Opportunity to participate in 2015 Mandela Washington Fellowship

Your opportunity to participate in a life-changing fellowship is coming soon! I’m happy to announce that the application for the 2015 Mandela Washington Fellowship. the flagship program of President Obama's Young African Leaders Initiative, will be available on Tuesday, October 7th, 2014.


Check out the fellowship details and application instructions on yali.state.gov.

With just over four weeks to prepare, start putting your application together now! The closing date is Wednesday, November 5th, 2014.

Here are 6 tips on getting started:

1. Check the eligibility requirements and make sure you meet the qualifications. 
2. Study the criteria for selection. Think through how to best present your experience and qualifications in those areas. 
3. Review all the requirements for the application, and make a list of what you need and update your personal materials. 
4. Update your resume and have a teacher or a professional associate review it. 
5. Ask for letters of recommendation from your supervisor or university professor. 
6. Read the stories from the 2014 fellows and learn how they prepared for the application. You can see them at yali.state.gov. 

The Mandela Washington Fellowship is just one part of the Young African Leaders Initiative. Aside from applying to the program, make sure you stay engaged with the YALI Network on Facebook and Twitter to learn about other opportunities to develop leadership skills and connect with other young leaders.

Start preparing your application materials and good luck!