Apply to the innovation space

We are seeking up to 20 community leaders from historically marginalized identities to join our next cohort. Moonshot seeks applicants who bring the following skills and qualities:

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

• Able to attend weekly workshops in Denver

  • The Moonshot Fall 2026 cohort will meet approximately one evening per week (Thursdays) from early September 2026 through May 2027 with one weekend per month. 

• Experiences, skills, and values rooted in racial equity, inclusion, and belonging

• 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

• Previous supervision experience is 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 Fellowship is designed to support early-stage launch and exploration guided by community-sourced needs.

Review the 2026-2027 Moonshot Innovation Space Applicant Guide for more details on eligibility

We ask that each Moonshot Fellow contribute a $650 investment as a commitment to joining the Moonshot Innovation Space.

This contribution supports:

• Weekly cohort workshops

• Mentorship and coaching

• Retreats and immersive learning experiences

• National learning trip

• Program materials and facilitation

• Access to the Moonshot Alumni Community and broader networking opportunities.

We believe financial barriers should never prevent passionate leaders from participating in the Moonshot Innovation Space.

Financial support is available, and we work individually with each accepted Fellow to find a path that is manageable. Funding conversations take place after acceptance, and no payment is required during the application process.

You are encouraged to apply even if you are unsure about funding.

The first program fee is due by August 10, 2026.

The second program fee is due by September 4, 2026.

To succeed, Fellows commit to be at all programming in the calendar.

The Moonshot Fellowship is intentionally designed as a full-cycle experience. Each workshop, retreat, and trip builds on the last, and your presence matters not only for your own solution but for the strength of the cohort as a whole.

By applying, you are committing to:

• Full attendance at all three retreat weekends (no partial attendance, including travel days)

• Participation in the national trip, including travel days

• Active presence and preparation for workshops throughout the year

Workshops

We understand that over the course of nine months, conflicts may arise. If you anticipate missing more than three workshops, we encourage you to apply in a future year when your schedule allows you to fully engage. Certain workshops are foundational to your progress, and missing key sessions may impact your ability to continue in the program. We recognize that unexpected medical or health-related emergencies can occur. 

Retreats

Retreats are immersive and foundational experiences that anchor the entire fellowship journey. Because of their design and sequencing, Fellows may not miss any portion of a retreat weekend. This includes travel days. If a Fellow is unable to attend any portion of the first retreat, they will be released from that cohort and may be considered for a future year. Retreats are designed as cohort-only experiences.

Before You Confirm

By submitting your application, you are confirming that you have:

• Cross-referenced all program dates with personal commitments

• Cross-referenced dates with professional obligations and events

• Secured support from relevant stakeholders (e.g., employer, co-parent, family, etc)

• Reflected honestly on your current capacity to take on this commitment