The Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders is the
flagship program of the Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI).
Initiated by President Obama in 2010, YALI aims to support young African
leaders as they spur growth and prosperity, strengthen democratic
governance, and enhance peace and security across Africa.
In the summer of 2017, the Mandela Washington Fellowship will bring up
to 1,000 young African leaders to the United States for six weeks of
academic coursework and leadership training at a US university or
college, focusing on one of three tracks: Business and Entrepreneurship,
Civic Leadership, or Public Management. The intensive Institute model
combines academic sessions, leadership training, site visits,
professional networking, community service, and cultural activities to
maximize learning and cultural exchange. Up to 100 Fellows will also
have the opportunity to participate in additional six-week professional
development experiences at US NGOs, private companies, and government
agencies.
The 2,000 Mandela Washington Fellow alumni from
2014-2016 include entrepreneurs, innovators, NGO leaders, community
activists, journalists, agriculture specialists, health professionals,
educators, civil servants, and political leaders from all 49 sub-Saharan
African countries.
For many young African leaders, the Fellowship is a life-changing
experience. A 2016 Fellow remarked, “The Mandela Washington Fellowship
has given me the knowledge and networks that will help me excel. I know
now that there are no limits to what I will achieve.”
Fellows make lasting connections with Americans and with each other,
both professionally and personally, and are supported in their efforts
to share their talents and experience to benefit their communities when
they return home.
For more information or to apply, visit yali.state.gov/washington-fellowship/apply. You can also get updates at Facebook.com/MandelaWashingtonFellowship andTwitter.com/WashFellowship.
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