The Ford Foundation International Fellowship Program (IFP) & Pathfinder International Nigeria Pre-departure Orientation Cohort 7 Parkview Hotel, Abuja 5 July – 8 July 2009

BRIEF OVERVIEW OF THE FORD FOUNDATION The Ford Foundation has been actively involved in funding development programs for over 50 years. The Foundation’s main goals are to: Strengthen democratic values Reduce poverty & injustice Promote international cooperation Advance human achievements The Foundation’s grant-making areas are focused on the broad areas: Asset Building & Community Development Education, Media, Arts & Culture Peace & Social justice June 18 Pathfinder International &Association of African Universities

IFP Program Overview Approved by Ford Foundation Trustees in September 2000 $280 million over 10 years Operating in 22 Ford Foundation countries and territories Additional $75 million a further 5 years infused in 2006 Program provides support for up to 3 years of Post-Baccalaureate study worldwide Estimated 4,300 Fellows will benefit June 18 Pathfinder International &Association of African Universities

AIMS OF THE PROGRAM (IFP) To provide opportunities for advanced study to exceptional individuals from communities lacking systematic access to higher education so as to diversify the talent pool of future leaders in developing countries To encourage Fellows to apply their advanced skills and knowledge in the development and advancement of their own communities and countries To prepare Fellows to become leaders in fields that further the goals of the Foundation through the knowledge and skills gained from advanced graduate study AIMS & OJECTIVES Strengthen link between Education & Development; Promote Global Citizenship June 18 Pathfinder International &Association of African Universities

Program Overview – Basic Premises New generation of leaders with direct knowledge of their society’s worst problems and inequities will benefit as individuals from post-graduate study Individuals selected on the basis of their social commitment and leadership potential in addition to their academic achievements will be strongly motivated to used their education for the betterment of their communities Social returns on investment in education are quickly compounded through reinforcing networks that strive for a common purpose, such as social justice June 18 Pathfinder International &Association of African Universities

MANAGEMENT ROLES Ford Foundation Secretariat Partner Orgs. Documents the design and implementation of the Program Secretariat In association with partner Organizations shares program experiences with individuals and institutional higher education field. Assesses the program’s educational effects Partner Orgs. In association with Secretariat share program experiences with individuals and institutional higher education field. Responsible for: Recruiting and Selection Process Management of Fellow-elect phase Monitoring of Fellows during study period. Placement Partners Works with the Partner Organizations in providing University placement and related services. Provides a monitoring & information gathering service to program June 18 Pathfinder International &Association of African Universities

PROGRAM TARGET The program is aimed at outstanding individuals from marginalized groups or communities that historically have lacked opportunities to pursue higher education Particular ethnic, racial or religious groups Women/Disabled People living outside major cities June 18 Pathfinder International &Association of African Universities

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA Residents and Resident citizens of participating country( Ghana, Nigeria, Senegal). Holders of Bachelors Degree or its equivalent with demonstrated academic potential in their studies. Experience in community or development related activities An intention to pursue formal Masters or Doctoral training that will enhance their leadership skills in fields that support the goals of the Ford Foundation. Have a statement of objectives specifying how they intend applying their studies to social issues in their own community/or country. June 18 Pathfinder International &Association of African Universities

PROGRAM SELECTION PROCESS Applications submitted to Implementing Partner Organizations (AAU, Pathfinder & WARC) AAU in association with Pathfinder & WARC identify and appoint academics and professionals as Short-listing & Selection Committee Members Short-listing Ctee evaluates completed applications and recommends candidates for interview. Selection Committee interviews candidates and makes recommendations. IFP NY review and endorse recommendations All short- listed applicants are notified of outcome Successful applicants provided assistance with registration process for University of their choice. AAU ensures selection criteria are applied consistently June 18 Pathfinder International &Association of African Universities

MAIN SELECTION CRITERIA Background Academic achievement and promise Leadership skills / potential Demonstrated Social Commitment Career and Professional Goals AT INTERVIEW LEVEL : Represents Eligible / Disadvantaged Applicants Academic Background & Proposed Study Program & Purpose Demonstrated Social Commitment Leadership Skills & Potential IFP Target Group Change Agents June 18 Pathfinder International &Association of African Universities

ANALYSIS OF SELECTED CANDIDATES BY: GENDER, PLACEMENT, COMPLETION/RETURN May 2009 June 18 Pathfinder International &Association of African Universities

FURTHER INFORMATION International Fellowship Program Website: www.FordIFP.net Ford Foundation Website: www. Fordfound.org/news/ifp Pathfinder International Website: www.pathfind.org/ifp Association of African Universities Website: www.aau.org June 18 Pathfinder International &Association of African Universities

THANK YOU! June 18 Pathfinder International &Association of African Universities