USA Fellowship: Currently ongoing is the Mandela Fellowship program for Africans. Interested and eligible Africans are invited to apply for the 2022 Mandela Washington YALI Fellowship in USA for Young Africans.
The Mandela Washington YALI Fellowship sends young leaders to the United States for academic study and leadership development.
The Fellowship also seeks to provide unique opportunities for Fellows and Americans to collaborate as they promote growth and prosperity, strengthen democratic governance, and promote peace and security throughout Africa and the United States.
The Mandela Washington Fellowship
Beginning in 2014, the Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders is the flagship program of the Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI), which empowers young people through academic coursework, leadership training, and networking.
In the summer of 2023, the Mandela Washington Fellowship will bring up to 700 young leaders to the United States for a comprehensive executive-style program designed to build skills and empower Fellows to lead in their respective sectors and communities.
Brief Scholarship Summary
Host Country: USA
Type: Fellowship
Award Value: Full Sponsorship | Training | Networking
Eligible Countries: African Countries
Application Deadline: 13 September 2022
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Scholarship Duration and Reward
The Fellowship is an unparalleled opportunity to:
- Participate in a six-week Leadership Institute at a U.S. college or university to share your experiences with and learn from U.S. citizens and other Fellows.
- Explore industries beyond your daily work and expand your expertise.
- Attend a Summit with young African leaders in Washington, D.C.
- Meet with U.S. Government, civic, and business leaders.
- Strengthen your work through new connections, skills, and ideas.
Mandela Fellowship Components and Activities
U.S.-based Activities
Leadership Institutes
Mandela Washington Fellowship Summit
Professional Development Experience
Africa-based Activities
Upon returning to their home countries, Fellows continue to build the skills they have developed in the United States through support from U.S. embassies, the YALI Network, USAID, the Department of State, and affiliated partners. Through these experiences, select Mandela Washington Fellows have access to ongoing professional development and networking opportunities, and support for their ideas, businesses, and organizations. Fellows may also apply for their American partners to travel to Africa to continue project-based collaboration through the Reciprocal Exchange Component.
Scholarship Requirements:
To be considered for the Fellowship, you must:
- Be an African
- Be between the ages of 25 and 35 on or before the application deadline, although exceptional applicants ages 21-24 will be considered;
- Not U.S. citizens or permanent residents of the United States;
- Be eligible to receive a United States J-1 visa;
- Not employees or immediate family members of employees of the U.S. Government (including a U.S. embassy or consulate, USAID, or other U.S. Government entity);
- Be proficient in reading, writing, and speaking English
Also Apply: 2022 IMF Youth Fellowship Program for Young People Worldwide
Scholarship Duration and Reward
The Fellowship is an unparalleled opportunity to:
- Participate in a six-week Leadership Institute at a U.S. college or university to share your experiences with and learn from U.S. citizens and other Fellows.
- Explore industries beyond your daily work and expand your expertise.
- Attend a Summit with young African leaders in Washington, D.C.
- Meet with U.S. Government, civic, and business leaders.
- Strengthen your work through new connections, skills, and ideas.
Selection Criteria
The following criteria will be used to evaluate applications (not in order of importance):
- A proven record of leadership and accomplishment in business, civic engagement, or public service;
- A demonstrated commitment to public or community service, volunteerism, or mentorship;
- The ability to work cooperatively in diverse groups and to respect the opinions of others;
- Strong social and communication skills;
- An energetic, positive attitude;
- A demonstrated knowledge of, interest in, and professional experience in the preferred sector/track; and
- A commitment to return to Africa and apply leadership skills and training to benefit the applicant’s country and community after they return home.
How to Apply
Interested and suitable qualified candidates should click on the “Apply Button” below to apply.
Please note that Fellows are not allowed to have dependents, including spouses and children, accompany them during the Fellowship. The U.S. Department of State and IREX reserve the right to verify all information included in the application.
GoodLuck!