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

2. 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
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Pathfinder International &Association of African Universities

3. 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
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Pathfinder International &Association of African Universities

4. 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
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Pathfinder International &Association of African Universities

5. 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
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Pathfinder International &Association of African Universities

6. 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
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Pathfinder International &Association of African Universities

7. 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
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Pathfinder International &Association of African Universities

8. 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.
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Pathfinder International &Association of African Universities

9. 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
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Pathfinder International &Association of African Universities

10. 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
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Pathfinder International &Association of African Universities

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

12. FURTHER INFORMATION
International Fellowship Program Website:
Ford Foundation Website: www. Fordfound.org/news/ifp
Pathfinder International Website:
Association of African Universities Website:
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Pathfinder International &Association of African Universities

13. THANK YOU!
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Pathfinder International &Association of African Universities