Application

JWLI’s Mission

JWLI empowers Japanese women to become leaders and to make positive social change and innovation in Japan.

2016 JWLI Program – September 6th, 2016 to October 4th, 2016 in Boston

The program will develop leadership skills and empower current and future generations of Japanese women in the social sector.

• 1. Program Core Values

  • Self-growth and confidence to be a better leader
  • Skills and knowledge from hands-on training with successful nonprofit organizations
  • Learning from the Simmons College’s Strategic Leadership for Women course
  • Development of an Action Plan based on a dream of social change and innovation in Japan

• 2. Program Components

  • In Boston, JWLI provides:
    • Hands-on training on nonprofit management with leaders of successful Boston-based nonprofit organizations
    • Participation in Strategic Leadership for Women, a 5-day intensive management program at the Simmons College School of Management, among other American women leaders and executives
    • Individual mentoring and coaching by Simmons College faculty members
    • Expanded networks of leaders in the Boston’s social sector
    • Step-by-step instructions to develop a 5-year Action Plan, an achievable roadmap to take a dream of social change and innovation into reality within Japanese society
      
      
  • After Boston, JWLI’s post program follow-ups are:
    • A Mentoring Program for a year to further the implementation of the Action Plan
    • Progress monitoring through Fellows’ semi-annual progress reports
    • Expanded networks of leaders in the Japanese social sector
    • Support and collaboration opportunities among JWLI alumnae to provide further empowerment and education and to foster the next generation of women leaders

• 3. Sample Program Schedule

  • Review the program schedule and learning objectives from the 2015 program here.

• 4. Application and Program Schedule in 2016

  • The schedule is subject to change.

  • Online Application Form Open	January 15th, 2016
    Deadline to Submit Applications	9 PM on April 1st(Boston Time), 2016
    1st Selection (Review of Applications)	Early April to mid-May, 2016
    Decision from 1st Selection (via Email)	By mid-May, 2016
    2nd Selection (Interviews in Tokyo, Japan)	June 11th and 12th, 2016 (Tentative)
    Announcement of Final Decisions (via Email)	By mid-June, 2016
    Orientation in Tokyo, Japan	Early July, 2016
    2016 JWLI Program Housing Start Date in Boston	September 5th, 2016
    2016 JWLI Program Start Date	September 6th, 2016
    2016 JWLI Program End Date (Including 10th Anniversary Boston Event)	October 4th, 2016
    2016 JWLI Program Housing End Date	October 5th, 2016
    10th Anniversary Summit in Tokyo, Japan	October 18th, 2016

• 5. Important Information

  • Fellows will be provided with:
    • Housing in the Boston area from September 5, 2016 (Monday) to October 5, 2016 (Wednesday)
    • Stipend to cover most meals and transportation during the program from September 6, 2016 (Tuesday) to October 4, 2016 (Tuesday)
  • Fellows are responsible for:
    • Transportation (and lodging, if necessary) for a final interview in Tokyo, Japan
    • Round-trip international airfares to and from Boston
    • Applying for a J-1 Visa and holding the valid visa during the time of attending JWLI program
    • A medical coverage abroad or a travel health insurance

How to Apply

• 1. Selection Criteria

  Ideal candidates are women with the following minimum qualifications:
  • At least 5 years of professional work experience
  • Dreams and clear visions to make a difference in Japanese society
  • Strong desire to take a leadership role
  • Action-taking characteristics
  • Strong interest in learning about U.S. nonprofit and social sector leadership and management
  • Previous work or volunteer experience with nonprofit organizations or social enterprises
  • Emotional maturity and ability to collaborate with others
  • Japanese citizenship or permanent residency
  • Strong English skills (the ability to engage in discussion in English at organizations and in classes is required)

• 2. Required Materials

  
  Applicants must finish the below application form and submit the following documents in WORD or PDF formats:
  • An essay in English (maximum 1,000 words typed, up to two pages, include name and submission date at the top right on all pages, and include a title) addressing:
    • Why are you applying to JWLI?
    • What is your vision of social changes in Japan (Be as concrete and specific as possible whether you want to start a new organization or develop a program within an existing organization)?
    • Why is this vision important?
    • What do you expect from JWLI in order to realize this vision?
    • What was your past leadership experience (work or volunteer)?
  • Resume in English (Maximum two pages, including a recent headshot)
    • Follow the format of the resume here
  • Letter of recommendation in English (One page, preferably from a person at executive/ management level)

Important Reminders

• Incomplete applications will not be reviewed
• Delayed applications will not be accepted (Deadline to submit applications: Boston time 9 PM on April 1st, 2016)
• Applicants must be available from September 6th to October 4th, 2016 to attend the full program in Boston
• We cannot respond to questions regarding details and results of the selection decisions