Young Africans are invited to apply for the Mandela Washington Fellowship 2019 program, by YALI, for the opportunity to develop business, and public leadership skills.
Mandela Washington Fellowship 2019 is the latest of YALI’s (Young African Leaders Initiative) flagship program. It started in 2014. The fellowship empowers young Africans through academic coursework, leadership training and networking, in the United States (U.S.) and Africa.
Young Africans from 48 countries in Sub-Saharan Africa underwent the program in 2018. In 2019, 700 fellows will also get this opportunity to hone skills for professional development in the United States. There will also be additional support once the fellows return to their respective countries.
Mandela Washington Fellowship 2019 will involve sets of activities in both the United States and Africa.
First, each fellow will take part in a 6-week program at a U.S. College or University to pick skills in one of 3 tracks. The tracks are; Business, Civic Engagement and Public Management. The training will be intensive. It will involve academic sessions, site visits, community service, etc.
The 700 fellows will visit Washington D.C. They will be attending a summit that will include panel discussions with U.S. leaders from public, private and non-profit sectors.
Ultimately, in America, 70 fellows will be selected to remain behind. They will participate in a 4-week professional development experience at U.S. NGOs, private companies and Government agencies relating to area of their professional interest. They will acquire transferrable skills to put to use in Africa.
Mandela Washington Fellowship 2019 assures that fellows will receive, further, support on returning home. This assistance will come, in different forms, from the U.S. embassy, YALI, USAID, Department of State and affiliated partners.
Eligibility
- Be aged 25-35 years old at application submission (“exceptional” 21-24 year olds will be considered)
- Applicant should not be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident
- Applicant should be eligible for a U.S. J-1 Visa
- Applicant should not be an employee nor an immediate family member of a U.S. Government employee
- Applicant should be proficient in reading, writing and speaking English (deaf applicants should refer to application instructions – official website shared at the end)
- Only citizens of countries listed to be involved in this program can apply, which includes Kenya
Selection for Mandela Washington Fellowship 2019 does not discriminate on any social lines. Still, it will be based on a few aspects. One, applicants should demonstrate interest, knowledge and proven record of leadership and accomplishment in, at least one of, public service, business and civic engagement. They should also be committed to returning to Africa and apply learned skills for the benefit of community and country. These are only select criteria.
Deadline for application is 10th October, 2018. The fellowship will begin in mid-June of 2019. You want to be a Mandela Washington Fellow? Visit the official website to learn more and apply.