Kiron’s Next Gen Leaders Program
Young changemakers for participation, leadership and diversity.
This selective leadership and innovation program for young talents with refugee and migrant backgrounds specifically prepares participants for social, political, and professional responsibilities – in areas where skilled workers, leadership, new ideas, and fresh perspectives are urgently needed
Together, we are supporting a new generation of young talent – to ensure growth for skilled workers and leaders and to strengthen democratic resilience.
Our supporters in 2025
Young refugees face structural barriers in the job market – and growing social divisions further hinder their integration and access to opportunities. This is where NextGen comes in.
More than 3.4 million people with a refugee background live in Germany – yet they are severely underrepresented in politics, government, business, and civil society.
Why
Untapped potential & structural exclusion
Only 9% of leadership positions in Germany are held by people with a migrant background – even though they make up a significant and growing share of the population (26%). Kiron’s NextGen Leaders helps to close this gap.
Participation
Dialogue strengthens societies
“In times of growing polarization, our democracy needs people who can bridge divides and help shape society. That is precisely why we cannot afford to leave out young people with experience of displacement and migration.”
Wenke Christoph, Kiron CEO
Impact
Diversity is essential for effective integration and cohesion
The program combines targeted professional development – ranging from leadership to language skills – with networking and civic engagement. It bridges the gap between the demand for skilled workers in business, startups, and government and the potential of talented individuals with refugee or migrant backgrounds.
From talents to changemakers in five months
Participants develop skills, self-confidence, and networks to take on key roles in NGOs, advocacy groups, public institutions, and CSR teams.
Program period: Sept. 2026 – Jan. 2027
Half-day hands-on workshops in Berlin
Flexible self-study periods that fit seamlessly into the participants’ diverse day-to-day-rhythms
Customized project work with expert guidance
1:1 Leadership Coaching
Skills assessment and access to the talent pool
Targeted networking events
Demonstrable impact
In the program’s first year, 15 young changemakers have already successfully completed the program—empowered by new skills, valuable networks, and the confidence to take on responsibility.
80%
Satisfaction rate
75%
Graduation rate
45%
of the participants found employment afterward
+
A strong community and a long-standing alumni network
40
New participants in Berlin and Brandenburg to be reached in 2026
"What changed for me, since I joined Kiron, is that I can plan in a more structured and efficient way my long-term goals and projects. Being part of Kiron for me means that I can be connected with many people in Germany and to create a better civil society."
Ostap, NextGen Leader in 2025 from Ukraine
Our Partnership
Your active role in driving lasting change
Whether you’re a foundation, a company, or an organization looking for exceptional talent, there are many ways to become part of Kiron’s NextGen Leaders. Choose the partnership model that best aligns with your goals.
Become a catalyst for systemic change in Germany
Ideal for foundations, public funders, and impact investors committed to democracy, integration, and social cohesion. We offer targeted data collection, evaluation, and learning support, full transparency, and co-branding opportunities for all program materials.
Expand your CSR goals – and build diverse talent pipelines
Get your team directly involved – as jury members, mentors, or coaches. Together, we’ll design curricula, and you’ll support professional pitch presentations, thereby creating a measurable social impact. Through co-branding, you’ll not only strengthen your CSR and ESG goals but also demonstrate your genuine commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion – going beyond traditional recruitment efforts.
Get to know your future team members
Our graduates bring strong communication skills, problem-solving abilities, intercultural understanding, and excellent presentation skills to the table. As a civil society partner or employer, you have the opportunity to offer participants real-world work experience, engage directly with them through our networking events, and gain early access to our talent pool.
