The U.S. Embassy in Accra is inviting young Ghanaians between the ages of 25 and 35 to apply for the Mandela Washington Fellowship. The deadline for applications is November 11, 2015.
This fellowship is a key part of President Barack Obama's Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI). In 2016, it will offer opportunities to 1,000 young leaders from Sub-Saharan Africa to develop their skills at an American higher education institution, along with support for professional growth upon their return home.
Participants in the Mandela Washington Fellowship engage in a six-week academic and leadership program at a U.S. university or college. They can choose from three tracks: Business and Entrepreneurship, Civic Leadership, or Public Management. Additionally, there will be a pilot institute focusing on energy in 2016.
After completing the academic segment of the fellowship, participants will visit Washington D.C., where they will attend a Presidential Summit that includes a town hall meeting with President Obama. During this three-day event, fellows have the opportunity to network and engage in panel discussions with U.S. leaders across various sectors.
Upon returning to Ghana, fellows continue developing their skills through resources provided by the U.S. Embassy, YALI Regional Leadership Center in Accra, YALI Network, USAID, and other partners. These resources include professional development opportunities such as mentoring, networking and training sessions, as well as seed funding for their initiatives.
To apply for the Mandela Washington Fellowship or seek more information about it, individuals are directed to visit https://youngafricanleaders.state.gov.
Media representatives interested in interviews with U.S. diplomats managing the fellowship or past Ghanaian participants from the 2015 program are encouraged to contact the embassy.