#United States #San Francisco #Leadership Program #Minerva University #Nippon Foundation

Minerva University’s Initiative for Nonprofit Leadership Development

In a commendable effort to enhance leadership in the nonprofit sector, Minerva University, located in San Francisco, has announced a scholarship initiative under its prestigious "World Wise Executive Leadership Program." With crucial support from the Nippon Foundation, the program aims to offer full tuition scholarships for six individuals working in Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and Non-Profit Organizations (NPOs).

Overview of the World Wise Executive Leadership Program

The "World Wise Executive Leadership Program" is designed specifically for experienced professionals and managers who are dedicated to addressing social issues in Asia. This program offers practical leadership education through engaging case discussions and exercises, tackling topics like collaborative problem-solving, decision-making, consensus-building, and effective communication in multicultural environments.

Conducted in a hybrid format that combines online live sessions with in-person interactions, the program commences with a kickoff event in Tokyo. Participants undergo six months of online classes, culminating in a one-week in-person accelerator in San Francisco. Additionally, to prepare participants for discussions in English, a concentrated prep program called the "English Boot Camp" will be available for those interested.

The necessity of leadership that transcends mere skills acquisition is discussed in an article published on NewsPicks entitled, “Sharpen Your 'Way of Living' Beyond Skills: A New Education Emerging to Redefine Japanese Leadership.” The program is gaining attention as it fosters the ability to question oneself and make decisions amidst diverse values.

Program Details

• - Duration: June 2026 – March 2027 (tentative)
• - Target Audience: Managers and practitioners working on social issue resolution.
• - Eligibility Criteria: At least 10 years of management experience (guideline), business-level English proficiency, residency in the Asia region, and a bachelor’s degree or equivalent.
• - Tuition: $10,000. Significant discounts are available for the first enrolled students. Note that travel costs and partial meal expenses are not included. The English Boot Camp incurs additional fees.
• - Application Method: For more details, please refer to the Minerva University application page.
• - Application Deadline: May 15, 2026.

Scholarship Opportunities for NPO/NGO Sector

With the invaluable support from the Nippon Foundation, the program has established a scholarship specifically for individuals in the nonprofit sector, including NGOs and NPOs. This scholarship aims to empower those creating social impact and to broaden their opportunities for practical application in the field.

Scholarship Overview

• - Eligibility: Individuals working full-time in NPOs/NGOs.
• - Number of Recipients: 6 individuals.
• - Coverage: Full tuition fee ($10,000 equivalent).
• - Self-Funded Expenses: Does not include travel costs and partial meal expenses. Additional fees apply for the optional English Boot Camp.
• - Application Requirements: Same as above for the program.
• - Application Method: Details can be found on the Minerva University application page.
• - Application Deadline: May 15, 2026.

Free Online Demo Classes and Information Sessions

To foster interest in the program, Minerva University will host free online demo classes and informative sessions for potential applicants.

Demo Class Details

• - Topic: Strategic Decision Making—Addressing Cognitive Bias.
• - Content: This class will explore the impact of cognitive bias on decision-making and equip participants with practical insights to make better judgments in complex situations. Attendees will also get a glimpse of the program's emphasis on interactive, practice-based learning.
• - Instructor: Prof. Geneva Stein (Director of Graduate Programs).
• - Format: Online, conducted in English.
• - Dates:

- April 8, 2026 (20:00–21:00 JST)
- April 30, 2026 (20:00–21:00 JST)

Program Information Session

• - Overview: This session will cover the essentials of the World Wise Executive Leadership Program, including its curriculum and application process. Attendees will also have the opportunity to ask questions.
• - Format: Online, conducted in English (Q&A in Japanese).
• - Dates:

- April 11, 2026 (10:00–11:00 JST)
- April 22, 2026 (20:00–21:00 JST)

Contact Information for the Program and Scholarships

For further inquiries, please contact:

• - Minerva University

World Wise Executive Leadership Program
Tomoko Lynch
Email: [email protected]

About the Nippon Foundation

Founded in 1962, the Nippon Foundation is Japan's largest foundation, working across a wide range of issues, including support for children, the disabled, disaster response, marine issues, and humanitarian aid, funded primarily through boat racing winnings.

About Minerva University

Minerva University is a global higher education institution based in San Francisco, devoted to developing the next generation of leaders through an innovative educational model grounded in cognitive science. With programs across four continents, it nurtures critical thinking, problem-solving, communication skills, and global collaboration among its diverse student body. Minerva was honored as the most innovative university for four consecutive years in the World University Rankings for Innovation (WURI).