Application Deadline: September 4, 2024
Applications are now open for the 2025 YALI Alumni Professional Development Experience (PDE). Alumni PDEs provide Fellowship Alumni who have not previously participated in a PDE with the valuable opportunity to further hone their professional skills and connect with U.S. professionals working in the same industries. The robust virtual model includes a combination of synchronous (live) and asynchronous (on their own time) work, along with virtual networking and other professional development opportunities.
The 2025 Alumni PDEs will take place from January 21 to February 28, 2025. Alumni PDE Participants must plan their schedules to accommodate synchronous (live) activities agreed upon with their PDE Host but will not need to take a leave of absence from work in order to fully participate. Participants should expect to commit an average of approximately 10-15 hours per week to the PDE. The required weekly time commitment will allow Participants to fully engage while managing their personal and professional responsibilities.
Program Details
- Participants will not be paid for their participation in the Alumni PDE but will have the opportunity to apply for a stipend to offset costs for technology and other needs that support their ability to fully participate in the PDE.
While Participants participate in the Alumni PDEs from their home communities, they are able to engage with their peers across the continent through structured programming elements that will allow them to develop strong ties within their PDE cohort.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must be Mandela Washington Fellowship Alumni in good standing who have not previously participated in a PDE and who will be residing in one of the 49 sub-Saharan African countries for the duration of the PDE period.
Eligible applicants will be reviewed using the following selection criteria:
- Demonstrated potential for growth and learning through the PDE, regardless of years of prior work experience.
- Clear focus on specific goals for the PDE and demonstrated vision of how their career will progress through participation in the PDE.
- Identification of transferable skills to be gained through the PDE and openness to a variety of learning experiences, rather than a focus on a specific type of host institution.
- Demonstrated high level of English fluency.
- Strong sense of expertise, experience, and networks they can contribute to a U.S. Host Organization.
Program Timeline
- Application Opens | August 14, 2024
- Application Deadline | September 4, 2024
- PDE Period | January 21 – February 28, 202
For More Information:
Visit the Official Webpage of the Alumni Professional Development Experience
