by Schmidt Futures & Rhodes Trust
Rise identifies brilliant young people aged 15–17 and provides them with lifetime support — funding, mentorship, technology, and a global community — to help them serve others for the rest of their lives.
Apply NowLifetime support (funding, mentorship, networking)
Lifetime
Global
Open to young people aged 15–17 anywhere in the world. No academic requirements or test scores needed. Must demonstrate intellectual curiosity and commitment to serving others.
Annual
Typically January–February
Rise is a program created by Eric and Wendy Schmidt through Schmidt Futures, in partnership with the Rhodes Trust. It is one of the most ambitious youth programs in the world, designed to find and support exceptional young people between the ages of 15 and 17 who show the potential to serve others throughout their careers.
Unlike traditional fellowships with a fixed term, Rise offers lifetime benefits. Winners receive immediate support — including technology, funding for educational opportunities, and access to a curated network of mentors — as well as ongoing resources as they progress through their education and careers. The program explicitly aims to build a global community of future leaders who will tackle the world's most pressing challenges.
Rise is open to young people in every country and does not require any particular academic achievement or test score. The selection process is holistic, looking for evidence of intellectual curiosity, a commitment to serving others, and the resilience to pursue difficult goals. Each year, approximately 100 Global Winners are selected from tens of thousands of applicants worldwide.
Rise provides a comprehensive and evolving package of support that grows with you over your lifetime.
Rise uses a multi-stage selection process designed to identify potential rather than polish. The program is deliberately looking for young people who may not have had access to elite institutions but who demonstrate extraordinary drive and empathy.
Applications open annually, typically in the fall, with a deadline in January or February. The entire process is free and conducted online.
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