The United States (US) Ambassador to Kenya Meg Whitman has revealed that over forty Kenyans have been selected for the Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders 2024.
Whitman confirmed the numbers on March 14, 2024 while congratulating the over 40 Kenyans selected for the 2024 program.
The Mandela Washington Fellowship in a statement on March 13 had announced that the selections were already made, urging applicants to confirm.
“Selection decisions have been made for the 2024 Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders. Congratulations to all finalists! Please check the email you used to apply for the program for more information,” read part of the statement.
The Mandela Washington Fellowship is the flagship program of the United States Government’s Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI).
It was first established in 2014 and will be celebrating its tenth anniversary this year.
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Statistics reveal that the fellowship has brought nearly 6,500 young leaders from every country in Sub-Saharan Africa to the US for academic and leadership training.
Mandela Washington Fellowship Opportunities
It involves young people between the ages of 25 and 35, aimed at transforming them to become accomplished innovators and leaders in their communities and countries.
During the Fellowship, the successful applicants participate in six-week Leadership Institutes, studying Business or Public Management, and Civic Engagement hosted by U.S. Universities or colleges.
“Throughout the Institutes, Fellows enrich local U.S. communities while sharing best practices,” the fellowship states.
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The successful applicants known as Fellows also attend the Mandela Washington Fellowship Summit.
It offers them a chance to forge connections with one another and U.S. leaders from the private, public, and non-profit sectors.
The 2024 Fellowship will see up to 700 young leaders travel to the United States during the summer.
Requirements to successfully get a slot in the program include a proven record of leadership and accomplishment in business, civic engagement, or public service.
Also, applicants must display a commitment to return to Africa to contribute skills and talents to build and serve their communities.