FULLY FUNDED TO USA : Apply for the 2025 Mandela Washington Fellowship

Popular

FULLY FUNDED TO USA : Apply for the 2025 Mandela Washington Fellowship

The Mandela Washington Fellowship will bring up to 700 young leaders to the United States in the summer of 2025 for a comprehensive executive-style program that is designed to build skills and empower

Selection Process and Criteria

The Mandela Washington Fellowship follows a merit-based, open competition for selection. After the application deadline, all eligible submissions are reviewed by independent evaluators. Semi-finalists are then chosen and will be interviewed by U.S. embassies or consulates in their respective home countries.

These interviews must be attended in person within Africa. Semi-finalists are required to present a copy of their international passport (if available) or other government-issued photo ID during the interview. Finalists who are selected must also attend a mandatory Pre-Fellowship Orientation in their home country within Africa.

Criteria for Selection:

The selection of applicants will be based on the following criteria (listed in no particular order):

- A strong track record of leadership and achievements in business or entrepreneurship, civic engagement, or public/government service.
- A clear dedication to public or community service, volunteer work, or mentorship.
- The ability to collaborate effectively in diverse groups and show respect for differing opinions.
- Strong social and communication skills.
- An energetic, positive, and adaptable attitude.
- Demonstrated knowledge, interest, and professional experience in the chosen sector/Fellowship track, along with specific goals for applying the knowledge and skills gained from the Fellowship to current and/or future work.
- A commitment to returning to Sub-Saharan Africa to use their skills and talents to benefit and serve their communities.

Application and Selection Timeline

August 13, 2024 | Application opens
September 10, 2024 | Application deadline
November 2024 – January 2025 | Semi-finalists interviewed by local U.S. embassies and consulates
March 2025 | Applicants notified of their status
May 2025 | Visa processing and Pre-Departure Orientations for Finalists
June 2025 | Fellowship begins in the United States

Scroll down below for more information and click on the official link attached to apply for this opportunity

Program Type

Fully Funded

Eligibility Criteria

The Mandela Washington Fellowship upholds a policy of non-discrimination, ensuring that applicants are not judged based on race, ethnicity, color, national origin, sex, age, religion, geographic location, education, income, socio-economic status, ability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by U.S. law. The program is dedicated to principles of fairness, equity, inclusion, and accessibility.

The Fellowship is open to young African leaders who meet the following requirements:

- Are between 25 and 35 years old as of the application deadline (September 10, 2024), though exceptional candidates aged 21-24 may also be considered.
- Are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents of the United States.
- Are eligible to obtain a U.S. J-1 visa.
- Are not employees or immediate family members (spouses, parents, children, or siblings) of U.S. Government employees (including those at a U.S. embassy or consulate, USAID, or other U.S. Government entities).
- Are proficient in English, both in reading, writing, and speaking (with additional guidelines forthcoming for deaf applicants).
- Are residents of one of these countries and will continue residing there as of May 1, 2025, and at the start of the Fellowship in June 2025.
- Have not previously participated in or graduated from the Mandela Washington Fellowship.

Eligible Countries

Are citizens of one of the following African countries: Angola, Benin, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Cabo Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, Comoros, Republic of the Congo, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Côte d’Ivoire, Djibouti, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Gabon, The Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Kenya, Lesotho, Liberia, Madagascar, Malawi, Mali, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Niger, Nigeria, Rwanda, Sao Tome and Principe, Senegal, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Africa, South Sudan, Sudan, Tanzania, Togo, Uganda, Zambia, or Zimbabwe.

Official Link

https://www.mandelawashingtonfellowship.org/apply/