The Moonshot Innovation Space

What is the Moonshot Innovation Space?

The Moonshot Innovation Space is a 9-month, part-time fellowship where individuals explore the idea of designing and launching a solution to community-identified problems. Fellows will assess and explore their leadership readiness to design and implement equity-centered solutions that positively impact youth (Moonshot defines youth as individuals ages 0-24).

The Moonshot Innovation Space offers Fellows a unique leadership experience to dream and launch their ideas from scratch. Fellows are supported every step of the way, from ideation and planning, to operational and logistics execution, to team support and solutions piloting.

Once accepted into the program, we ask that each Moonshot fellow contribute a pay-what-you-can investment as a commitment to joining the Moonshot Innovation Space. There is a one-time suggested $500 tuition fee with sliding scale options available; details can be found in the Moonshot Innovation Space Applicant Guide.

To learn more about the experience, explore some of our blog posts below:

When and where does the program occur?

When:

• Selection Process: The application is currently closed for our 2024-25 Cohort. We look forward to announcing the newest members of the Moonshot community with you in the next few months.

• In the Fellowship: Applicants who are selected to join a Cohort must commit to the full 9-month fellowship that begins in late-August and ends May. This typically looks like 2-3 hours of work per week across 31 weeks.

  • This requires participation in:

    • weekly workshops on Thursday evenings (typically 6-8 pm),

    • one monthly weekend workshop (typically 10 am-4 pm), and

    • two weekend-long retreats (Friday-Sunday) and one local retreat (Friday). Fellows will need to request off from work on the following weekdays: Fri, 8/30/24 - National Trip; Fri, 10/18/24 - School/program/community visits; and Fri, 1/17/25 - Local Retreat.

  • Expectations outside of workshops:

    • Executive Coaching - 6 hours total

    • Pre-work/Post-work - ~30 minutes per workshop

    • Weekly Office Hours (optional, but encouraged)

    • Mid-Fellowship and End of Fellowship check-ins with Moonshot staff

  • Additional details on time commitment can be found in the Moonshot Applicant guide.

• Note: The Moonshot Fellowship used to start with a three-month phase, then offer opportunities to continue with the program. For the 2024-25 cycle, all Fellows will continue with the Moonshot Innovation Space for the whole 9-month program.

Where:

• For weekly workshops, we meet in Metro Denver, typically at the Moonshot Offices (3840 York Street, Suite 145, Denver, CO 80205).

• There will be two travel weekend retreats/summits.

Who is a good fit for the Moonshot Innovation Space?

We are seeking 15-20 community leaders from historically marginalized identities** to join our next cohort.

• Living and designing a community solution that positively impacts youth in Colorado

  • We used to focus on education leaders, but now, we are able to support leaders who come from any space/industry/field that impacts youth such as healthcare, government, environment/sustainability, housing, food, arts and so on.

  • The solution you’re sharing is responsive to and inclusive of the intersectional identities of youth; addresses the root causes–rather than symptoms–of a problem identified by the impacted community; and is co-designed with the community most impacted.

• Able to attend weekly workshops in Denver from late August 2024 - May 2024

• Has experiences, skills, and values rooted in racial equity, inclusion, and belonging

• Holds strong subject matter knowledge, experience, and/or skills in solution focus area

• Understands the value and importance of collaboration and co-creating with the community to build ideas

• Demonstrates strong self management and is highly organized, motivated, and detail-oriented

• Prioritizes relational and strategic decision making

• 18+ years old

• For example, you might be: a passionate parent, an adventurous teacher, an emerging leader in a big organization, a brave administrator, an active neighbor, a community-minded healthcare professional, a driven community organizer.

Things that are NOT required: Previous startup experience, commitment to launching one’s idea, and/or a robust school or program design are not required as the Moonshot Innovation Space is designed to support exploration guided by community-sourced needs. Previous supervision experience is not required. College degree not required, but we do ask for a high school diploma or GED.

**Identifies as a member of a historically marginalized community, including but not limited to a person of color, nonbinary and/or gender-nonconforming individual, LGBTQ, or woman.

Why does this program exist?

Our work is driven by the fact that the opportunity gap between youth of color and their white peers will continue to grow. (Explore our Impact Report for more of our research on this.) We need sustainable solutions designed from a systems-change perspective that addresses root causes–rather than only the symptoms of–inequities that impact youth.

We believe the change needs to come from the communities themselves, who deeply understand hopes, desires, and can articulate the path they want. We need to find local leaders who come from communities with shared identities and lived experiences with the youth that their solutions are designed to positively impact.

Can I talk to someone if I have questions?

Please email info@moonshotedventures.org with any questions. Although the application is now closed for the 2024-2025 Innovation Space, we would love to chat with you at any time if you are interested in learning more about our programs and future cohorts!