Advancing Young Women in Agribusiness
U.S. Department of State Professional Fellows Program 2025 - Advancing Young Women in Agribusiness
Summary:
The U.S. Department of State Professional Fellows Program 2025 – Advancing Young Women in Agribusiness is currently accepting applications. The program, sponsored by the U.S. Department of State Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs and administered by various universities, aims to enhance the capacity and skills of Fellows in agro-entrepreneurship and agri-food system innovation, with a focus on supporting women’s economic empowerment. Rwandan, South African, Zambian, and Zimbabwean Fellows have the opportunity to participate in a fully funded five-week fellowship program in the United States. The program includes a four-week professional internship with Michigan organizations specializing in agriculture, innovation, agro-entrepreneurship, and women’s empowerment. Fellows will also engage in additional seminars and training with professionals from Michigan State University and throughout the state. The program consists of pre-departure virtual sessions, an orientation in Michigan, the internship and seminar phase, and a culminating three-day Congress in Washington, D.C. Eligible applicants include women entrepreneurs, social innovators, business owners or managers, civil society members, policymakers, and academic staff. Applicants must be 25-40 years old, citizens or residents of Rwanda, South Africa, Zambia, or Zimbabwe, fluent in English, and have at least two years of professional experience. The application deadline is February 16, 2024.
Fellowship Type:
U.S. Department of State Professional Fellows Program 2025 – Advancing Young Women in Agribusiness
Application Requirements:
– Open to women entrepreneurs, social innovators, business owners or managers, civil society members, policymakers, and academic staff.
– Age requirement: 25-40 years old.
– Citizenship or residency in Rwanda, South Africa, Zambia, or Zimbabwe.
– Fluent in spoken and written English.
– At least two years of professional experience in the field.
– Demonstrated leadership and collaborative skills, commitment to community development.
– Employer’s support or recommendation from local authorities (depending on employment status).
– Interest in participating in a reciprocal program for American participants.
– Preference given to those in an earlier stage of their careers and those who have not previously traveled to the U.S.
– Fully vaccinated in accordance with CDC guidelines (for finalists).
Fellowship Benefits:
Fully funded five-week fellowship program in the United States, including a four-week professional internship, seminars, and training.
Award:
Opportunity to enhance skills in agro-entrepreneurship and agri-food system innovation, with a focus on supporting women’s economic empowerment.
Program Details:
Pre-departure virtual sessions, orientation in Michigan, internship and seminar phase in Michigan communities, and culminating three-day Congress in Washington, D.C.
Application Deadline: February 16, 2024.
