Program Information
Are you a leader in disability inclusive civic engagement, eager to broaden your knowledge and global experience? Apply for the Professional Fellows Program on Inclusive Civic Engagement to learn from and collaborate with leaders from Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Ethiopia, and the US.
Learn more about the program, its components, eligibility criteria, key activities, and available funding on this page.
What is the Professional Fellows Program on Inclusive Civic Engagement?
The Professional Fellows Program on Inclusive Civic Engagement is a professional program funded by the US Department of State for emerging leaders in Africa. It focuses on exchanging and implementing best practices for inclusive civic engagement. Every year, the program typically supports approximately 12 mid-career disability rights professionals (Fellows) from Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, and Ethiopia to participate in a five-week Fellowship Program in the US.
What does this Fellowship Program involve?
As a Fellow, you will learn effective approaches to enhance your efforts to build and strengthen fully inclusive civic societies for people with disabilities in your country. The core of the program is an individual Fellowship placement with a US host organization.
Prior to the placement, you will select a key policy or practice issue related to disability and civic engagement in your country. This issue becomes the focus for your individual Fellowship placement and informs the Follow-on Project that you will develop and implement within six months of returning home. Please note that your project should be implemented without the need for additional resources or financial support beyond what is available in your current work or volunteer position. The Fellowship will also include weekly seminars, mentorship, and community service.
Am I eligible for this Fellowship Program?
This is a merit-based competition open to candidates from Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, and Ethiopia. To apply, you must meet the following eligibility criteria:
- Age: Between 25 and 40 as of the first day of the Fellowship Program.
- Citizenship: Citizen and resident of Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, or Ethiopia.
- Visa Eligibility: You should be eligible to receive a US J-1 visa. (Visit the US Department of State website for information about J-1 visas.)
- Language: Proficiency in spoken and written English*
- Work Experience: Minimum of two years of professional work experience.
- Travel: Ability to travel to the US for the five-week program duration