Deadline: September 13, 2022
The Mandela Washington Fellowships for Young African Leaders empowers young people through academic coursework, leadership training, and networking. The Fellowship will provide up to 700 outstanding young leaders from Sub-Saharan Africa with the opportunity to hone their skills at a U.S. college or university with support for professional development after they return home.
The Fellows, who are between the ages of 25 and 35, have established records of accomplishment in promoting innovation and positive change in their organizations, institutions, communities, and countries.
Applicants will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, gender, religion, socio-economic status, disability, sexual orientation, or gender identity. The Mandela Washington Fellowship is open to young African leaders who meet the following criteria:
Eligibilities:
Are between the ages of 25 and 35 on or before the application deadline, although exceptional applicants ages 21-24 will be considered;
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Are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents of the United States;
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Are eligible to receive a United States J-1 visa;
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Are not employees or immediate family members of employees of the U.S. Government (including a U.S. embassy or consulate, USAID, and other U.S. Government entities);
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Are proficient in reading, writing, and speaking English (applicants who are deaf should refer to the English Language instructions on the Resources page);
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Are citizens of one of the following countries: Angola, Benin, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Cabo Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, Comoros, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Republic of the Congo, Cote d’Ivoire, Djibouti, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Gabon, The Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Kenya, Lesotho, Liberia, Madagascar, Malawi, Mali, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Niger, Nigeria, Rwanda, Sao Tome and Principe, Senegal, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Africa, South Sudan, Sudan, Tanzania, Togo, Uganda, Zambia, or Zimbabwe;
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Are residents of one of the above countries; and
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Are not Alumni of the Mandela Washington Fellowship.
Value of the Fellowship:
There is no fee to apply to the Mandela Washington Fellowship. If you are selected for the Fellowship, the U.S. government will cover all participant costs. Financial provisions provided by the U.S. Government will include:
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J-1 visa support;
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Round-trip travel from Fellow’s home city to the U.S. and domestic U.S. travel as required by the program;
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A six-week academic and leadership institute;
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Concluding Summit in Washington, DC;
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Accident and sickness benefit plan;
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Housing and meals during the program; and
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An optional six-week Professional Development Experience (for up to 100 Fellows).
Please note: the Fellowship will not cover salary while Fellows are away from work or funds for personal purchases such as gifts.
Selection Criteria:
The following criteria will be used to evaluate applications (not in order of importance):
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A proven record of leadership and accomplishment in business, civic engagement, or public service;
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A demonstrated commitment to public or community service, volunteerism, or mentorship;
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The ability to work cooperatively in diverse groups and to respect the opinions of others;
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Strong social and communication skills;
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An energetic, positive attitude;
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A demonstrated knowledge of, interest in, and professional experience in the preferred sector/track; and
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A commitment to return to Africa and apply leadership skills and training to benefit the applicant’s country and/or community after they return home.
How to apply:
Click here to apply
