Professional Fellows Program on Inclusive Civic Engagement 2024

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.

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.

Cost Covered 

• As a Fellow, you will receive funding and support for:
• Round-trip travel between home country and the US
• Fellowship-related travel within the US
• Travel interruption insurance
• Accident and health insurance for the duration of the Fellowship in the US
• Living accommodations in the US
• Living allowance to cover meals, local transportation, and incidental expenses
• Cultural allowance to spend on books and attending cultural events
• Disability-related arrangements, if needed
• An Internet hotspot

Key Program Activities

• Virtual Pre-Departure Orientation and Virtual Sessions
  • Learn about the Fellowship Program and life in the US.
  • Prepare for your departure.
  • Gain insights and tips from past Fellows.
  • Develop your follow-on project proposal.
• Engagement with US Host Organization
  • Meet your host mentor via videoconference.
  • Familiarize yourself with your host site organization and introduce your work.
  • Review and refine your Fellowship schedule collaboratively.
• Program Orientation in Boston
  • Meet program staff and your Fellow cohort.
  • Present and receive feedback on your follow-on project proposal.
  • Learn about disability and civic engagement in the US through guest speakers.
• Fellowship Placement at US Host Organization
  • Spend four weeks learning and working with US colleagues.
  • Develop your follow-on project action plan with mentor support.
  • Engage in community service, volunteering, and social activities.
• Weekly Virtual Seminars during Fellowship Placement
  • Join video conferences with your Fellow cohort, led by program staff.
  • Share experiences and lessons from your placement.
  • Provide updates on your follow-on project action planning progress.
  • Engage in peer mentoring and support.
  • Learn from guest speakers about various aspects of inclusive civic engagement.
• Program Closing Workshop & Awards Ceremony in Washington, D.C.
  • Present your follow-on project action plan.
  • Get feedback from US experts, peers, and program staff.
  • Receive an award for completing the program.
• Professional Fellows Congress in Washington, D.C.
  • Meet and network with 170+ Professional Fellows from various countries.
  • Enhance your project implementation skills through training and discussions.
• Follow-on Project Action Plan Implementation in Home Country
  • Use the knowledge gained to implement your action plan in your home country.
  • Periodically report on your progress with implementation.
• Involvement in Exchange Alumni Activities
  • Participate in alumni activities, including peer mentoring and support.
  • Contribute to Fellowship Program activities, for example, as a guest speaker.

Eligibility Criteria

• 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.
  • They encourage individuals from diverse backgrounds, including individuals with disabilities, to apply.

For more information, visit US Department of State.