MANDELA
WASHINGTON FELLOWSHIP APPLICATION INFORMATION
Selection
Process
The
Mandela Washington Fellowship is conducted as a merit-based open competition.
After the deadline, all eligible applications will be reviewed by a selection
panel. Chosen semifinalists will be interviewed by the U.S. embassies or
consulates in their home countries. If selected for an interview, applicants
must provide a copy of their passport (if available) or other government-issued
photo identification to verify eligibility.
Who is eligible to apply?
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 at the time of application submission, although
exceptional applicants younger than 25 will be considered.
·
Are
not U.S. citizens or permanent residents of the U.S.
·
Are
eligible to receive a United States J-1 visa.
·
Are
proficient in reading, writing, and speaking English.
·
Are
citizens and residents of one of the following countries: Angola, Benin, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Cabo Verde,
Central African Republic, Chad, Comoros, Democratic Republic of the Congo
(DRC), Republic of the Congo, Cote d’Ivoire, Djibouti, Equatorial Guinea,
Eritrea, 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, Swaziland, Tanzania,
Togo, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
Individuals
residing in Eritrea and Zimbabwe may not apply to the Public Management track.
Residents of Sudan may only apply for the Civic Leadership track.
The
U.S. Department of State and IREX reserve the right to verify all of the
information included in the application. In the event that there is a
discrepancy, or information is found to be false, the application will
immediately be declared invalid and the applicant ineligible.
Applications
not meeting the above technical eligibility requirements will not be forwarded
to the selection committee. If you do not meet the technical eligibility
requirements for this program, we invite you to visit exchanges.state.gov for
information on other U.S. Department of State exchange opportunities.
What
are the criteria for selection?
Selection
panels will use the following criteria to evaluate applications (not in order
of importance):
·
A
proven record of leadership and accomplishment in public service, business and
entrepreneurship, or civic engagement.
·
A
demonstrated commitment to public or community service, volunteerism, or
mentorship.
·
The
ability to work cooperatively in diverse groups and respect the opinions of others.
·
Strong
social and communication skills.
·
An
energetic, positive attitude.
·
Demonstrated
knowledge, interest and professional experience in the sector/track selected.
·
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 Information:
The
application will collect basic information and will include questions regarding
the applicant’s professional and academic experience, including educational
background; honors and awards received; extracurricular and volunteer
activities; and English language proficiency. We will also request a résumé
(with dated educational and professional background), and personal information
(name, address, phone, email, country of citizenship). Additional elements,
such as letters of recommendation or university transcripts, are OPTIONAL and
may supplement your application.
Application Timeline:
October 1, 2015:
|
Application opens
|
November 11, 2015:
|
Application closes
|
January-February
2016:
|
Semifinalists interviewed by local U.S. Embassies and Consulates
|
March 2016:
|
Applicants are notified of their status
|
April-May 2016:
|
Visa processing for finalists
|
Mid-June 2016:
|
Fellowship starts in the United States
|
https://youngafricanleaders.state.gov/washington-fellowship/apply/
