"We're proud to support innovators working to transform the lives of black men and boys and their communities," said Shawn Dove, Manager of the Open Society Foundations Campaign for Black Male Achievement. "Historically, black males have been prevented from fully engaging in American society due to a host of economic, civic, social, and political barriers. Now for the first time, there's a fellowship program dedicated to providing creative thinkers the space and support they need to tackle this complicated and entrenched problem."

The online application for the Open Society Black Male Achievement Fellowship will be available on December 5, 2011 and closed on January 9, 2012. It will be awarded to eight fellows who are generating new ideas and best practices in the areas of education, family, and work such as initiatives related to fatherhood, mentoring, college preparatory programs, community-building, and supportive wage work opportunities. Fellowships will also be awarded for efforts in the areas of communications and philanthropic leadership.

"The pioneering efforts of social entrepreneurs have real and long-term systemic impacts on society," said Cheryl L. Dorsey, President of Echoing Green. "We're excited to be partners in this new Fellowship program focused on black male achievement. When all segments of our society succeed, we can be much more innovative and competitive as a country."

Echoing Green has run a social entrepreneur fellowship for the past 24 years. Eighty-five percent of their Fellows remain in the social sector in leadership positions after their fellowships have ended.

Each BMA Fellow will receive a $70,000 stipend in start-up capital as well as technical assistance over 18 months to help them launch and build their organizations; access to technical support and pro bono partnerships; community of like-minded social entrepreneurs and public service leaders; and other benefits.

For eligibility and application information, go to: www.echoinggreen.org/bma-fellowship.