Apply Now: The YALI Mandela Washington fellowship For Youths, The Young African Leaders Initiative of the United States government’s main program is the Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders (YALI). In 2020, YALI will mark its tenth anniversary since its founding in 2010.
Apply Now: The YALI Mandela Washington fellowship For Youths
Apply Now: The YALI Mandela Washington fellowship For Youths, The Young African Leaders Initiative of the United States government’s main program is the Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders (YALI). In 2020, YALI will mark its tenth anniversary since its founding in 2010.
The Mandela Washington Fellowship, which was founded in 2014, has sent approximately 5,800 young leaders from every Sub-Saharan African nation to the US for academic and leadership development. The Fellows are accomplished innovators and leaders in their communities and nations. They range in age from 25 to 35.
What Are The Leadership Fellowship Components
The Fellows take part in six-week Leadership Institutes held by American schools or universities where they study business, civic engagement, or public management during the Fellowship. Fellows improve local American communities throughout the Institutes while exchanging best practices.
The Mandela Washington Fellowship Summit
Following the Institutes, Fellows come together for a Summit where they network with American leaders from the public, corporate, and nonprofit sectors and lay the groundwork for sustained engagement between the United States and Africa.
The Professional Development Experience {PDE}
During their Fellowship or as Alumni, either immediately following the Summit or for up to six weeks, Fellows are eligible to apply for the opportunity to work with private, public, and nonprofit organizations. Discussing common problems and opportunities in their industries, widening their horizons, and positioning American businesses for global participation are all advantages for both Fellows and Hosts.
The Actual Virtual Programming
To assist the Fellowship Network’s ongoing leadership development and increase its access to networks and resources, the Fellowship draws on the experience of stakeholders to present a variety of virtual programming.
Transactions That Are Reciprocal
Americans can apply to carry out projects in nations in sub-Saharan Africa to carry on the joint work with Fellowship Alumni on the continent. These alliances and contacts are meant to foster long-term relationships, widen networks and marketplaces, and deepen understanding between parties.
Prospects for Alumni
Through access to continued professional development, networking, and cooperation opportunities, Fellowship Alumni continue to develop the skills and connections made throughout the program with assistance from the U.S. Department of State and connected partners.
Who Is Eligible For The YALI Mandela Washington Fellowship For Youths
There shall be no discrimination against applicants based on their race, color, gender, sexual orientation, religion, socioeconomic situation, or gender identity. Young African leaders who fit the following qualifications are eligible for the Mandela Washington Fellowship:
Anyone between the ages of 25 and 35 as of the application deadline, while exceptional candidates between the ages of 21 and 24 will also be taken into consideration neither permanent residents nor citizens of the United States
are qualified to obtain a J-1 visa for the United States.
If you are not employed by the United States government (including USAID or another branch of the government), nor are they related to any employee of the government in any way and are capable of reading, writing, and speaking English (deaf applicants will receive special training).
Citizens of one of the following African countries: Angola, Benin, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Cabo Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, Comoros, Republic of the Congo, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Cote d’Ivoire, Djibouti, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Gabon, The Gambia, 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 and Ghana.
You must be a resident of one of the mentioned countries and you must not be an Alumni of the Mandela Washington Fellowship.
What Are The Criteria For Selection Into The Fellowship Program
A track record of success and leadership in business, community service, or public office
A proven dedication to volunteering, mentorship, or public or community service
The capacity to cooperate in a variety of organizations and respect others’ perspectives
Solid interpersonal and communication abilities
An enthusiastic, upbeat attitude
Shown expertise in, enthusiasm for, and professional experience in the desired field or career path
A promise to go back to Africa thereafter and use what they’ve learned about leadership to help their native nation and/or community.
What Are The Benefits As A Beneficiary In The Mandela Washington Fellowship For Youths
Join a six-week Leadership Institute at a college or institution in the United States to share your experiences with locals and other Fellows while also learning from them.
Expand your knowledge by looking at fields outside of your regular profession.
Attend a summit with future leaders of Africa.
Meet with leaders from the American government, community, and industry.
Create new connections, talents, and ideas to strengthen your work.
Join a regional or worldwide alumni network to help you look for original answers to everyday problems.
The Application Guidelines Includes:
- August 16, 2022, | Application opens
- September 13, 2022, | Application deadline
- November 2022 – January 2023 | Semi-finalists interviewed by local U.S. embassies and consulates
- March 2023 | Applicants are notified of their status
- May 2023 | Visa processing and Pre-Departure Orientations for Finalists
- June 2023 | Fellowship begins in the United States