The U.S. Apple Association has launched a new emerging leader program, called NextGen Apple Fellowship. The program will provide eight fellows, annually, with career development, one-on-one mentoring, hands-on advocacy experience, community service work and other benefits, according to a press release from USApple. 

Like its predecessor, the Young Apple Leaders program, NextGen will provide up-and-coming apple leaders with critical government affairs and advocacy training, including the annual trip to Washington, D.C., for USApple’s Capitol Hill Day. 

The NextGen Apple Fellowship will take a more concentrated approach to career development, with a professional development/teamwork retreat, media training, industry learning webinars and forums, as well as the opportunity to attend USApple’s annual Outlook conference. In addition, fellows will be provided a one-on-one mentorship with an established industry leader who will offer guidance and networking opportunities.

To be eligible, applicants must be between the ages of 18 and 35 and must serve the apple industry in some capacity. The application process includes: submittal of a selfie-style video explaining why the applicant would be a good fit for the fellowship; a required recommendation from an industry, community or academic leader; and virtual interviews with the USApple NextGen advisory committee.

Applications for the NextGen Apple Fellowship are open each year from Dec. 1–31. The 2022 fellows will be announced in mid-February.