Scholarships could save you through the educational cycle. Many have experienced this and you can be a testifier also. As a young African leader that you are, you still stand a chance to study in one of the prestigious universities in the world. Fellowships can be another substitute to garnering top-notch qualifications also.
And guess what? Mandela Washington Scholarship through its fellowship program can make your dreams come true in being an American graduate. Meanwhile, it’s an establishment fostered by in-depth innovation of transforming the African community and its continent to a global center of economic growth.
It’s a workshop that would have successful participants spend 6wks in the US. Educational pedigree has nothing to do with the chances you stand to benefit from here.
Fellows will gain valuable insights and practical skills that will empower them to drive innovation and contribute effectively to their communities, reinforcing the Fellowship’s commitment to fostering the next generation of impactful leaders in Africa.
Benefits of Mandela Washington Fellowship 2025 in the USA:
- J-1 visa support.
- Round-trip travel from the Fellow’s home city to the United States and domestic U.S. travel as required by the program.
- A six-week Leadership Institute.
- A concluding Summit in Washington, D.C.
- A limited accident and sickness benefit plan.
- Housing and meals during the program.
- An optional four-week Professional Development Experience (for up to 100 Fellows).
Eligibility Criteria for the Mandela Washington Fellowship 2025 in the USA:
- Be a citizen or legal resident of an African country.
- Have a proven track record of leadership and a commitment to public or community service.
- Hold at least a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent.
- Are between the ages of 25 and 35 on or before the application deadline, although exceptional applicants aged 21-24 will be considered.
- Are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents of the United States.
- Have a valid passport and be able to obtain a J-1 visa for the duration of the Fellowship.
- Are not employees or immediate family members of employees of the U.S. Government (including U.S. embassies or consulates, USAID, or other U.S. Government entities).
- Are proficient in reading, writing, and speaking English (additional guidance available for applicants who are deaf).
List of Eligible 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
- São Tomé and Príncipe
- Senegal
- Seychelles
- Sierra Leone
- Somalia
- South Africa
- South Sudan
- Sudan
- Tanzania
- Togo
- Uganda
- Zambia
- Zimbabwe
Selection Criteria:
- Proven leadership and accomplishment in business, civic engagement, or public service.
- Commitment to public or community service, volunteerism, or mentorship.
- Ability to work well in diverse groups and respect others’ opinions.
- Strong social and communication skills.
- Energetic, positive, and flexible attitude.
- Knowledge and experience in the preferred sector, with clear goals for applying Fellowship lessons.
- Commitment to return to Sub-Saharan Africa and contribute to community development.
Required Documents:
- Completed application form.
- Recent passport-sized photograph.
- Copy of a valid passport.
- Proof of educational qualifications (e.g., degree certificates).
- Current resume or CV.
- Statement of purpose or personal statement.
- Two letters of recommendation.
- Proof of English proficiency (e.g., test scores, if applicable).
- Evidence of leadership experience or community service.
- Additional documents as specified by the specific program or fellowship guidelines.
Deadline:
The application deadline to apply for the Mandela Washington Fellowship 2025 in the USA is September 10, 2024.
Register here: https://www.mandelawashingtonfellowship.org/apply/