1. Applying for the 2020 Mandela Washington Fellowship

2. Agenda Program Introduction & Overview Fellowship Administration
Leadership Institute Overview
Program Provisions
Visa Regulations
Eligibility & Selection Criteria
How to Apply
Application Timeline
Impact and Alumni Stories

3. Young African Leaders Initiative Overview
Presenter:
The Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) has three main components: the Mandela Washington Fellowship and the YALI Network, funded by the U.S. Department of State; and the YALI Regional Leadership Centers, funded by USAID. 
The Mandela Washington Fellowship is the flagship program of the Young African Leaders Initiative and is funded by the U.S. Department of State. It includes Leadership Institutes at a U.S. educational institution; a networking Summit; competitively selected U.S.‐based Professional Development Experiences; and Africa‐based programming following the conclusion of the Institutes. Nearly 4,400 Fellows from all countries of Sub-Saharan Africa have participated to date.
The YALI Network is funded by the U.S. Department of State and is a growing community of more than 500,000 young leaders across Sub-Saharan Africa. YALI Network members have access to free educational materials, virtual events, and face-to-face interactions to advance their skills in leadership, business and entrepreneurship, civic leadership, and public management. 
YALI Regional Leadership Centers (RLCs) are funded by USAID and build on existing institutional capacity in Africa to provide high-quality training, mentorship, and networking support to young leaders beyond the Mandela Washington Fellows. RLCs provide on-the-continent programming focused on the Fellowship’s core themes – business, civic leadership, and public management. The four RLCs offer training throughout the year in English, French, and Portuguese and are located in Nairobi, Dakar, Accra, and Pretoria. 
Audience Poll: Have any of you already participated in YALI programming or activities through an RLC? What was your experience? (Ask for one or two examples)

4. Fellowship Administration
Presenter:
The U.S. Department of State:
The Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) in consultation with the Bureau of African Affairs, designs and manages the U.S.-based component of the Fellowship. ECA’s responsibilities include final Fellow selection and placement, visa sponsorship, oversight of the Leadership Institutes, Professional Development Experiences, the Mandela Washington Fellowship Summit, and select Alumni Programming. The ECA Alumni office also funds programs and grants to Fellows after the U.S.-based activities.
The Bureau of African Affairs coordinates with U.S. embassies and consulates to oversee Fellow recruitment and interviews in Africa.
U.S. embassies and consulates take the lead on Fellow recruitment, interviews, pre-selection, pre-departure orientation, visa applications and processing, and select Alumni Programming.
IREX (The International Research & Exchanges Board) is a U.S. non-governmental organization with programs that focus on four areas: cultivating leaders, empowering youth, strengthening institutions, and increasing access to quality education and information. IREX implements the U.S.-based Fellowship through a cooperative agreement with ECA and manages the administrative components of the Fellowship, including Fellow travel, document collection, disability accommodation support, logistics for the Summit, and select follow-on programming for Alumni.

5. Local U.S. Embassy Point of Contact
Name
Phone
Posts/Commissions: Please insert your contact information in the slide above. Note the point of contact for potential applicants throughout the recruitment and selection process. 

6. Program Introduction The Mandela Washington Fellowship:
Started in 2014
Empowers young people (age 25-35) through academic coursework, leadership training, and networking
Will select 700 young leaders for its seventh cohort of Mandela Washington Fellows
Will launch the application for its seventh cohort of Fellows on September 12
Values diversity and inclusion in every sense of the word
Has an Alumni network of nearly 4,400 former Fellows
There is no fee to apply for or participate in the Mandela Washington Fellowship
Presenter: 
Since 2014, the Mandela Washington Fellowship has empowered young people through academic coursework, leadership training, and networking. The Fellowship provides outstanding young leaders from Sub-Saharan Africa with the opportunity to hone their skills at a U.S. college or university with support for professional development after they return home. It will welcome its seventh cohort of 700 Mandela Washington Fellows to the United States in 2020. 
Mandela Washington Fellows are young African leaders between the ages of 25 and 35 who have established records of accomplishment in promoting innovation and positive impact in their organizations, institutions, communities, and countries. Each Fellowship cohort represents a diverse group of leaders from across Sub-Saharan Africa. The Fellowship values diversity in every sense of the word, including gender, religious, ethnic, socioeconomic, ability, and more. IREX and the U.S. Department of State strive to select cohorts that have varied professional backgrounds, maintain gender balance, include Fellows from both rural and urban areas, and welcome persons with disabilities.
There is no fee to apply for or participate in the Mandela Washington Fellowship.

7. Fellowship Components
Presenter:
Let’s talk first about the key Fellowship components, which include U.S.-based programming as well as Africa-based Alumni Activities.
Fellowship Components

8. Leadership Institutes
700 Fellows selected
Six-week, intensive program
Placed at 28 Leadership Institutes across the United States
Three tracks: Business, Civic Engagement, or Public Management
Presenter: 
In 2020, 700 Fellows will be selected to take part in a six-week Leadership Institute at one of 28 Leadership Institutes hosted by colleges and universities across the United States. Each Institute features a customized program focused on one of three tracks: Leadership in Business, Civic Engagement, or Public Management. 

9. Leadership Institute Tracks Overview
Business
Civic Engagement
Public Management
Develop Fellows’ skills in business and entrepreneurship.
Subthemes 
Innovation and technology
Emerging markets and youth population in Africa
Business plan development
Financial management
Business ethics
Intersection of business with civil society and government and the role of private/public partnerships
Develop Fellows’ skills in civic engagement.
Subthemes
Advocacy
Strategic Planning  
Organizational Development
Intersection of civil society with business and government 
Develop Fellows’ skills in public management and leadership.
Citizen engagement
Resource management
Financial management systems
Intersection of government with business and civil society 
Presenter: 
Leadership in Business 
Business Fellows are innovators who have responded to a need in their community, created new products, processes, or strategies at their companies, or pioneered new trends in their fields. Leadership in Business Institutes provide Fellows with an overview of U.S. entrepreneurial strategies, including those that are employed to address social issues. Business Institutes focus on developing Fellows’ skills in business and entrepreneurship while examining the development, history, challenges, and successes of U.S. enterprises and social enterprises in the United States and globally, with specific relevance to the African continent. The Institutes will encourage Fellows to elaborate innovative and practical plans to expand their engagement in business and/or entrepreneurship in their communities and to engage with others in this area.  
Leadership in Civic Engagement 
Civic Engagement Fellows are young leaders who are serving the public through NGOs, community-based organizations, and volunteerism. The Leadership in Civic Engagement Institutes will provide Fellows with an overview of how citizens, both as individuals and groups, have shaped U.S. history, government, and society, including discussion of similarities and contrasts with experiences and opportunities on the African continent.  The academic program will define civic engagement, examine its development in the United States, and build skills in topics such as citizenship, community building, economic development, grass-roots activism, political organizing and leadership, volunteerism, and the use of information and communications technology in advancing civic causes.  The Institutes will encourage Fellows to develop innovative and practical plans to expand their engagement as citizens in their own communities and to work with others in this area.    
Leadership in Public Management 
Public Management Fellows are young leaders who are promoting reform to make their institutions more efficient and transparent. Leadership in Public Management Institutes provide Fellows with an overview of public management and leadership, including: regional economic and workforce development; financial management in public and non-profit organizations; planning and the global knowledge economy; and domestic and foreign development policies. Within the broader frame of the public policy process, Fellows are exposed to specific public management questions on topics such as public finance, rule of law, education, public health, environment, public sector transparency and accountability, and foreign policy. The Institutes encourage Fellows to create innovative and practical plans to expand their engagement in public management in their communities and to work with others in this area. 
It is important to note that not every Institute session will be directly applicable to Fellows’ current work or position in their home country.  This is intentional, as the Mandela Washington Fellowship aims to empower Fellows with broad-based knowledge that will help prepare them for leadership beyond their current focus. The Fellowship is rooted in the belief that future career advancement requires broadening one’s knowledge and skill set.  As such, it provides unique opportunities for Fellows to delve into other sectors and explore topics that they would not otherwise be exposed to in the course of their daily work.  This cross-disciplinary approach is designed to help Fellows develop creative solutions to challenges both in their immediate and long-term future. 
Additionally, all Leadership Institutes will include opportunities for Fellows to learn about and discuss key U.S. policies and initiatives that impact U.S.-Africa relations. Fellows should not anticipate identifying funding or investment opportunities during the Institutes or the Summit.

10. Leadership Institutes
Each Institute features several core components:
Academic Coursework
Leadership Training
Ignite Talks
Site Visits
Cultural Visits
Collaborative Relationships
Community Service
Unscheduled Networking Time
Presenter: 
The Fellowship Leadership Institutes are comprehensive, executive-style programs designed to build skills and empower Fellows to lead in their respective sectors and communities through thematic leadership foci in Business, Civic Engagement, and Public Management. The academic content, designed using adult learning principles, is delivered by both Institute faculty and local practitioners. The intensive six-week Institute model uses leadership development as the framework to create links between academic sessions, the strengths-based Common Leadership Curriculum (CLC), site visits, community service, and cultural activities to maximize learning and retention of new concepts and ideas. Fellows in all three tracks gain theoretical knowledge and practical skills that can be applied and adapted to African contexts. The Institutes will also leave sufficient free time during evenings and weekends for Fellows to pursue individual interests and socialize with fellow participants and Americans. Leadership development will be addressed in the CLC across all Institutes and incorporated throughout sessions and activities. Fellows should not anticipate identifying funding or investment opportunities during the Institutes or the Summit.  
Fellows  are  expected  to  fully  engage  in  all  required  Institute,  Summit,  and  Professional Development  Experience  (PDE)  activities.    By  design,  the  Institutes  are  intensive,  and  Fellows  should  be  prepared  to focus  their  full  attention  on  program  activities  and  local  networking  in  order  to  gain  the  most  from  their  experience. Fellows  may  pursue local  travel  within the U.S. at  their  own  expense  during  their Fellowship  provided  it  does  not  interfere  with  any  structured  program  activities  or  PDE  schedules and is limited to destinations within 350 miles of the Fellow's Institute.    
Each Institute is unique and will feature different topics and activities!

11. Mandela Washington Fellowship Summit
Three-day event
All 700 Fellows visit Washington D.C.
Networking and panel discussions with U.S. leaders from public, private, and non- profit sectors.
Presenter:
Following the Leadership Institute component of the Fellowship, all 2020 Fellows will gather in Washington, D.C. for the Mandela Washington Fellowship Summit. This three-day event will feature networking and panel discussions with U.S. leaders from the public, private, and non-profit sectors. Attendance at all three days of the Summit is required to complete the Mandela Washington Fellowship.

12. Professional Development Experience (PDE)
Submit supplemental application essay to apply
Four-week placement at U.S. NGO, business, or government agency
Gain practical training, learn transferable skills, expand networks, apply concepts 
Up to 70 Fellows selected
Presenter:
As part of the Fellowship application, individuals may submit a supplemental essay to apply to participate in a four-week Professional Development Experience (PDE) at an NGO, business, and government agency throughout the United States.  The PDE is designed to give Fellows practical training and the opportunity to learn transferable skills, expand their professional networks, and apply concepts learned at their Institutes to real-world situations in the U.S. context.  The placements will relate to each Fellow’s professional sector but are typically not an exact match to their current position at home.  Rather, it is an opportunity to introduce Fellows to new perspectives in their fields, to deepen their awareness and understanding of issues present in both their home countries and the United States, and to learn best practices that can be applied to their work at home.  
Professional Development Experiences will be intensive and demanding, and selected Fellows will be placed independently at organizations across the United States.  Up to 70 Fellows will be competitively selected for the Professional Development Experience.  Selected Fellows must be available to be in the United States for a total of approximately 11 weeks (the Leadership Institute, the Summit, and the placement with a U.S.-based organization).

13. Alumni Opportunities & Resources
New Alumni opportunities to be announced in Fall 2019
Reciprocal Exchange is a great opportunity to keep in mind while networking in the United States
The U.S. Department of State’s International Exchange Alumni community is a valuable grant and networking resource
Presenter:
Upon returning to their home countries, Fellow Alumni continue to build the skills they have developed during their time in the United States through support from U.S. embassies, the YALI Network, the U.S. Department of State, IREX, and affiliated partners. Through these experiences, select Mandela Washington Fellows have access to ongoing professional development and networking opportunities, as well as support for their ideas, businesses, and organizations. Fellows may also apply for their American partners they meet in the United States to travel to Africa to continue project-based collaboration through the Reciprocal Exchange component.
Selected Fellows will receive more information about these Alumni opportunities during the Institute, at the Summit, and after the Fellowship is complete. Only Fellows who successfully complete the full program will be eligible for alumni opportunities. Please note that the portfolio of alumni programming has been revamped this year, so there will be new opportunities available to future Fellows that are different from what previous Fellows have experienced.

14. Fellowship Provisions
Presenter:
Next, we will briefly discuss the Provisions and Expectations of the Fellowship. These will become more familiar to you after signing your Terms & Conditions, reading the Fellow Handbook, and completing the Fellowship Components and Policies online Module, when you are selected for the Fellowship.
Fellowship Provisions

15. Fellowship Provisions
 J-1 visa support;
Round-trip travel from Fellow’s home city to the United States;
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; and
An optional four-week Professional Development Experience (for up to 70 Fellows)
Presenter:
The U.S. Department of State is committed to ensuring that all Fellows can fully participate in the Fellowship. As such, Fellows will not be charged for participation in mandatory activities.
The Fellowship covers:
J-1 visa support;
Round-trip travel from Fellow’s home city to the United States and domestic U.S. travel as required by the program (Fellows must fly out of their home country within Africa to the United States.);
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; and
An optional four-week Professional Development Experience (for up to 70 Fellows)
Please note that the U.S. Department of State, IREX, Institutes, and/or PDE hosts will not provide funds to cover Fellow salaries while they are away from work or funds for personal purchases, such as to support Fellows’ home organizations or gifts for family. 

16. The Fellowship Does Not Include:
Funds to supplement Fellow income
Baggage fees in excess of the standard amount
Medical co-payments and expenses not covered by ASPE
High-tech devices such as full-feature smartphones, tablets, or laptops
Presenter:
For planning purposes, it is also important to note what the Fellowship does not include: 
The Fellowship does not provide funds to supplement Fellow income. The incidental stipend is not meant to subsidize Fellows’ expenses at home.
Any baggage fees in excess of what is outlined in the Fellowship Provisions. 
As previously mentioned, medical co-payments and expenses not covered by ASPE will not be covered by the Fellowship. This includes expenses related to pre-existing conditions and routine doctors visits. 
High-tech devices such as full-feature smartphones, tablets, or laptops. 

17. Visa Regulations All program participants receive a J-1 visa
30-day grace period for return travel after program ends
Program participants must return to their home countries for at least two years upon program completion
No paid employment during the program
Dependents may not join participants on program
No visa transfers or extensions will be given
Presenter:
All Mandela Washington Fellows receive a J-1 visa to enter the United States. Details of this visa include:
A 30-day grace period for return travel after program end;
A home residency requirement for program participants to return to their home countries for at least two years upon program completion;
No allowance for paid employment during the program;
Dependents may not join participants on program; and
No visa transfers or extensions will be given.

18. Eligibility
The Mandela Washington Fellowship is open to young African leaders who are:
Between the ages of 25 and 35
Not U.S. citizens or permanent residents of the United States
Eligible to receive a United States J-1 visa
Not employees or immediate family members of employees of the U.S. Government
Proficient in reading, writing, and speaking English
Are citizens and residents of an eligible country
Are not Alumni of the Mandela Washington Fellowship
Presenter:
The Mandela Washington Fellowship is open to young African leaders who meet the following criteria:
Are between the ages of 25 and 35 on or before the application deadline, although exceptional applicants ages will be considered.
Are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents of the United States.
Are eligible to receive a United States J-1 visa.
Are not employees or immediate family members of employees of the U.S. Government (including a U.S. embassy or consulate, USAID, and other U.S. Government entities).
Are proficient in reading, writing, and speaking English. Applicants who are deaf should consult the Application Instructions for more information.
Are citizens and residents of an eligible country
Are not Alumni of the Mandela Washington Fellowship
Applicants to the Mandela Washington Fellowship will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, gender, religion, socio-economic status, disability, sexual orientation, or gender identity.

19. List of Participating Countries
Angola
Republic of the Congo
Lesotho
Senegal
Benin
Liberia
Seychelles
Botswana
Côte d’Ivoire
Madagascar
Sierra Leone
Burkina Faso
Djibouti
Malawi
Somalia
Burundi
Equatorial Guinea
Mali
South Africa
Cameroon
Eritrea
Mauritania
South Sudan
Cabo Verde
Eswatini
Mauritius
Sudan
Central African Republic
Ethiopia
Mozambique
Tanzania
Gabon
Namibia
Togo
Chad
The Gambia
Niger
Uganda
Comoros
Ghana
Nigeria
Zambia
Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC)
Guinea
Rwanda
Zimbabwe
Guinea-Bissau
Sao Tome and Principe
Kenya

20. What Makes an Ideal Mandela Washington Fellow?
A proven record of leadership and accomplishment in business, civic engagement, or public service;
A demonstrated commitment to public or community service, volunteerism, or mentorship;
The ability to work cooperatively in diverse groups and to respect the opinions of others;
Strong social and communication skills;
An energetic, positive attitude;
Demonstrated knowledge of, interest in, and professional experience in the preferred sector/track; and
A commitment to return to Africa and apply leadership skills and training to benefit the applicant’s country and/or community after returning home.
Presenter:
An ideal Mandela Washington Fellow meets all the selection criteria outlined for the selection panels.
A strong applicant should have:
A proven record of leadership and accomplishment in public service, business, or civic engagement;
A demonstrated commitment to public or community service, volunteerism, or mentorship;
The ability to work cooperatively in diverse groups and respect the opinions of others;
Strong social and communication skills;
An energetic, positive attitude;
Demonstrated knowledge of, interest in, and professional experience in the preferred sector/track; and
A commitment to return to Africa and apply leadership skills and training to benefit the applicant’s country and/or community after returning home.

21. Fellowship Accommodations: Disability Support
The Mandela Washington Fellowship:
Is committed to ensuring that Africa’s young leaders with disabilities are able to fully participate
Will provide reasonable accommodations that will allow for a full and engaging experience
More Info: mwfellows.info/apply
Presenter:
Individuals with disabilities are leaders across the globe. As such, identifying leaders with disabilities is of critical importance for the Fellowship.
The Mandela Washington Fellowship is committed to ensuring that Africa’s young leaders with disabilities are able to fully participate in the Fellowship through reasonable accommodations and support. 
The Fellowship will provide reasonable accommodations that will allow for a full and engaging experience for all Fellows during the Institutes.  
The Fellowship’s disability support complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), one of America's most comprehensive pieces of civil rights legislation that prohibits discrimination and guarantees that people with disabilities can fully participate in American life. 
Prior to arrival in the United States, all selected Fellows who self-identify as having a disability in their Fellowship application will receive a survey from IREX requesting detailed information about their disability-related health conditions. 
Disclosing a disability does not hurt your chances of being accepted to the Fellowship. The Fellowship is a fully-inclusive program - disclosing your disability will only improve our accommodation of your individual needs.
For more information about accommodations provided to Fellows with disabilities, please read the disability FAQ on our website at mwfellows.info/apply.

22. Fellowship Accommodations: Pregnancy Support
Applicants who are pregnant or who may become pregnant are encouraged to apply.
Pre-natal support available during Fellowship
Fellows who are less than 20 weeks pregnant by the start of the Fellowship can expect to be able to fully participate in the program
More Info: mwfellows.info/apply
Presenter:
The Mandela Washington Fellowship is also committed to supporting positive learning and networking environments for Fellows who are pregnant.  If you are pregnant, or might become pregnant, you are still encouraged to apply.  
If selected, pregnant Fellows will be provided with pre-natal support and can expect to be able to fully participate in the program if they are at less than 20 weeks by the start of the Fellowship in mid-June.  
The Fellowship is an intensive program, which includes long days and extended periods of time sitting in the classroom or walking on excursions and site visits.  Fellows who are more than 20 weeks pregnant by the start of the Fellowship will have the opportunity to discuss whether their situation warrants a one-year deferral.   
For more information about accommodations provided to pregnant Fellows, please read the Pregnancy Frequently Asked Questions document on our website at mwfellows.info/apply.

23. How to Apply
The application for the 2020 Mandela Washington Fellowship is open from September 12 – October 9, 2019.
The application will request your:
Basic information (name, address, phone, , and country of citizenship);
Professional and academic experience;
Educational background;
Honors and awards received;
Previous U.S. experience;
Extracurricular and volunteer activities; and
English language proficiency.
You will also be asked to attach your:
Personal Statements (Four short-response and two long-response);
CV/Résumé; and
Letters of recommendation and university transcripts (OPTIONAL).
Presenter:
The Mandela Washington Fellowship is conducted as a merit-based, open competition.
The application will be available online from September 12 – October 9, The application will open and close at 4:00 PM GMT.
The application itself will collect basic information and will include questions regarding the applicant’s professional and academic experience, including educational background; honors and awards received; extracurricular and volunteer activities; and English language proficiency. We will also request a résumé (with dated educational and professional background) and personal information (name, address, phone, , country of citizenship). Additional elements, such as letters of recommendation or university transcripts, are OPTIONAL and may supplement your application.
The U.S. Department of State and IREX reserve the right to verify all information included in the application. In the event of a discrepancy, or information is found to be false, the application will immediately be declared invalid and the applicant ineligible. 

24. Note on Plagiarism
Plagiarism means taking someone else’s work or ideas and presenting them as your own.
Plagiarism is strictly forbidden, and those who plagiarize their application materials will be disqualified.
To avoid disqualification:
Use your own words and ideas
Avoid cut and paste
Do not use wording from other applicants or Alumni
Credit your sources
The U.S. Department of State and IREX will be checking all applications for plagiarism. For more information, please visit Plagiarism.org.
Presenter:
Plagiarism means taking someone else’s work or ideas and presenting them as your own.
Plagiarism is strictly forbidden, and those who plagiarize their application materials will be disqualified.
To avoid disqualification:
Be sure that all answers provided are in your own words and are your own ideas.
Do not cut and paste ideas from the Internet or other sources.
Do not use wording from another applicant or Fellow Alumni.
Do not use wording from your own application submissions from previous years.
If you must reference another person’s writing, ideas, words, or materials, credit the source.
The U.S. Department of State and IREX will be checking all applications for plagiarism. For more information, please visit Plagiarism.org.

25. Application Timeline September 12: Application opens
October 9: Application closes
January – February 2020: Semifinalists interviewed by local U.S. embassies
Late March 2020: Applicants notified of their status
May 2020: Visa processing and pre- departure orientations for Finalists
June 2020: Fellowship begins in the United States
Presenter:
As mentioned earlier, the application opens on September 12 and closes at 4:00 PM GMT on October 9, 2019.
After the deadline, all eligible applications will be reviewed by independent readers.
Following this review, semifinalists will be interviewed in-person by the U.S. embassies or consulates in their home countries. If selected for an interview, applicants must provide a copy of their passport (if available) or other government-issued photo identification to verify eligibility.
In late March 2020, applicants will be notified of their status.
In May 2020, selected Finalists will undergo visa processing and attend mandatory pre-departure orientation.
In June 2020, selected Fellows will travel to the United States to begin the Fellowship.

26. Impact and Alumni Stories
Presenter:
Now let’s watch this video to hear from some of our Mandela Washington Fellowship Alumni. (Click photo, link is embedded)

27. Next Steps
Visit the Fellowship website to learn more:
Mandela Washington Fellowship: mwfellows.info/apply 
Follow the Mandela Washington Fellowship on social media:
Facebook:
Mark your calendars with key application dates:
Application Opens: September 12, 2019
Application Closes: October 9, 2019
U.S. Embassy Point of Contact:
Name, , Phone
Presenter:
If you would like to apply to become one of the next Mandela Washington Fellows, here are several useful next steps:
Visit the Fellowship website to learn more:
Mandela Washington Fellowship: mwfellows.info/apply 
Follow the Fellowship on social media:
Facebook:
Mark your calendars with the following key application dates:
Application Opens: September 12, 2019
Application Closes: October 9, 2019
You may also reach out to your country’s Embassy Point of Contact using the information provided here.

28. Questions?