Applications are invited for Kectil Program 2025: Web-Based Mentoring Program for Talented Youth in Developing Countries. Merit-based certificates awarded at the end of the program.

About Kectil

“KECTIL” is an acronym that refers to the Knowles Educational and Charitable Trust for International Leadership.

The Kectil Program was created to identify and nurture highly talented youth in developing countries who have the potential to make a positive difference in their communities and countries.

Program Highlights

  • Multiple-week modules with deep dive challenging assignments to address hot issues facing youth globally, led by experts and key youth leaders.
  • Good government; peace-keeping; entrepreneurship and innovation; environment; male and female roles in society; mental health; unemployment; early pregnancies and female reproductive health; corruption in society; etc.
  • Join community engagements to implement social advancements.
  • Meet and network with talented passionate youth around the world.
  • Make life-long global friends who share your commitment to advance society.
  • Not a political, religious or cultural organization; transcends every form of bias.
  • Authentic, honest, candid dialogue.
  • Merit-based certificates awarded at the end of the program.
  • Connect with other students on social media (Facebook, Instagram and Twitter) with facilitated web-based group discussion.

Who can Apply?

High potential youth (aged 17-26) in least developed and developing countries who have demonstrated a talent and passion for leadership, scholarship or innovation, are proficient in English and have access to a computer and the internet.

How to Apply?

Interested participants can apply online via this link.

FAQs

What Is Kectil Program?

“KECTIL” is an acronym that refers to the Knowles Educational and Charitable Trust for International Leadership. The Program connects talented youth leaders born for greatness in developing countries worldwide for deep discussion and networking about issues that matter, as well as proposed actions to improve the quality of life locally and globally. The Program is offered for free from the Malmar Knowles Family Foundation. Youth in the Kectil Program are referred to as Kectil Colleagues.

Who Can Apply to The Kectil Program?

The Kectil Program accepts youth aged 17-26 in a developing country. We believe that this is a critical time as youth mature, in which they start to decide what they will do for the rest of their lives. The Kectil Program wants to promote positive advancement for personal and community success through mentoring and encouragement, as well as by joining a networked group of like-minded peers.

Applicants must also be proficient in English and have access to a computer and the internet.

However, for the 2025 Kectil cohort, we are also accepting youth who are proficient in Spanish. This is the first year that Kectil will be running the online assignment modules in both English and Spanish. This is a big advancement for the Kectil Program as it begins to serve youth who do not speak English.

Click here to view the official notification of Kectil Program 2025: Web-Based Mentoring Program for Talented Youth in Developing Countries.