The application for the Mandela Washington Fellowship 2026 Alumni PDE is now open
Closing Date: 3 September 2025
The application fo the Mandela Washington Fellowship 2026 Alumni PDE is now open
About the Alumni Professional Development Experiences (PDEs)
Alumni PDEs offer Fellowship Alumni who have not previously participated in a PDE the opportunity to refine their professional skills and connect with U.S. professionals in similar industries. The virtual model combines synchronous (live) and asynchronous (self-paced) activities, along with virtual networking and other professional development opportunities.
The 2026 Alumni PDEs will take place from January 20 – February 27, 2026. If selected for an Alumni PDE placement, you must plan your schedule to accommodate synchronous (live) activities agreed upon with your PDE Host. 2026 Alumni PDE Participants (Fellows) are not expected to take a leave of absence from work in order to fully participate, but Fellows should expect to dedicate approximately 10-15 hours per week to their PDE.
The required weekly time commitment allows Fellows to fully engage while managing their personal and professional responsibilities. While fellows will not be paid for their participation in the Alumni PDE, they may apply for a stipend to offset costs for technology and other needs that support their ability to fully participate in the PDE.
While Fellows participate in the Alumni PDEs from their home communities, they are able to engage with their peers across the continent through structured programming elements that allow them to develop strong ties within their Alumni PDE cohort.
Alumni PDE Timeline
- Application Opens | August 13, 2025
- Application Deadline | September 3, 2025
- Notification of PDE Selection | September 29, 2025
- PDE Period | January 20 – February 27, 2026
Eligibility Requirements and Selection Criteria
Applicants must be Mandela Washington Fellowship Alumni in good standing who have not previously participated in a PDE and who will reside in one of the 49 sub-Saharan African countries for the duration of the PDE period.
Eligible applicants will be reviewed using the following selection criteria:
- Potential for Growth: Demonstrated potential for growth and learning through the PDE, regardless of years of prior work experience.
- Clear Goals: Clear focus on specific goals for the PDE and demonstrated vision of how their career will progress through participation in the PDE.
- Transferable Skills: Identification of transferable skills to be gained through the PDE and openness to a variety of learning experiences, rather than a focus on a specific type of host institution.
- English Fluency: Demonstrated high level of English fluency.
- Contribution to Host Organizations: Strong sense of expertise, experience, and networks they can contribute to a U.S. Host Organization.
The online application, written essays, and video interview must be submitted by the deadline, to be considered complete.
All completed applications received by this deadline will be evaluated competitively against the eligibility requirements and selection criteria. Taking these criteria into account, the Fellowship Team will also strive for balance across countries and industries within the selected PDE cohort.
Click Here To Apply
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