Empowering Women in Peace and Security
In honor of the 76th annual United Nations Day, learn how 2018 Alumna Mariama Barry is furthering peace and security through her work in The Gambia Police Force.
Learn MoreEmpowering Alumni Educators through Virtual Continuing Education
Last July, 12 Fellowship Alumni who are STEM educators participated in the TGR Foundation Virtual STEM Studio. Hear about their experience and how they plan to apply their new knowledge to their classrooms.
Learn MoreSeeking Readers for 2022 Fellowship Applications
The U.S. Department of State and IREX seek academic, professional, and regional experts to read and score applications for the 2022 Fellowship.
Learn MoreWhat’s Going On with Fellowship Alumni?
Check out recent stories about the Fellowship Alumni Network’s impact and accomplishments.
Learn MoreSupporting Farmers Through Renewable Energy
2016 Fellowship Alumnus Dysmus Kisilu is helping rural farmers reduce post-harvest loss through mobile solar-powered cold storage units.
Learn MoreABOUT US
The Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders is the flagship program of the U.S. Government’s Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI). YALI was created in 2010 and celebrated its 10th anniversary in 2020. Established in 2014, the Mandela Washington Fellowship has brought nearly 4,400 young leaders from every country in Sub-Saharan Africa to the United States for academic and leadership training. The Fellows, between the ages of 25 and 35, are accomplished innovators and leaders in their communities and countries.
Learn MoreBUREAU OF EDUCATIONAL AND CULTURAL AFFAIRS
The Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders is a program of the U.S. Department of State with funding provided by the U.S. Government and administered by IREX.
Program Impact
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49
?Sub-Saharan African CountriesFellows have come from all 49 countries in Sub-Saharan Africa. -
5,100
?Mandela Washington Fellowship Alumni NetworkSince 2014, nearly 5,100 Fellowship Alumni have completed the program. -
57,500
?Hours of Support Dedicated to U.S. CommunitiesSince 2014, Fellows have dedicated more than 57,500 hours to support U.S. communities during their Leadership Institutes. -
2,300
?Companies and Organizations EngagedSince 2014, the Fellowship has engaged more than 2,300 institutions from the private, nonprofit, governmental, and multilateral sectors across the United States during Institutes, PDEs, Reciprocal Exchanges, and the Summit.
Stories
In honor of United Nations Day, which commemorates the organization’s founding in 1945, we’re proud to feature the work of 2018 Alumna Mariama Barry of The Gambia. During her career,...
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Videos
Meet the 2021 Leadership Impact Award Winner: Ian Tarimo
August 4, 2021
Videos
2021 Mandela Washington Fellowship Summit Videos
August 3, 2021
Learn more about the 2022 Mandela Washington Fellowship!
“I believe that the Mandela Washington Fellowship has made me a stronger and better leader and has challenged me to think outside the box… There can only be more, bigger, and better to come from me, my fellow Fellows, and the continent of Africa as a whole.”
– Mandela Washington Fellowship Alumna
The 2022 Fellowship Application is now closed. Check out the 2022 Fellowship Application timeline and process, eligibility information, and more. We can't wait to meet the next Mandela Washington Fellows!
Learn more-
September 15, 2021
Application Closed
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Nov 2021-Jan 2022
Semifinalists interviewed by local U.S. embassies and consulates
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Late March 2022
Applicants are notified of their status
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April-May 2022
Finalist visa processing and Pre-Departure Orientations
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June 2022
Fellowship begins in the United States
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July 2022
2022 Fellowship Summit takes place
Fellowship Directory
Including Fellows, Reciprocal Exchange Participants, and U.S. Partners
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