IDEA

Innovative Design, Dedicated Support, Effective Solutions, Analytical Approaches

IDEA focuses on fostering the values of community, character, competence, and compassion to build entrepreneurs, economic mobility, and enlightened leadership. IDEA.

Renaissance Fellows

Twelve fellows chosen each year. Fellows are provided a stipend to participate on thought leadership on the annual theme.

  • Ideation: Individuals receive a one-year fellowship that includes a stipend to work on a novel concept in an area traditionally unrepresented by minorities to develop a work of art, academic work, or new business venture.
  • Fellows ventures are designed to apply solutions to societal challenges in creative and replicable ways.
  • If successful, participants work with coaches who walk them through the ideation and proof of concept stages.

Writer’s Block

A space for creativity through the written word focus on traditionally under-represented voices.

Participants focus on the appreciation of timeless ideas and values, and open-minded dialogue on contemporary issues. IDEA promotes the pursuit of common ground and deeper understanding in a nonpartisan environment through a variety of engagements.

Participants are part of a nine month program that ends with The Gathering. The Gathering is a space for the shared creation of a published work by participants.

Incubation and Convening

IDEA provides a space to nurture new ventures and concepts for participants until they are mature enough to operate independently.

IDEA convenes stakeholders on critical conversations to nurture a catalytic experience and codify best practices on key issues facing society. Convening seek to deepen knowledge, broaden perspectives and enhance participants ability to solve problems.

IDEA seeks to foster values-based leadership, encouraging individuals to reflect on the ideals and ideas that define a good society, and to provide a neutral and balanced venue for discussing and acting on critical issues.