The Mandela Washington Fellowship for YALI is the U.S. Government’s Flagship program that will bring up to 700 young leaders to the United States in the summer of 2025. It is a fully funded six-week exchange program to empower young leaders through academic coursework, training, and professional networking. It will build the participants’ skills and empower fellows to lead in their respective sectors and communities. Participants of the Mandela Washington Fellowship will engage in intensive leadership institute coursework at a U.S. college or university.
The fellowship will start from mid-June through early August 2025. The Mandela Wahington Fellowship is sponsored by the U.S. Government and administered by IREX. There is no fee to apply for the Mandela Washington Fellowship. If you are selected for the Fellowship, the U.S. Government will cover all program costs. More information about the application process, the requirements, and the benefits are given below.
Details About Mandela Washington Fellowship 2025
- Host Country: USA
- Financial Benefits: Fully Funded
- Funded by: U.S Department of State
- Mandela Washington Fellowship 2025 Application Deadline: 10th September 2024
Also Check: Youth Interfaith Leaders Fellowship, USA (Fully Funded)
How Many Participants will Travel to the United States?
The Fellowship will bring up to 700 young leaders to the United States in the summer of 2025. Also, Check a List of US Exchange Programs.
Overview of the Mandela Fellowship
A six-week Leadership Institute: Fellows will be placed in different leading educational institutions across the United States both in rural and in urban areas in a group of 25.
Fellows will study Business, Civic Engagement, or Public Management hosted by U.S. colleges or universities. Learn more about Leadership Institutes.
Mandela Washington Fellowship Summit in Washington D.C.: Following their Leadership Institute experiences, all Fellows will gather for a high-level Summit in July 2025. This gathering will offer opportunities to connect with fellow participants and influential U.S. leaders from government, business, and non-profit organizations through a variety of interactive sessions.
An optional four-week Professional Development Experience (PDE): As part of the Fellowship application, individuals may apply to participate in a Professional Development Experience (PDE) at a U.S. NGO, business, or government agency. This is for up to 100 applicants.
Opportunities for Alumni: Fellows will have access to networking opportunities, ongoing professional development, and volunteer opportunities upon their return home after the Fellowship.
Also Check: EWC Graduate Degree Fellowship 2025 in USA (Fully Funded)
Financial Benefits
Financial provisions provided by the U.S. Government will include:
- J-1 visa support
- Round-trip travel from Fellow’s home city to the United States and Domestic Transport
- 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).
Mandela Washington Fellowship Requirements
- Are between the ages of 25 and 35 as of the application deadline.
- In Exception cases, applicants ages 21-24 may be considered.
- U.S. citizens or permanent residents of the United States are not eligible.
- Able to receive a J1 Visa.
Also Check: The Gates Scholarship Program in USA (Fully Funded)
Eligible Countries
The Citizens of the following countries can apply:
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, 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.
Criteria of Selection
- Has done great things in business, community work, or government.
- Cares about helping others and has done volunteer work.
- Can work well with different kinds of people.
- Good Communication skills.
- Has a positive attitude.
- Knows about the work you want to do and has a plan for using what you learn.
- Wants to go back to Africa and help the community.
Also Check: Knight Hennessy Scholarship in USA (Fully Funded)
Timeline
- 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
How to Apply for the Mandela Washington Fellowship 2025?
Prepare a strong application. Take a time. Think and research. Start your application, save it, and come back later. Do not copy and don’t share your answers with anyone. Be original and answer all questions in English.
Check How to Make a Strong Application. The Link to the official website is given below.
APPLY FOR THE MANDELA WASHINGTON FELLOWSHIP
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is a Mandela Washington Fellow?
A Mandela Washington Fellow is a young leader from Sub-Saharan Africa who has been selected for a prestigious leadership program to Study at a U.S. college or university for six weeks.
Is the Mandela Washington Fellowship fully funded?
Yes, the Mandela Washington Fellowship is fully funded. It covers Round-trip airfare, Tuition and fees, Housing, boarding, meals, J-1 Visa, and Stipend.
How long is the Mandela Washington Fellowship?
The Duration of the Fellowship is six weeks.
How to successfully apply for the Mandela Washington Fellowship?
Start your application online via this link: https://www.mandelawashingtonfellowship.org/apply/
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