Study Free in USA - Fully Funded Mandela Washington Fellowship 2024-2025 for African Students

The United States Department of State and IREX are looking for academic, professional, and regional experts to review and evaluate applications for the 2025 Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders. The Fellowship brings young leaders to the US for academic coursework and leadership training. This collaboration fosters economic growth and prosperity, strengthens democratic governance, and promotes peace and security between Africa and the US. Readers will be responsible for analyzing about 50 submissions using predefined rules and a grading methodology. This is an excellent volunteer professional development and résumé-building opportunity for professionals or those seeking a degree.

Requirements 

1. Age: 25-35 years old by the application deadline; exceptional applicants aged 21-24 will be considered.
2. Language: Proficient in reading, writing, and speaking English.

 Nationality: Citizens of the following countries:

1. - Angola
2. - Benin
3. - Botswana
4. - Burkina Faso
5. - Burundi
6. - Cameroon
7. - Cabo Verde
8. - Central African Republic
9. - Chad
10. - Comoros
11. - Republic of the Congo
12. - Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC)
13. - Côte d'Ivoire
14. - Djibouti
15. - Equatorial Guinea
16. - Eritrea
17. - Eswatini
18. - Ethiopia
19. - Gabon
20. - The Gambia
21. - Ghana
22. - Guinea
23. - Guinea-Bissau
24. - Kenya
25. - Lesotho
26. - Liberia
27. - Madagascar
28. - Malawi
29. - Mali
30. - Mauritania
31. - Mauritius
32. - Mozambique
33. - Namibia
34. - Niger
35. - Nigeria
36. - Rwanda
37. - São Tomé and Principe
38. - Senegal
39. - Seychelles
40. - Sierra Leone
41. - Somalia
42. - South Africa
43. - South Sudan
44. - Sudan
45. - Tanzania
46. - Togo
47. - Uganda
48. - Zambia
49. - Zimbabwe

Terms:

1. Non-Discrimination: No discrimination based on race, color, gender, religion, socioeconomic status, disability, sexual orientation, or gender identity.
2.  Expertise: Ideal readers are academics and/or professionals with expertise in business, civic engagement, or public management, or experience working in Africa or on sub-Saharan African issues.
3. Eligible Groups: U.S. Government employees and Fellowship Alumni are eligible.

Benefits of the Fellowship:

1. Leadership Institute: Attend a six-week program at a U.S. college or university to share experiences and learn from others.
2.  Industry Exploration: Expand your expertise by exploring industries beyond your daily work.
3. Summit with Young Leaders: Participate in a summit with other young African leaders.
4. Networking Opportunities: Meet with U.S. Government, civic, and business leaders.
5. Personal Growth: Strengthen your work through new connections, skills, and ideas.
6.  Alumni Network: Join a global network of alumni to collaborate on innovative solutions to common challenges.

Evaluation Criteria:

1.  Leadership and Accomplishments: Proven track record of leadership and achievements in business, civic engagement, or public service.
2. Community Service: Demonstrated commitment to public or community service, volunteerism, or mentorship.
3. Collaboration: Ability to work effectively in diverse groups and respect the opinions of others.
4. Social and Communication Skills: Strong social and communication skills
5. Attitude: Energetic and positive attitude.
6. Sector Knowledge: Demonstrated knowledge, interest, and professional experience in the preferred sector/track.
7. Return Commitment: Commitment to return to Africa and apply leadership skills and training to benefit the applicant's country and/or community after returning home.

visit here to apply 

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