U.S. Department of State 2020 Professional Fellows Program on Inclusive Disability Employment for mid-career professionals (Fully Funded to USA)

Application Deadline:November 12, 2019. 

The Professional Fellows Program on Inclusive Disability Employment is sponsored by the U.S. Department of State Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. It is administered by the Association of University Centers on Disabilities (AUCD) in partnership with the Institute for Community Inclusion at the University of Massachusetts Boston (ICI) and Humanity & Inclusion (HI)

The Professional Fellows Program on Inclusive Disability Employment (PFP-IDE) supports 20 mid-career professionals (Fellows) from Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania, selected through a competitive process, to participate in a five-week intensive fellowship program at a university-based research and education center for disabilities in the U.S. This fellowship is intended for current and potential leaders or advocates in the government, civil society, or the private sector who are committed to serving persons with disabilities.

Eligibility Requirements:

Fellows will be placed with a university- based research and education center for disabilities that will provide them with mentorship and learning experiences during their stay in the U.S. Hosts will help Fellows apply what they learn during their fellowship, and plan related projects upon their return to their home countries.

Fellow Eligibility

In order to apply to this program as a Fellow (eligibility criteria), you must …

1. Be between the ages of 25 and 40;
2. Be a citizen, national or permanent resident, and be living and working in Kenya, Tanzania, or Uganda;
3. Be eligible to receive a U.S. J-1 visa;
4. Be proficient in spoken and written English;

• Speaking proficiency means that you are able to participate effectively in most formal and informal conversations on practical, social, and professional topics. Communication in spoken English as interpreted by a sign language interpreter (which will be provided by the Fellowship program) through use of American, Kenyan or Ugandan Sign Language qualifies you for speaking proficiency.
• Reading proficiency means you are able to read standard newspaper items, routine correspondence, reports, and technical materials in your special field.

1. Have at least two (2) or more years of relevant work experience with or for non-governmental organizations (NGOs), government offices, universities, schools or community-based organizations;
2. Have professional interest and/or experience in inclusive employment and disabilities;
3. Be self-directed and able to work effectively in a cross-cultural setting;
4. Have demonstrated leadership and collaborative skills;
5. Be able to participate in the Professional Fellows Program on Inclusive Disability Employment in the US either in the spring (April 27- May 27, 2019) or in the fall (October 16- November 23, 2019);
6. Be committed to returning to your home country for a period of two (2) years after completion of the program; and
7. Be committed to implementing an individual project that will benefit young people with disabilities and promote greater inclusive employment in your region, country, or community following completion of the program.

Benefits:

Fellows will receive funding for their fellowship-related travel to and within the U.S., accommodations in the U.S., and more including:

• Visa
• Round trip travel between home country and U.S.
• Accident and health insurance for the duration of the fellowship in the U.S.
• Living allowance (or equivalent supports) to cover costs of meals, housing and incidental expenses (these funds, or some portion of them, can go directly to hosts if needed)
• Reasonable disability-related accommodations, if needed

Application Procedure:

Once you have determined that you are eligible, you can complete and submit your application.

The application consists of four sections:

1. Information About You
2. Your Leadership and Statement of Purpose
3. Recommendations
4. Pledge of Authenticity

If you are not able to submit the online version of the application, you can download the application in PDF (here) or Word (here). Please complete this version of the application and email it — along with the two (2) required references — to pfp-idefellowship@aucd.org. 

For More Information:

Visit the Official Webpage of the 2020 Professional Fellows Program on Inclusive Disability Employment