Deadline Extended for Young African Leadership Initiative Mentor Applications

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The University of Arkansas in partnership with Spring International Language Center has been selected as a host institution for President Barack Obama’s Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders, the flagship program of the Young African Leaders Initiative.

The Washington Fellowship will empower young African leaders through academic coursework, leadership training, mentoring, networking, professional opportunities, and support for activities in their communities. Beginning in June, 25 competitively selected young Africans will participate in a six-week academic institute on public management at the University of Arkansas, part of the larger group of 500 Washington Fellows being hosted across the United States this summer.

Participants in the Washington Fellowship are young leaders from sub-Saharan Africa who have a proven record of accomplishment in promoting innovation and positive change in their organizations, institutions or communities. President Obama announced the Washington Fellowship in South Africa in 2013 and emphasized the importance of Africa’s youth. “We need young Africans who are standing up and making things happen not only in their own countries but around the world. … Africa’s future belongs to its young people.” In July 2014, Obama will host a summit for the Fellows in Washington, D.C.

Through a competitive process, the Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs chose the University of Arkansas and 19 other host institutions that represent the excellence and diversity of U.S. higher education. Working closely with the bureau and its cooperating agency, the International Research & Exchanges Board, host institutions have designed six-week academic programs that will challenge, inspire and empower the Washington Fellows.

The program is currently seeking University of Arkansas Graduate Students and professionals in the Northwest Arkansas community to participate as mentors in this program. The mentor positions are non-paid, volunteer positions, and will require approximately 5-10 hours commitment each week. (Qualified juniors and seniors may be considered.) The dates of the program are June 14 to July 26.
 
Interested applicants should submit a cover letter and resume to the Program Coordinator, Lindsey King, by May 2, and qualified applicants will be scheduled for interviews. 

Inquiries and application materials can be sent to uarkyali@gmail.com.

Additional information about the program the Young African Leaders program and the Washington Fellowship.