Applications open for the ASPEN-Impact West Africa Fellowship program For Young Change Makers

The ASPEN-Impact West Africa Fellowship program For Young Change Makers, a collaboration between the Aspen Global Innovators Group and the Senegal-based firm Niyel, aims to empower leaders in West Africa by providing them with a fellowship experience that centers their expertise. The inaugural program was launched in Senegal in 2023, creating an exciting opportunity to cultivate a new generation of influential advocates for African development. This program will specifically highlight the key issues faced by French-speaking and English-speaking West African countries, showcasing the diverse perspectives within the region. The fellows selected for this program will be individuals who have demonstrated a strong passion for advocacy and have a proven track record of making a positive impact in the lives of people in West Africa.

The Impact West Africa Fellowship program consists of various components designed to equip changemakers from the region with the necessary skills and support to address the common challenges faced by nearly half a billion people across the 17 countries in West Africa. Each Impact Fellow will embark on a 12-month intensive journey to advance their individual advocacy goals. Throughout the program, fellows will continue their professional commitments while receiving personalized mentorship, attending two immersive convenings, and participating in quarterly online training sessions.

Eligibility Criteria: The ASPEN-Impact West Africa Fellowship program For Young Change Makers,

To be eligible for the Aspen- Impact West Africa Fellowship Program, applicants must meet the following requirements:

1. Citizenship and Residency: Applicants must be citizens of and reside in a West African country.

2. Advocacy Passion and Commitment: Applicants must demonstrate a strong passion and commitment for advocacy that addresses one or more key issues affecting the West African region.

3. Internet Access: Applicants must have access to a reliable internet connection.

4. Program Participation: Applicants must be able to fully participate in the program throughout its entirety.

5. Organizational Support: Applicants must have organizational support, which can be in the form of a letter, to fully engage in the fellowship experience.

Program Details: The ASPEN-Impact West Africa Fellowship program For Yung Change Makers,

The program includes the following key components:

1. In-person Convenings: There will be two week-long in-person convenings, where fellows will engage in all-day sessions and cohort bonding activities. Tentative dates for the convenings are September 2024 and Jan/Feb 2025.

2. Virtual Trainings: Fellows are required to attend three virtual training sessions, which will be conducted quarterly. Tentative dates for the virtual trainings are November, April, and July.

3. Professional Mentorship: Fellows will receive mentorship support from experienced professionals. Mentorship meetings will be scheduled based on the availability of both the fellow and mentors, with the expectation of meeting at least once a month.

Benefits of the The ASPEN-Impact West Africa Fellowship program For Young Change Makers,

All travel-related expenses for the two in-person convenings, including airfare, local transportation, lodging, and food, will be covered by the fellowship.

Timeline

Here is the timeline for the fellowship program:

– May 1, 2024: Application opens
– June 30, 2024: Application closes
– July 2024: Successful applicants will be invited for an interview
– Early August 2024: Applicants will be notified of their application status
– Late August 2024: Successful applicants will be virtually onboarded as fellows
– September 2024: First convening in Dakar (Tentative)
– November 2024: First Virtual Training (Tentative)
– Jan/Feb 2025: Second convening, location TBD (Tentative)
– April 2025: Second Virtual Training (Tentative)
– July 2025: Final Virtual Training (Tentative)

Application for the The ASPEN-Impact West Africa Fellowship program For Young Change Makers,

1. For details visit the Official Webpage of the program.
2. TO APPLY GO TO THE APPLICATION PORTAL
3. Deadline: 14 June 2024