The Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders is the flagship program of the Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI). Since its start in 2014, the program has empowered young people through academic coursework, leadership training, and networking. Appalachian State University has previously hosted cohorts in 2016, 2017, and 2018.
In 2019, the Fellowship provided 700 outstanding young leaders from Sub-Saharan Africa with the opportunity to hone their skills at a U.S. higher education institution with support for professional development after they return home. Appalachian's Institute hosted 25 Fellows and focused on leadership and skills development in Civic Engagement. The Fellows, who were between the ages of 25 and 35, have established records of accomplishment in promoting innovation and positive impact in their organizations, institutions, communities, and countries.
Information and Resources
- Press Releases
- Educational institutions across United States selected to host Mandela Washington Fellows, IREX, 1/30/19
- Appalachian selected to host 2019 Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders, AppalachianToday, 2/8/19
- 4 Appalachian faculty and staff receive Mandela Washington Fellowship Reciprocal Exchange Awards, AppalachianToday, 2/11/19
- App State’s 2019 Mandela Fellows engage in servant leadership for 10th anniversary of Mandela Day, AppalachianToday, 8/14/19
- App State’s 2019 Mandela Fellows volunteer at local charities for Mandela Day, Watauga Democrat. 8/23/19
- Frequently Asked Questions for Fellows
- Local Boone Area Resources for Fellows
- Meet our Staff
- Meet our Fellows
The Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders is a program of the U.S. Department of State, administered by IREX. Appalachian State University is a sub-grantee of IREX and is supporting the U.S.-based academic program of the Fellowship.
