Ashoka's presence in North America began with the launch of Mexico in 1987, followed by the expansion to the United States and Canada in 2000. Ashoka Fellows in North America are addressing pressing social challenges such as access to health care and quality education, ensuring young people a childhood free of violence, and protecting our natural resources.

Ashoka's Full Economic Citizenship (FEC) program was piloted in Mexico, where Mexican Ashoka Fellows piloted grassroots partnerships with multinational corporations.

The United States fellowship features particular innovation in issues related to young people, including the nation’s leading models for charter schools, teacher retention and youth sports, while those in Canada are making advancements in sourcing revenue for the citizen sector in order to support its growth.