Applications are open for the 2026 Alumni Professional Development Experiences (PDEs), an initiative designed to give Mandela Washington Fellowship Alumni, who have not yet had the chance to join a PDE, the opportunity to sharpen their career skills and engage with U.S. professionals in related fields. This program will run in a fully virtual format, combining live online sessions with independent learning activities, networking opportunities, and other professional growth experiences. The next cycle of Alumni PDEs will take place from January 20 to February 27, 2026. Participants chosen for the program will need to be available for scheduled live sessions arranged with their U.S. host, while also managing around 10 to 15 hours each week to fully take part. Although the program does not include direct financial compensation, participants may apply for a small stipend to help cover technology or other resources necessary for their engagement. The structure of the Alumni PDE allows Fellows to participate from their home countries while also connecting with peers across Africa through shared sessions designed to build meaningful professional relationships.

The application period is open until September 3, 2025, with selections announced on September 29, 2025. Those accepted into the program will then begin their placement in January 2026. To be eligible, applicants must be alumni of the Mandela Washington Fellowship in good standing, living in one of the 49 sub-Saharan African nations during the PDE period, and not have participated in a PDE before.

Candidates will be assessed on their potential to grow through the program, regardless of how long they have been working professionally. Reviewers will also look for applicants with clear professional goals, a vision for how the PDE will support their career path, and an openness to gaining skills that can be applied across different sectors. Strong English language ability is essential, and applicants must demonstrate not only what they hope to gain but also what they can contribute in terms of expertise, networks, and experience to their U.S. host organizations.

The process includes an online application, written essays, and a video interview, all of which must be completed by 11:59 p.m. EDT on September 3, 2025. Applications will be evaluated competitively, with attention paid to eligibility, quality of responses, and balance across participating countries and professional sectors when forming the final cohort.

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