The Pulte Institute for Global Development, part of the at the , has been selected as an institute partner for the 2021 Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders. Beginning June 21, the University of Notre Dame will virtually engage 25 of Africa's bright, emerging business leaders for a six-week leadership institute, sponsored by the U.S. Department of State.
The , the flagship program of the (YALI), empowers young African leaders through academic coursework, leadership training, mentoring, networking, professional opportunities聽and local community engagement. YALI was created in 2010 and supports young Africans as they spur economic growth and prosperity, strengthen democratic governance聽and enhance peace and security across the African continent. Since 2014, the U.S. Department of State has supported nearly 4,400 young leaders from across 49 countries in sub-Saharan Africa to develop their leadership skills and foster connections and collaboration with U.S. professionals through the fellowship. The cohort of fellows hosted by the University of Notre Dame will be part of a group of 700 Mandela Washington Fellows hosted by 26 educational institutions across the U.S.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and with the health, safety聽and well-being of fellows and partners as the highest priority, the U.S. Department of State is planning a . While remaining in their home countries, fellows will participate in virtual leadership institutes, which will include leadership training, networking, mentoring聽and professional development.
The University of Notre Dame鈥檚 Leadership in Business Institute will connect with the 2021 cohort in new ways this year to provide an engaging and professionally enriching program. Fellows will work with South Bend entrepreneurs, businesses聽and organizations to connect in small online groups to network, discuss pressing business issues聽and serve the local community, all virtually. The fellows will also learn from leadership in business sessions and connect as a cohort through virtual cultural activities that have been scheduled, including a family night cooking challenge.
After their leadership institutes, fellows will participate in a virtual summit. Up to 70 competitively selected fellows will also participate in six weeks of virtual 聽with U.S. nongovernmental organizations, private companies聽and government agencies.
Funded by the 聽and implemented by , leadership institutes will offer programs that engage, motivate聽and empower young leaders from Africa to tackle the challenges of the 21st century.
For additional information about the Mandela Washington Fellowship leadership institute implemented by the University of Notre Dame, contact Jennifer Krauser or visit the .
The 聽is a program of the 聽with funding provided by the U.S. government and administered by IREX. For more information about the Mandela Washington Fellowship, visit 聽and join the conversation at #YALI2021.
Originally published by at on May 5.