Ethereum is a dynamic entity. Indeed, at its essence there exists a virtual machine (the EVM) that operates and accurately computes a new state from block to block, but the enchantment of Ethereum lies in the fact that this single state machine can be utilized by millions of individuals who may share nothing in common except for an internet connection and their personal secret key. The developers, designers, artists, farmers, bankers, students, politicians, entertainers, and even lawyers who engage with and rely on Ethereum create a vibrant ecosystem that revolves around a fundamental protocol, evolving and reconfiguring relationships of trust, ideally in the interest of collective well-being.
Presently, the expansive Ethereum universe™ includes millions of individuals, but there are billions of us inhabiting this planet, and we envision Ethereum positively influencing each one of them. To connect with the next billion, we must bridge numerous gaps in representation across various cultures, nationalities, and socioeconomic classes.
This is the reason why we initiated the Fellowship Program last year.
Call for Applications for Cohort #2!
Today, we are prepared to commence our search for the second cohort of Fellows! If you are a leader dedicated to a project that assists Ethereum in becoming a resource for the next billion – whether it’s a decentralized application, a community-building effort, or a piece of research – we are looking for a select group of change-makers who can actualize this vision and motivate others along the journey.
This self-directed, six-month program aims to discover and support exceptional and gifted individuals who contribute to enhancing Ethereum’s relevance and dismantling barriers to entry for those underrepresented populations and communities that will form the future of web3.
Learn more about the Fellowship Program here and apply by July 24, 2022.
Summary for Cohort #1
As applications open for the second cohort, we would like to take a moment to acknowledge the accomplishments of our four incredible alumni.
Benson Njuguna (ACRE Africa) facilitated the implementation of Ethereum-powered solutions for crop insurance aimed at smallholder farmers in Kenya. Benson and his team significantly reduced the processing time for insurance payouts from months to mere days. Over 17,000 farmers were onboarded in the previous year, with many receiving their payouts shortly after experiencing adverse weather conditions. Discover more of his projects here.
Chuy Cepeda (OS City) developed a Spanish-language Ethereum wallet application that citizens can utilize to store and display government-issued IDs and documents. To bring this app to fruition, Chuy and his team are collaborating with municipal and national governments across Latin America, simultaneously educating numerous public sector leaders who aim to combat pervasive corruption and bureaucratic obstacles in the region using blockchain technology. He recently composed this update for our blog.
Naroa Zurutuza (Giga) investigated the roles Ethereum can assume in the UN’s initiative to connect every school to the Internet. Naroa and her team launched an NFT fundraising campaign and are also collaborating with African governments to fund school internet connectivity via Ethereum staking. Additionally, Giga is beginning to develop an accounting system where smart contracts are employed to oversee/manage connectivity and generate incentives for providing connectivity.
Kuldeep Aryal (BRAC) aimed to construct a blockchain strategy for BRAC, one of the largest NGOs globally. Kuldeep educated the leadership team on blockchain and visited various programs and country offices to evaluate the needs that blockchain could address. He has begun conceptualizing a blockchain-based beneficiary ID system that spans all BRAC services.
Stay tuned for blog entries from these Fellows in the upcoming weeks.
And if you believe your work can also create meaningful impact in the real world, do not miss out on applying for the second cohort of the Fellowship Program by July 24, 2022.
Gratitude!
Lastly, we wish to express our gratitude to all those who have made the Program feasible thus far! Our thanks extend to the Fellows, everyone who assisted us in identifying the Fellows, all the mentors, and the Ethereum conference organizers who provided a platform for the Fellows.
The program would not have materialized without your backing, and we eagerly anticipate the opportunity for you to meet the second cohort.
