Frequently Asked Questions
- Is there an age limit for participation in the Institute?
While we do not have an age minimum or limit, most accepted Fellows are college students (undergraduates) and young professionals (anyone who has graduated college within the past 5 years). A smaller percentage of Fellows will be graduate students and professionals more than 5 years out of school. - Is there a major/concentration requirement?
No. We welcome applicants from all academic backgrounds and interests. Our Fellows major in hundreds of unique fields, including: Economics, English, History, Anthropology, Finance, Political Science, International Relations, Sociology, Dance and more! - Is there a GPA minimum?
No. The current average GPA of a StartingBloc Fellow is 3.55. - Do I need to submit an official transcript from my college or university?
No. If an applicant wishes to further explain his or her academic performance, we will accept his or her unofficial/electronic transcript. - Does the StartingBloc application require interviews or recommendations?
No. - How do the Institutes differ from each other?
See here. - If I need to cancel my attendance, will my program fee be refunded?
Our cancellation policy is as follows:- 50 days prior to the program start date: full refund
- 30-49 days prior to the program start date: 50% refund
- fewer than 30 days prior to the program start date: no refund
StartingBloc does not allow Fellows to defer their fellowship opportunity except due to medical reasons or family loss. Each situation will be evaluated on a case by case basis and must be approved by the Director of Programs. StartingBloc allows deferrals up to 30 days prior to the program start date. Fellows are permitted a one-time transfer to the next session of the same program without penalty up to 30 days prior to the program start date. If you would like to defer to a different Institute region, you will be requested to submit a new application. Transfers within the 30-day period are subject to a one time fee of $500.
- Does the StartingBloc application require Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), SAT, or other test reports?
No. There are no required tests for the StartingBloc application. - Can I attend the Institute as an international participant?
Yes. Please visit the US visa services website for information on visas. We will require a copy of the your passport and documentation of financial eligibility (see below) to write a supporting letter for you to attend the Institute. Applicants requiring a visa are encouraged to apply as early as possible to allow time for appropriate visa preparations. Please note that visa processing times vary in different countries and you might be required to visit the US consulate in your country. - What is "documentation of financial eligibility"?
Financial eligibility or support can be certified in any one of the following ways:- A copy of your, your parent's, or your sponsor's bank statement confirming that you have the required funds.
- A letter from a bank stating your or your parent's current account balance.
- A letter of guarantee of financial support from your government or other sponsoring organization.
Financial documents must be dated within the past 60 days and should be in English or be an official translation (for example on official bank stationery).
- In what language will the sessions of the Global Institute for Social Innovation be?
All presentations at the Global Institute for Social Innovation will be conducted in English. As such, it is essential that each participant be fluent in both spoken and written English. - What time does the Institute start and finish?
Information for the 2011 Institutes will be available later this year. Please check back soon. - I have a disability. Will I be accommodated?
StartingBloc is committed to ensuring that its programs, services, goods, and facilities are accessible to individuals with disabilities. During the application process, please request the necessary accommodations. - Do you offer financial aid?
StartingBloc does its best to supplement all expenses for the Institute. Due to limited resources, financial aid is only extended to candidates with expressed dire need. Because StartingBloc Institutes are open to students and young professionals, the most equitable way to address financial aid is to review each applicant's financial situation on an individual basis. Therefore, accepted Fellows may submit any and all of the following documents:- Personal Statement letter describing why you’re applying for a StartingBloc scholarship
- A copy of your monthly budget (expenses and income)
- Financial aid documents from your school (if you’re applying as a student) or a paystub from your employer (if you’re applying as a young professional)
- An endorsement letter from someone who knows you in a professional capacity (professor, employer, volunteer supervisor, etc.)
Please submit financial aid documents through our online application system.
- What should I wear?
Attire for the program is business casual during Institute sessions. Suits are not required, though Fellows are not permitted to wear jeans. For evenings you may want to bring more casual clothing; however, we advise Fellows to carry one business outfit in case they have an impromptu interview with one of our partners. - How much does the Institute cost?
The Greater Boston and Greater New York Institutes costs $450 for students and $495 for young professionals. This program fee covers all Institute programming and most meals during the Institute. - Is attendance at all five days of the Institute mandatory?
Yes, attendance is mandatory - there are NO exceptions. You must be present for all five days and complete the required commitments in order to be considered a StartingBloc Fellow.