominating Committee, Tilting Futures is accelerating its work to build a worldwide coalition of young people equipped to tackle our most pressing global challenges. We aim to make experiential global learning a universal rite of passage, one that becomes a standard in mainstream education. With rising demand from students, higher education institutions, and industry leaders, expanding access has never been more critical. The leadership of our new Board and Committee Members will guide us in ensuring more young people have the opportunities, networks, and experiences they need to lead, innovate, and create lasting social impact.

Meet Our New Board Members

Eric Nee

Writer, Editor, and Social Innovation Advisor

LinkedIn Profile

A leading voice in social innovation, Eric Nee brings nearly two decades of editorial leadership in the philanthropy and social innovation sectors. He served as the editor-in-chief of Stanford Social Innovation Review (SSIR) for six years and the managing editor for 12 years, helping establish the publication as a premier platform for advancing global conversations on philanthropy, nonprofit leadership, and social impact.

Before his tenure at SSIR, Eric was a senior writer at Fortune magazine. While there, he helped Time Inc. launch eCompany Now, which later became Business 2.0. He also launched Forbes’s Silicon Valley bureau, where he was bureau manager. He has previously served as editor-in-chief of Upside and held positions at a variety of other technology publications. Eric is also the author of, “Information for Everyone: The Applied Materials Story.” 

 

ERIC’S TILT MOMENT

Dr. Jem Spectar​

President, University of Pittsburgh Johnstown

Dr. Jem Spectar is the President of the University of Pittsburgh Johnstown (UPJ), a position he has held since 2007. Previously, Jem served as an academic administrator and professor at institutions including Princeton University, the University of Scranton, Western Oregon University, and the University of La Verne. Under his leadership, UPJ has undergone several transformative developments that have elevated the institution’s stature, impact, and profile in national rankings. These include the introduction of competitive new programs in business, engineering, and nursing; increased community engagement; and a fivefold increase in the university’s endowment.

A thought leader focused on sustaining democracy through civic engagement and reducing rural-urban polarization, Jem is frequently invited to speak at national forums, including the National Constitution Center (Constitution Day, 2022). Under his leadership, UPJ developed a unique American Democracy Scholar Certificate and partnered with regional K–12 schools through the American Civic Education Initiative and the popular Democracy Bowl competition.

In addition to his scholarly publications and op-eds, Jem is the author of several books, including Movement + Music = Medicine and the forthcoming The Mind, the Medicineman, and the Dancer. He has also curated an extensive collection of world dance art and enjoys golf and gardening.

Jem is the first African immigrant to be named a university president in the United States and has received several notable recognitions, including being named among the most “influential Americans of recent African immigrant heritage.”

He holds a Ph.D. and M.A. from Claremont Graduate University, a J.D. from the University of Maryland, an M.A. from George Washington University, an M.B.A. from Frostburg State University, and a B.A. from the University of La Verne, California.

 

JEM’S TILT MOMENT

Meet Our New Committee Member

Craig Styles​

Vice President, Morgan Stanley

LinkedIn Profile

Craig Styles is a philanthropic advisor with deep experience working in the financial services industry. He currently works at Morgan Stanley where he is a vice president focused on developing customized philanthropic strategies for individuals, families, family offices, foundations, and nonprofits.

Craig brings a firm belief in service, impact, and access to all his work. For more than a decade, he has served as an undergraduate student mentor for the Villanova School of Business and is also a member of the Advancement Committee at St. Peter’s Preparatory School in Jersey City. Craig is excited to join Tilting Futures and support the organization in a time of significant growth.

 

CRAIG’S TILT MOMENT  

 

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About Tilting Futures

Tilting Futures is building a worldwide coalition of young people with the skills and networks to solve our most complex global challenges and to make global experiential learning a universal rite of passage. For 15 years, we have been equipping emerging leaders (ages 17-22) to navigate diverse perspectives, engage in civil dialogue, and drive positive social impact in their communities and industries. Our flagship program, Take Action Labs, immerses students in hands-on apprenticeships, blending real-world experience with self-discovery and global orientation. With rising demand from students, higher education institutions, and industry leaders, we are working to integrate this powerful learning model into mainstream education, ensuring access for all. When they graduate, our students join a global alumni community 3,000+ strong, continuing to collaborate, lead, and create impact across sectors and borders.

For more information about our board and programs, visit https://www.tiltingfutures.org.

 

Media Contact: 

Aziza Musa, Chief External Affairs Officer

Aziza@tiltingfutures.org  

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]]> Tilting Futures launches summer semester program with The Bonner Foundation and the Bonner Programs at both Morehouse College & Rhodes College https://tiltingfutures.org/announcements/tilting-futures-launches-summer-semester-program-with-the-bonner-foundation-and-the-bonner-programs-at-at-both-morehouse-college-rhodes-college/ Tue, 29 Oct 2024 18:09:47 +0000 https://tiltingfutures.org/?p=55677 Tilting Futures launches summer semester program with The Bonner Foundation and the Bonner Programs at both Morehouse College & Rhodes College When we launched Take Action Lab in 2022, we couldn’t have imagined the global demand this program would generate. Since then, we’ve had nearly 18,000 young people from around the world begin applications to join […]

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Tilting Futures launches summer semester program with The Bonner Foundation and the Bonner Programs at both Morehouse College & Rhodes College

 

When we launched Take Action Lab in 2022, we couldn’t have imagined the global demand this program would generate. Since then, we’ve had nearly 18,000 young people from around the world begin applications to join this transformative, immersive educational experience.

 

This demand has only been matched by the impact Take Action Lab has on students. Independent research teams from Harvard and Berkeley have validated our learning model, showing that students develop crucial skills such as cross-cultural communication, empathy, and creative problem-solving through participating in our programs. 

 

However, while we know Gen Z has limitless talent and potential, they face numerous barriers to accessing the opportunity to participate in immersive learning programs like Take Action Lab. In fact, only a small minority of college students from high financial need, first generation, and other marginalized groups get a study abroad experience of any kind despite the personal, professional, and educational benefits of these experiences. 

 

One of our guiding principles as an organization has been to meet young people where they are. We know Gen Z is eager to participate in the exact kind of transformational, cultural immersion Take Action Lab provides. In order to meet that need, we need to democratize access to immersive educational experiences to create multiple opportunities for young people to participate.

 

Today, we are proud to announce our new program that aims to further expand access to transformative learning for college-aged students: Take Action Lab Accelerator: Civic Innovation.

 

This exciting new opportunity would not be possible without our program partners: The Bonner Foundation, who works in partnership with a national network of colleges and universities to support the education and engagement of diverse predominantly low-income students, and our anchor school partners Morehouse College and Rhodes College Bonner Programs. “Working with these incredible partners has helped innovate a program model that can support expanded access for students while also seamlessly embedding into existing higher education institutions,” said Elikem Tomety Archer, Chief Program Officer at Tilting Futures.

 

“We are thankful for the partnership with Tilting Futures to make Take Action Lab Accelerator a reality,” said Ariane Hoy, Vice President for Program and Resource Development at the Bonner Foundation. “This innovative program expands the network’s summer service opportunities beyond the U.S. and into South Africa, offering students in the Bonner Network a chance to engage in Civic Innovation work alongside peers from around the world. By creating greater access to these transformative experiences, we’re staying true to our mission of providing ‘access to education and opportunity to serve’ with a global lens that enables future change agents to make a lasting impact.”

 

About the Program

 

Based on our semester-long program, Take Action Lab Accelerator, Civic Innovation brings students a transformational immersive education experience in a condensed nine-week summer semester.

 

During this time, U.S. college and university students will join a global cohort of young people from around the world to form the first class. After completing the virtual Foundations course, these students will travel from their home countries to Cape Town, South Africa, for seven weeks. While in Cape Town, students will intern with local nonprofits advancing civic innovation, learn about the history and culture of South Africa, and work with trained staff to channel new insights into actionable strategies to create lifelong impact. 

 

Through their time in Take Action Lab Accelerator, students from the U.S. and the wider world will bring their perspectives and cultures to help shape, inform and enlighten their peers. Combined with the hands-on learning students receive through their internships, they will graduate into a global alumni network creating local, community-based solutions to our biggest global challenges.

 

“At Morehouse College, we are committed to fostering leadership and social responsibility in our students, and this partnership with Tilting Futures aligns perfectly with that mission,” said Dr Wilbur Whitney, Director of the Bonner Office of Community Service at Morehouse College. “By offering our students the chance to engage with new cultures and perspectives, this program is providing them with transformative experiences that will enhance their ability to lead and create meaningful change in their communities and beyond.”

 

Get Involved

 

As we eagerly await welcoming our first Take Action Lab Accelerator: Civic Innovation Class in June 2025, we’re asking our community to support us in launching tomorrow’s civic innovation leaders.

 

SHARE this opportunity with college students in your network.

SPREAD the word on social media to help us reach as many students as possible.

SUPPORT Tilting Futures to empower students with the skills they need to tackle complex global challenges. Invest in tomorrow’s leaders by giving to our Momentum Campaign.

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]]> Tilting Futures partners with Peace Corps to launch the Circle of Service https://tiltingfutures.org/announcements/tilting-futures-partners-with-peace-corps-to-launch-the-circle-of-service/ Tue, 22 Oct 2024 16:47:24 +0000 https://tiltingfutures.org/?p=55743 Some of our world’s most complex challenges manifest on both local and global scales. Young people are eager to address issues like climate change, growing polarization, and more in ways that create immediate community benefit while contributing to sustainable global solutions. Establishing an infrastructure that provides them with dedicated pathways to continuing service would help […]

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Some of our world’s most complex challenges manifest on both local and global scales. Young people are eager to address issues like climate change, growing polarization, and more in ways that create immediate community benefit while contributing to sustainable global solutions. Establishing an infrastructure that provides them with dedicated pathways to continuing service would help expand impact, accelerate new solutions, and create a blueprint for a true global exchange of service.

 

Today, we are thrilled to announce that Tilting Futures is partnering with the Peace Corps to launch the Circle of Service — a new initiative designed to expand service opportunities for young people committed to changing the world. Along with City Year, Public Allies, and Teach for America, we are creating dedicated pathways for young people to continue pursuing public service across programs, organizations, and borders. This collaboration highlights the growing demand among young people to pursue public service opportunities that create positive impact locally and globally.

 

“This partnership underscores the transformative power of service-based learning and emphasizes the critical role immersive, experiential education has in shaping the next generations of world-changers,” said Tilting Futures CEO Erin Lewellen. “Working across our organizations, student communities and alumni networks will lay the foundation for a global service exchange capable of supporting thousands of changemakers and communities.”

 

Learn more about the Circle of Service program and read the official press release online or below.

 


Get Involved

As we continue to create new pathways for our students, we’re asking our community to support us in launching tomorrow’s service-driven leaders.


SHARE this opportunity with students in your network.
SPREAD the word on social media to help us reach as many young people as possible.
SUPPORT tomorrow’s leaders by making a donation today to sponsor students in Take Action Lab. 

 


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The Peace Corps Launches Circle of Service to Create Lasting Pathways for Public Service and Global Impact

  

WASHINGTON — Today, the Peace Corps officially launched “Circle of Service,” a new initiative designed to formally partner with service organizations and create lasting pathways for individuals committed to public service. Through this initiative, the Peace Corps aims to foster a lifelong culture of giving back by connecting volunteers with meaningful opportunities to serve both domestically and globally.


To launch the initiative, the Peace Corps partnered with four service organizations: City Year, Public Allies, Teach for America and Tilting Futures, all of which share the agency’s commitment to service, intercultural competence and community development. Through the Circle of Service, the Peace Corps and its strategic partners will build a community for motivated changemakers to seamlessly transition between service roles throughout their lives, expanding their global impact and strengthening the future of public service.


“The Peace Corps was born out of a bold call to action: who would be willing to go the distance to make a difference? For 63 years, the story of this agency has been one of Americans from all across the country stepping up to meet the moment. Now, with the Circle of Service, another bold new chapter in that story begins,” said Peace Corps Director Carol Spahn. “Through this strategic partnership, we’re building something bigger than any single organization could achieve alone, a future that unites our strengths to offer volunteers meaningful opportunities to contribute to sustainable progress.”


“At Tilting Futures, we believe that the solutions to our world’s most pressing challenges will come from leaders who represent and are deeply connected to the communities they serve,” said Tilting Futures CEO Erin Lewellen. “This partnership with the Peace Corps Circle of Service is essential to creating the systemic changes needed to educate, inspire, and support our nation’s next generation of service-oriented leaders. We are honored to play our part in
building a leadership pipeline rooted in humility, community, and a deep understanding of the interconnectedness of global challenges.”


As part of this strategic partnership, the Peace Corps will offer expedited review of applications for service from alumni of partner organizations so individuals with a passion for service have an opportunity to continue their efforts globally. In addition, the agency will provide Returned Peace Corps Volunteers (RPCVs) with information about employment and/or volunteer opportunities to serve at Circle of Service partner organizations, creating pathways for RPCVs to share their experiences and build upon the professional and intercultural skills they developed during Peace Corps service. This interconnected network exemplifies the Circle of Service, where organizations, volunteers and communities benefit from sustained engagement and collaboration.


Circle of Service offers service-oriented organizations the opportunity to scale their impact globally. By connecting their alumni with the Peace Corps, strategic partners can extend their mission and values beyond borders, empowering individuals to contribute to world peace and friendship. Strategic partners also benefit from the agency’s more than six decades of experience in a people-centered, localized approach to international development, enhancing their own capacity to deliver effective programs in their respective fields.


Circle of Service strategic partners bring specialized expertise in areas such as agriculture, community economic development, education, environment, health and youth in development. Together with the Peace Corps, these organizations are laying a foundation for a service network that will inspire generations of changemakers. The Peace Corps invites interested organizations to explore strategic partnership opportunities and join this collaborative effort to expand their global impact.


Other interested Circle of Service partners can visit peacecorps.gov/circleofservice for more information.



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About Tilting Futures: Tilting Futures equips young people worldwide to create meaningful impact on global issues. Our immersive learning programs enhance students’ emotional and intellectual skills through collaboration with diverse communities and cultures worldwide. Tilters graduate into our lifelong network with a permanent perspective shift on the world, and what they’re capable of achieving within it.



Contacts
Aziza Musa
Chief External Affairs Officer
amusa@tiltingfutures.org 

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]]> Meet Our New Board Members: Ilaria Fusina & Jordan Lee https://tiltingfutures.org/announcements/meet-our-new-board-members-ilaria-fusina-jordan-lee/ Thu, 03 Oct 2024 17:04:02 +0000 https://tiltingfutures.org/?p=56464 As we launch Take Action Lab: Environment & Sustainability, we are thrilled to announce two new additions to our Board of Directors: Ilaria Fusina and Jordan Lee.   Ilaria is a passionate environmentalist who, along with her husband Adam Woodward, are supporting this new program.   “Take Action Lab harnesses the global youth’s desire to […]

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]]> As we launch Take Action Lab: Environment & Sustainability, we are thrilled to announce two new additions to our Board of Directors: Ilaria Fusina and Jordan Lee.

 

Ilaria is a passionate environmentalist who, along with her husband Adam Woodward, are supporting this new program.

 

“Take Action Lab harnesses the global youth’s desire to enact sustainable practices with the vision of an organization that leads with their heart and follows through with a proven track record.” – Ilaria Fusina

 

A Tilting Futures’ GCY Fellowship alum and a manager in the energy and climate practice of the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change, Jordan is actively working on sustainability issues with global leaders from across sectors.

 

“Before going to Ecuador for my Fellowship, I was certain I would go into medicine. But once I was there I saw how a lack of reliable and equitable access to energy presented fundamental challenges to health, education, and livelihoods. Tilting Futures changed the course of my career and inspired my focus on sustainable energy.” – Jordan Lee

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]]> Tilting Futures Expands to Malaysia with Focus on Environment & Sustainability https://tiltingfutures.org/announcements/tilting-futures-expands-to-malaysia-with-focus-on-environment-sustainability/ Thu, 05 Sep 2024 18:08:29 +0000 https://tiltingfutures.org/?p=55471 Young people asked. We listened.Introducing Take Action Lab: Environment & Sustainability One of the singular defining challenges of our time is climate change. Young people are eager to tackle this challenge and bring a sustainability focus to their education, careers and communities. At Tilting Futures, we understand that every job must become a green job, […]

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Young people asked. We listened.
Introducing Take Action Lab: Environment & Sustainability

One of the singular defining challenges of our time is climate change. Young people are eager to tackle this challenge and bring a sustainability focus to their education, careers and communities. At Tilting Futures, we understand that every job must become a green job, and that solving our climate crisis will require new approaches to education.

Since launching Take Action Lab: Civic Innovation in 2023, we’ve seen how engaging young people in co-creating and contributing to solutions unlocks their potential and helps them channel passion into purpose. And we’ve seen the incredible demand for this exact type of learning, with over 17,000 applications and a waitlist more than three times what our current program can accommodate. Over the past several semesters, we’ve heard the same message from our community of students, alumni, philanthropic and higher education partners: there should be a Take Action Lab focused on environmental issues.

Today, there is.
Take Action Lab: Environment & Sustainability will welcome its first class to George Town, Malaysia in August 2025!

We are immensely grateful to our visionary anchor donors Giving Pledge Signatories Mary Obelnicki & Craig Silverstein, Global Environmental & Education Philanthropists Sam Rose, and Ilaria Fusina & Adam Woodward. Thanks to their generosity, Take Action Lab: Environment & Sustainability is a reality.

“Equity and innovation in global education are the nexus at which so many of our most complex challenges converge: advancing environmental sustainability, preserving civic innovation, and ensuring every young person has the skills they need to thrive. As a proud donor to Tilting Futures, I know my investment directly addresses these challenges, working towards an educational system that promotes equity and empowers young people to address critical issues with compassion for our global community.” – Mary Obelnicki 

We need solutions now and young people are eager to deliver.

Take Action Lab: Environment & Sustainability brings together practical green skill-building with the foundational competency-building in empathy, collaboration and creativity our high-impact model is known for. Students will be at the forefront of locally led environmental efforts while living in a vibrant city and working side-by-side with leaders advancing conservation, clean energy, and climate resilience. Moreover, students will develop a true systems thinking understanding of environmental issues alongside the practical problem-solving skills needed to turn their ideals into action. Combined, these efforts will create new best practices and proof points for higher education globally, and accelerate the adoption of promising strategies for empowering young people worldwide.

George Town, Malaysia is the perfect place to anchor these learnings. The city’s sustainability efforts combined with its robust NGO network are already pioneering promising initiatives that can become global models. Our students will gain hands-on experience supporting local efforts so they can then bring their newfound skills and perspectives to their own communities around the world.

Your impact can propel their futures, while protecting ours.

As we celebrate the official launch of this program and open applications to young people globally, I invite you to join us in launching the next generation of climate leaders by making a gift to our Sponsor-A-Student campaign. Your investment can help create new scholarships, sponsor student cohorts from underrepresented regions, and launch new generations of creative, capable environmental leaders — all while creating the blueprint for making this exact type of transformative learning a standard of global higher education.

Make My Gift


Thank you for everything you’ve done to help us reach this milestone. We’re incredibly grateful for your support and for the dedication of the Tilting Futures team, whose tireless efforts have made Take Action Lab: Environment & Sustainability a reality.

Onwards to August, when we’ll welcome our first class to Malaysia!

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]]> Introducing Tilting Futures https://tiltingfutures.org/announcements/introducing-tilting-futures/ Tue, 14 May 2024 12:01:37 +0000 https://tiltingfutures.org/?p=54420 Since our founding, we’ve been guided by a singular commitment: to provide young people with the tools to create positive change in themselves and the world around them. As we continue to pursue our mission, we’re excited to share two big announcements:    1. We’re expanding Take Action Lab! Beginning in 2025, we’ll be launching […]

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Since our founding, we’ve been guided by a singular commitment: to provide young people with the tools to create positive change in themselves and the world around them. As we continue to pursue our mission, we’re excited to share two big announcements: 

 

1. We’re expanding Take Action Lab! Beginning in 2025, we’ll be launching a new climate and environment-focused curriculum in a new country. 

2. We’re officially unveiling our new branding and name – Tilting Futures!

Global Citizen Year will now be part of our new, larger Tilting Futures brand. As we move forward under this new name, Tilting Futures will continue to house Take Action Lab, as well as programming for Global Citizen Year Fellowship, Academy, and Take Action Lab alumni.

 

Tilting Futures was created with significant input from students, alumni, parents, partners, and donors. We believe Tilting Futures reflects our collective optimism that young people can transform themselves, their communities, and the direction of our wider world. We know that young people, when given the tools to turn their ideals into action, can create the new pathways, perspectives, and solutions our world needs. We invite you to watch this video to see Tilting Futures CEO Erin Lewellen’s reflections on this exciting evolution. 

 

Charting innovative paths has always been part of our organizational DNA, and the foundation our founder built has enabled us to expand and grow while staying true to our mission. During our first 10 years, the Global Citizen Year Fellowship provided students with opportunities to expand their horizons and create meaningful connections during an eight-month immersion abroad. When the COVID-19 pandemic halted international travel, we did exactly what we ask our students and alumni to do every day: step outside our own comfort zones to reimagine what’s possible. In 2020, we launched our virtual Global Citizen Year Academy – which helped us reach over 1,500 students globally in two short years.

 

As we emerged from the pandemic, we created what is now our flagship program, Take Action Lab, which blends the best of our Fellowship program’s immersion experience with the Academy’s evidence-based curriculum. Since launching our first Take Action Lab site in South Africa in 2023, we’ve served hundreds of young people from 100+ countries. Today, word is out and demand keeps growing! With more than 15,000 applications in process, we knew we had to expand. Therefore, in 2025, we’re launching a second Take Action Lab site in a new country with a curriculum focused on climate and the environment. The new Take Action Lab site will run concurrently with our South Africa Take Action Lab, enabling us to serve twice as many students. Soon, we will be sharing more information about where the new Take Action Lab program will happen and when applications will open.  

 

This momentum has been created by not only our students and alumni but also by the donors and partners who have made expanding our work possible. Because of our generous, passionate community of supporters, we are one step closer to democratizing access to immersive learning opportunities for young people worldwide. For our alumni, we will continue to offer new programming, including our recently launched Alumni Ambassadors program. We remain committed to supporting our global alumni community and amplifying your voices, stories, and impact. 

 

As we enter this new chapter, we want to express our deepest thanks to everyone who made this possible: from the visionaries who launched our first programs to our alumni and the students and teams advancing world-changing work, and to our philanthropic partners and board of directors. We are proud to be supporting young people worldwide alongside you, and are immensely grateful for your steadfast support. 

 

With deepest appreciation,

The Tilting Futures Team

 

Explore Tilting Futures
Take Action Lab
Frequently Asked Questions

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