Professional Fellows Program on Inclusive Civic Engagement (Fully Funded): Deadline 31 May, 2024

Fellowship Opportunity in Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, and Ethiopia

The Professional Fellows Program (PFP) on Inclusive Civic Engagement is now accepting applications for its Spring 2025 cohort. This prestigious program will support approximately 12 disability rights professionals from Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, and Ethiopia to participate in a five-week fellowship in the United States, from May to June 2025.

Program Sponsorship and Implementation

The PFP is sponsored by the US Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs and is implemented by the University of Massachusetts Boston’s Institute for Community Inclusion (ICI) in collaboration with the African Disability Forum (ADF).

Fellowship Details

Participants in this program will engage in an intensive five-week fellowship focused on inclusive civic engagement. This fellowship will provide a unique opportunity for professionals to gain practical experience, enhance their leadership skills, and develop strategies for promoting disability rights in their home countries.

Fellowship Benefits

Participants will receive:

• Round-Trip Travel: Fully funded travel between their home country and the US.
• Domestic Travel: Fellowship-related travel within the US.
• Travel Interruption Insurance: Coverage for any disruptions during travel.
• Health and Accident Insurance: Coverage for the duration of the fellowship in the US.
• Living Accommodations: Housing arrangements in the US.
• Living Allowance: A stipend to cover meals, local transportation, and incidental expenses.
• Cultural Allowance: Funds to spend on books and cultural events.
• Disability-Related Arrangements: Support for specific needs related to disabilities.
• Internet Hotspot: Provision of an internet hotspot for connectivity.

Eligibility and Application Instructions

Who Should Apply

We encourage individuals from diverse backgrounds, including those with disabilities, to apply. Ideal candidates are those who have demonstrated a commitment to disability rights and civic engagement. This program will support approximately 12 disability rights professionals from Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, and Ethiopia.

Apply HERE

Application Components

The application form consists of five sections:

1. Program Eligibility
2. Your Profile
3. Your Leadership Experience and Project Proposal (All essay questions must be answered)
4. Letters of Recommendation

Applicants must submit two letters of recommendation:

• Employer or Professional Colleague: A letter supporting your application (maximum two pages).
• External Individual: A letter attesting to your experience and expertise related to disability inclusion (maximum two pages).

Important Notes:

• Recommendation letters must be written specifically for this fellowship and dated in 2024.
• Letters written for other applications or educational transcripts are not acceptable.
• If a recommendation letter is in a language other than English, an English translation must be included.

Application Deadline

All applications must be received by 11:59 PM EAT on Friday, May 31, 2024.

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE AND APPLY

Contact Information

For questions or assistance with the application, please contact PFPInclusion@umb.edu.

Conclusion

The PFP on Inclusive Civic Engagement offers a valuable opportunity for disability rights professionals to enhance their skills, network with international peers, and bring innovative strategies back to their communities. We look forward to receiving your application and wish you the best in your preparation and submission.