The Washington Fellowship is the new flagship program of President Barack Obama’s Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI).  This program will bring over 500 young leaders to the United States each year, beginning this summer, for leadership training and mentoring, and will create unique opportunities in Africa to put those new skills to practical use in propelling economic growth and prosperity, and strengthening democratic institutions.

Fifteen Liberian youth leaders were selected to participate in this inaugural program out of 850 applicants.

The Washington Fellowship includes:

• A Six-Week Academic and Leadership Institute:  Fellows are placed at U.S. colleges and universities for academic institutes.  Institutes will focus on skills development in one of three areas:  Business and Entrepreneurship, Civic Leadership, or Public Management.

• A Summit with President Obama in Washington, DC:  At the conclusion of the academic and leadership institute, all Fellows will participate in a Presidential Summit.

• An optional 8-week U.S. Internship:  Approximately 100 Fellows will be selected to receive practical training at a U.S. business, civil society organization, or public agency.

• Activities in Africa:  Fellows will have the opportunity for continued networking opportunities, ongoing professional development, access to seed funding, and community service activities upon their return home after the Fellowship.