YALI 2020 Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders (Fully Funded to the United States of America)

Application Deadline: October 9, 2019

The Mandela Washington Fellowship will bring up to 700 young leaders to the United States in the summer of 2020 for a comprehensive executive-style program that is designed to build skills and empower Fellows to lead in their respective sectors and communities.

Eligibility Requirements:

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:

• Are between the ages of 25 and 35 on or before the application deadline, although exceptional applicants ages 21-24 will be considered;
• Are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents of the United States;
• Are eligible to receive a United States J-1 visa;
• 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);
• Are proficient in reading, writing, and speaking English (applicants who are deaf should refer to the English Language instructions on the Resources page);
• Are citizens and residents of eligible countries (to be announced); and
• Are not Alumni of the Mandela Washington Fellowship.

Benefits:

• Participate in a six-week Leadership Institute at a U.S. college or
  university to share your experiences with and to learn from
  Americans 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.
• Join a continental and global Alumni network to help you seek innovative solutions to common challenges.

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/or community after they return home.

Application Timeline

• September 12, 2019 | Application opens
• October 9, 2019 | Application deadline
• December 2019 – February 2020 | Semifinalists interviewed by local U.S. embassies and consulates
• Late March 2020 | Applicants are notified of their status
• May 2020 | Visa processing and Pre-Departure Orientations for Finalists
• Mid-June 2020 | Fellowship begins in the United States

For More Information:

Visit the Official Webpage of the YALI Mandela Washington Fellowship 2020