Opportunity Desk

Month: September 2019

  • Standard Chartered Women in Technology Incubator Kenya Program 2019 (Cohort 3)

    Standard Chartered Women in Technology Incubator Kenya Program 2019 (Cohort 3)

    Deadline: November 5, 2019

    Applications are open for the Standard Chartered Women in Technology Incubator Kenya Program 2019. The Standard Chartered Women in Technology Incubator Kenya is Africa’s leading women in tech incubator, aligning with calls for more diversity in technology and for more opportunities for women to develop entrepreneurial and leadership excellence.

    The program is an initiative of Standard Chartered in partnership with Strathmore University’s @iBizAfrica. The program combines world class startup support with local and international experience to provide Africa’s most competitive and attractive startup incubation program focusing on immersive learning, mentorship, building and growing Africa’s next iconic startups taking on the continent’s most relevant challenges and opportunities.

    Benefits

    All participants will receive

    • Three months incubation at Strathmore University’s leading business and innovation incubator
    • Mentorship from world class mentors
    • Coaching by top business, technology and legal professionals
    • Immersive, world-class entrepreneurship curriculum
    • Networking and exposure to expand your business networks

    Winners will receive

    • $10,000 USD or 1,000,000 KES equity-free grant seed funding for the top 5 winners
    • 9 months ongoing support from Standard Chartered and @iBizAfrica to assist with go-to market and scale.

    Eligibility

    They are seeking to recruit the best entrepreneurial minds, women-lead startup teams leveraging on technology as a key driver of innovation in business. The applicant must:
    • Be a woman
    • Be the CEO with equal or majority ownership in the company
    • 18 and above
    • Of Kenyan nationality or permanent residency

    Thematic Areas

    Applicants may submit applications across but not limited to the following thematic areas:
    • Agribusiness
    • Education
    • ICT
    • E-Commerce
    • E-Health
    • Fintech

    Application

    Click here to apply

    For more information, visit Women in Technology Incubator Kenya Program.

  • Accountability Lab Incubator Program 2020 for Young changemakers

    Accountability Lab Incubator Program 2020 for Young changemakers

    Deadline: October 20, 2019

    Are you a young change maker building sustainable, effective tools for accountability participation and open government? Apply to join the Accountability Lab’s innovative Accountability Incubator in 2020!

    The Accountability Incubator is Accountability Lab’s flagship program for young change makers to build sustainable, effective tools for accountability, participation and open government. The Accountability Incubator provides a non-prescriptive, yet supportive environment for creative, enterprising individuals who bring innovative ideas to inspire accountability in their communities.

    About Accountability Lab

    The Accountability Lab supports change-makers to develop and implement positive ideas for integrity in their communities, unleashing positive social and economic change. Their vision is a world in which people with power are accountable. It is a world in which resources are used wisely, decisions benefit everyone fairly, and people lead secure lives. They are catalyzing a new generation of active citizens and responsible leaders around the world by supporting change-makers to develop and implement positive ideas for integrity in their communities. By enabling people to generate the knowledge, skills and networks needed for accountability, they unleash positive social and economic change.

    Benefits

    • Selected “accountapreneurs” receive one year of hands-on, comprehensive support including: training and knowledge-building, mentoring and management, network building, and media outreach support.

    Eligibility

    • Open to young change makers building sustainable, effective tools for accountability participation and open government;
    • Women, people with disabilities and other minority groups are encouraged to apply in particular.

    Application

    Click here to apply

    For more information, visit Accountability Lab.

  • GROW WITH US Fellowship Program 2020 for Young African Women & Enbies Entrepreneurs

    GROW WITH US Fellowship Program 2020 for Young African Women & Enbies Entrepreneurs

    Deadline: September 30, 2019

    Choose Yourself, an International non profit organization building world where gender equity reigns is accepting applications for the 2020 Grow With Us Fellowship Program. The “Grow with Us” program is a yearly fellowship which focuses on equipping and mentoring young African women entrepreneurs thriving on the African continent.

    Choose Yourself contributes to the economic and social power of the youth specifically young women. In their journey to making sure African women are accessing economic and social power, they realized the first step is to equip young African women entrepreneurs and social leaders.

    Every year, they choose 15 rising young African women entrepreneurs and they get monthly lessons with mentors who are entrepreneurs they can relate to. They identify the most rising, problem solving, community driven and social leaders who are passionate with accessing economic power to do right by their communities. The fellowship happens remotely throughout the year with different mentors from different sectors.

    At the end of the fellowship, they gather the fellows with a fully funded bootcamp where the fellows and mentees wrap up for a 3 day long session before they go back to focus on their endeavors. This is the second Fellowship Program that will run from Jan  2020 to October 2020.

    Eligibility

    They are looking for you if:

    • You are a woman
    • You live and reside in any African Country
    • You are 21-25
    • You have an idea or a running start-up or Enterprise or a social leader
    • You speak and understand English
    • You are consistent, flexible and willing to invest at-least 6 hrs a month to this program

    Application

    Note that the deadline is 11:59 pm EST on September 30th.

    Click here to apply.

    For more information, visit Choose Yourself.

  • International Berkeley Undergraduate Prize for Design Excellence 2020 Essay Contest $ Travel Fellowship ($25,000USD Prize)

    International Berkeley Undergraduate Prize for Design Excellence 2020 Essay Contest $ Travel Fellowship ($25,000USD Prize)

    Deadline: November 1, 2019

    The International Berkeley Undergraduate Prize for Design Excellence 2020 Essay Contest is open. This is an essay contest in three stages open to all current full-time registered students in an undergraduate Architecture Degree program, undergraduates majoring in Architecture or Diploma students in accredited schools of Architecture worldwide.

    The Berkeley Undergraduate Prize for Design Excellence endowment was established in the Department of Architecture at the University of California, Berkeley College of Environmental Design to promote the investigation of architecture as a social art. Each year the PRIZE Committee selects a topic important to the understanding of the interaction of people and the built world that becomes the focus of the Essay Competition.

    How It Works

    Typically, students enrolled in any accredited undergraduate architecture program or diploma in architecture program throughout the world are invited to submit a 500-word essay proposal in English responding to the Question.  This year, architecture students must team up with undergraduates from allied arts and social sciences programs and submit proposals in teams of two.

    From the pool of essay proposals received, approximately 25-28 are selected by the PRIZE Committee as particularly promising. The selected student teams become Semifinalists. These Semifinalists are invited to submit a 2,500-word essay, again in English, expanding on their proposals. A group of readers, composed of Committee members and invited colleagues, selects five-to-eight of the best essays and sends these Finalist essays to a jury of international academics and architects to select the winners.

    At the conclusion of the Essay Competition submittals, all Semifinalists are also invited to submit for a BERKELEY PRIZE Travel Fellowship. Details for the Fellowship will be announced in the Spring 2020.

    Prize

    There is a total prize of 35,000USD, minimum 9,000USD first prize.  The remaining purse is to be allocated at the discretion of the Jury.

    Eligibility

    1. All proposals must be submitted by a two-member team.
    2. Essays must be submitted in English.
    3. Both finalists will be required to provide proof of current registration in the form of copies of actual school transcripts. You are still eligible to compete if both of you were an undergraduate student on September 15, 2019, but one or both of you graduate before the awards are scheduled to be given.

    One member of the team must be a current full-time registered student in an undergraduate architecture degree program or an undergraduate majoring in architecture in an accredited school of architecture worldwide. Diploma in Architecture students who have not yet completed their Diploma are also eligible. The other member of the team must be a current full-time registered student in a non-architecture undergraduate degree program and majoring in that program in an accredited school worldwide.  This could include urban studies, the social sciences, engineering, etc. Both students names must appear on their proposal and essay and if awarded a prize, the prize is to be equally shared.

    Photograph Requirement

    • You are asked to include digital photographs of your two selected buildings with your essay.
    • The photographs should be at a minimum 500 pixels wide, and in .jpg format.
    • No more than two photographs will be accepted. The photographs must have been taken by one member of the team.
    • Photographs sourced on the internet will disqualify your entire submittal.

    You are encouraged to include people in your photographs to indicate the building in use. The Readers are instructed NOT to add or detract points from their evaluation because of the quality of the photograph itself. To the contrary, one of the primary purposes of the essay format is to test your skill in describing a place or building in words, rather then pictures or drawings.  Use the photographs to continually review how good a job you have done in describing your selected building(s) in words. The Readers will do the same.

    Judging Criteria

    Judging for the essay competition is on a numeric system. The members of the BERKELEY PRIZE Committee are asked to evaluate each essay in terms of the following criteria:

    1. Does the Proposal address the Question?
    2. How creative, or creatively developed, is the Proposal?
    3. Would the Proposal be clear to a broad audience?
    4. How does the Proposal rank in terms of writing style?
    5. How socially significant is the Proposal?
    6. What is the potential for developing this Proposal into a strong essay?

    Each criterion is given a score of 1 to 5 (5 being the highest). The top approximately 25 scoring Proposals become Semifinalists.

    Application

    1. Meet the Requirements listed above.
    2. Write a 500-word proposal for an essay on this year’s Essay Question, as posted.
    3. Provide one photograph each of your chosen projects.
    4. Submit the essay and photographs online.

    Click here to apply.

    For more information, visit Berkeley Undergraduate Prize.

  • Alexander von Humboldt Foundation International Climate Protection Fellowship 2020 for Young Climate Experts from Developing Countries (Funding available)

    Alexander von Humboldt Foundation International Climate Protection Fellowship 2020 for Young Climate Experts from Developing Countries (Funding available)

    Deadline: March 1, 2020

    Applications are open for the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation International Climate Protection Fellowship 2020. With the International Climate Protection Fellowships, the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation enables prospective leaders in academia and industry to implement a research based proposal in the field of climate protection or climate-related resource conservation during a one-year stay in Germany.

    Up to 20 International Climate Protection Fellowships are granted annually, funded under the German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety’s (BMU) International Climate Initiative. The fellowships target prospective leaders from non-European transition and developing countries. Candidates draw up their own research-based proposal which they then implement in collaboration with a host in Germany.

    The Alexander von Humboldt Foundation runs the programme in cooperation with the Federation of German Industry (BDI), the Centre for International Postgraduate Studies in Environmental Management (CIPSEM) at TU Dresden, the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), the Deutsche Bundesstiftung Umwelt (DBU), the Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) and the Renewables Academy AG (RENAC).

    Benefits

    • A monthly fellowship of between €2,170 and €2,670, depending on your qualifications
    • Individual mentoring during your stay in Germany
    • Additional financial support for items such as family members accompanying you, travel expenses or a German language course
    • A three-week introductory phase, during which you will have the opportunity to make contact with other climate protection fellows and visit companies, research institutions and cultural events in Germany
    • Extensive alumni sponsorship, particularly to help you sustain contact with collaborative partners in Germany during your entire professional career

    Eligibility

    • Applicants are a future leader from a non-European transition or developing country (see list of countries)
    • Are active in any of the following areas: scientific, engineering-based, legal, economic, health-related or social aspects of climate change
    • Are interested in spending a year working with a host of your choice in Germany on a research-based project you have developed yourself in the field of climate protection and climate-related resource conservation.

    Selection Criteria

    • Academic and professional career to date (mobility, determination, expertise, academic success)
    • Leadership skills (initial experience in leadership positions and/or appropriate references)
    • Quality, originality and relevance of the research-based proposal (convincing selection of methods, clear focus and feasibility, relevance to climate protection or climate-related resource conservation, viability of both the host institution chosen and the concomitant communication strategy)
    • Future potential (further development in academia and industry, career prospects)

    Application

    Click here to apply

    For more information, visit Alexander von Humboldt.

  • AAS Nominations for African Scientists to attend the 7th Lindau Meeting on Economic Sciences 2019

    AAS Nominations for African Scientists to attend the 7th Lindau Meeting on Economic Sciences 2019

    Deadline: September 24, 2019

    Nominations are ongoing for the 7th Lindau Meeting on Economic Sciences 2019. Young African scientists in the field of Economics (graduate students and postdoctoral or early tenure-track scientists) are invited to submit their interest in being nominated for the 7th Meeting of Nobel Laureates on Economic Sciences. AAS seeks to nominate candidates from all the five regions of the continent.

    The African Academy of Sciences (AAS) in partnership with the Council for the Lindau Nobel Laureate Meetings and the Foundation Lindau Nobel Laureate Meetings will support the participation of early career African scientists in the three Natural Science fields and Economics at the Lindau Nobel Laureate Meetings. Young participants to the Lindau Nobel Laureate Meetings are recruited from among (1) undergraduate students, (2) masters and doctoral students and (3) young postdoctoral scientists in the three natural and economic sciences.

    The AAS will identify excellent candidates through a competitive nomination and review process. Up to 20 candidates will be selected for each Lindau meeting. These young scientists represent the next generation of leading scientists and researchers. As alumni of the Lindau Meetings, former participants stay connected with each other and become ambassadors of the scientific dialogue fostered by the Lindau Meetings – they form a network of excellence.

    About the Lindau Meeting

    The Lindau Nobel Laureate Meetings are scientific conferences that take place every year in Lindau, Germany. Nobel Laureates convene to meet with outstanding young scientists from all over the world. The aim is to foster interactions between scientists of different generations, cultures and disciplines. The meetings are based on the principle of dialogue and the different sessions are designed to activate the exchange of knowledge, ideas and experience among the Nobel Laureates and young scientists.

    The meetings rotate around the three Nobel Prize disciplines of Chemistry, Physics and Physiology and Medicine. An interdisciplinary meeting revolving around all three natural sciences is held every five years. In addition, the Lindau Meeting on Economic Sciences is held every three years.

    Cost

    • The AAS will cover the cost of an economy return air ticket to Lindau and part of their registration fee while the balance of the registration fee, accommodation and meals will be covered by the Lindau Foundation. There will be further guidelines for those who are selected.

    Eligibility

    Candidates should:

    • Not be older than 35 years of age at the date of the meeting with exceptions for special cases (e.g. maternity leave)
    • Must be nationals of an African country
    • Have a promising research agenda. Postdocs or early tenure-track scientists should have produced outstanding research papers on relevant subjects.
    • A candidate should show a pronounced interest in the international dialogue within the academic community
    • Receive strong support of their application from either their supervisor / academic advisor / head of institution / an AAS Fellow / internationally renowned scientist, who knows the applicant well, through a detailed letter of recommendation. The recommendation greatly influences the evaluation
    • Be fluent in English and prepared to actively participate in discussions with laureates and young scientists
    • Belong to the top five percent of their class
    • Not already have a permanent position (for this, the professional/employment status must be clearly indicated)
    • Not have participated in previous Lindau Nobel Laureate Meetings
    • Commit themselves to being present in Lindau for the full duration of the meeting

    Note that:

    • Advanced Graduate students should
      • have excellent academic records
      • have written one or several discussion papers on original research
      • have at least some experience in presenting their research at workshops and conferences
    • Postdoctoral or early tenure-track scientists should
      • be less than five years away from their PhD
      • have published outstanding papers in widely recognised academic journals
      • have presented their research at international conferences

    Application

    Click here to apply

    For more information, visit 7th Lindau Meeting on Economic Sciences.

  • Sock It to Me Design-a-Sock Contest 2019 (Prizes up to $2,000)

    Sock It to Me Design-a-Sock Contest 2019 (Prizes up to $2,000)

    Deadline: September 30, 2019

    Got an idea for the best sock ever? Design-a-Sock Contest is your chance to show it. Submit your original design: you could win $2,000 and they will turn it into an actual Sock It to Me sock.

    Design-a-Sock is your chance to tell Sock It to Me what you want on their socks, and maybe win the opportunity to see it produced. It also happens to be one of their favorite times of year! They get to see thousands of amazing designs and interact with all of you in a way they wouldn’t otherwise.

    Prizes

    • 1st Place: Cash prize of $2,000, and 15 pairs of awesome Sock It to Me socks from our current line, and your design will be manufactured on real socks.
    • 2nd Place: Cash prize of $1,000 and 10 pairs of socks, and your design may be manufactured on real socks, at our discretion.
    • 3rd Place: Cash prize of $500 and 5 pairs of socks, and your design may be manufactured on real socks, at our discretion.

    If they produce a winning design, there is no additional compensation to winners.

    Eligibility

    • This contest is international and open to all ages
    • Residents of the following countries are not eligible to enter or win: Bosnia & Herzegovina, Burundi, Central African Republic, Croatia, Cuba, Democratic Republic of Congo, Iran, Iraq, Kosovo, Lebanon, Libya, Mali, Montenegro, Nicaragua, North Macedonia, Serbia, Slovenia, Somalia, Sudan/Darfur, South Sudan, Syria, Ukraine/Russia, Venezuela, Yemen, and Zimbabwe, and the contest is void where prohibited by law
    • A person can submit 5 designs
    • If you are under 13, a parent, teacher, or legal guardian must submit your entry

    Judging Criteria

    All judging will be based on the following guidelines:

    • Simplicity of design
    • Use of a maximum of six colors
    • Use of colors that are flat and solids, NO shading, blending or half tones
    • Use of pattern
    • Use of imagery, themes, patterns, or designs that are different from our current line
    • Originality

    Application

    You can both download your entry form and submit your finished design here or, you can mail or hand deliver entries to: 9592 SE Main St., Milwaukie, OR 97222.

    For more information, visit Design-a-Sock Competition.

  • African Pathfinder Leaders Initiative (APLI) Fellowship Programme 2020 for Namibians

    African Pathfinder Leaders Initiative (APLI) Fellowship Programme 2020 for Namibians

    Deadline: September 30, 2019

    Applications for the African Pathfinder Leaders Initiative (APLI) Fellowship Programme 2020 are now open. The African Pathfinder Leaders Initiative (APLI) seeks to develop changemakers, entrepreneurs and young leaders across Namibia. They endeavor to provide leadership training opportunities which equip youth with the requisite personal and professional skills and know-how to form and capitalize on existing networks.

    APLI endeavors to enable young people to actively contribute to socio-economic development in their communities. The APLI Fellowship programme provides comprehensive training by integrating 3 main dimensions: leadership development, community development and entrepreneurship. The Fellowship Programme will consist of four day residential programs, three times a year (January, June and December) in different towns around Namibia. Applicants are required to attend all three programs.

    Cost

    • Participants are to cover their own travel to the residential programme town. APLI will cover accommodation, meals and programme materials for all successful candidates. The first residential programme will take place in Windhoek in January 2020.

    Eligibility

    Eligible applicants are:

    • Between the ages of 18-25, applicants over 25 will considered on case-by-case basis;
    • Living in Namibia;
    • Genuinely committed to personal growth;
    • Proactive in their problem-solving approaches;
    • A demonstrated commitment to community development;
    • Intellectually mature (self-aware and intentional about their goals);
    • Full of potential, have a willingness to learn and be challenged.

    Application

    Click here to apply

    For more information, visit APLI Fellowship.

  • Robert Bosch Foundation Fellowship Program 2019 for U.S. citizens (Fully-funded)

    Robert Bosch Foundation Fellowship Program 2019 for U.S. citizens (Fully-funded)

    Deadline: November 1, 2019

    Applications are open for the Robert Bosch Foundation Fellowship Program 2019. The Robert Bosch Foundation Fellowship Program is a distinguished transatlantic initiative that offers a select cohort of accomplished Americans the opportunity to complete a comprehensive intercultural professional program in Germany that is comprised of three main components:

    • Individual professional assignments
    • Professional seminars
    • German language training

    Bosch Fellows act as consultants in their field of expertise at leading public or private institutions in Germany. In addition, they participate in professional seminars, where they travel to meet and exchange ideas with experts and decision makers from Germany and Europe.

    Prior to their work placements and seminars, Bosch Fellows receive private tutoring prior to their departure for Germany and participate in 8 weeks of intensive language courses in Berlin. Fellows are from the fields of public policy and administration, foreign and security policy, urban and regional planning, business, journalism and communications, law, or cultural and arts management (ex. museum, theater, orchestra).

    The program is fully funded by the Robert Bosch Stiftung, one of the largest foundations in Germany, with the goal of fostering a community of American leaders who have first-hand experience in the political, economic and cultural environment of Germany and the European Union.

    Cultural Vistas acts as the U.S. representative of the Robert Bosch Foundation Fellowship Program and has administered the program since its inception in 1984.

    Benefits

    • One or two practical phases (stages) at leading institutions in Germany
    • Seminar series covering issues of German, European and transatlantic concern
    • Private German language instruction before departure; intensive language training in Berlin
    • Monthly stipend within the range of EUR 3,200 to 3,700 starting in October; monthly summer stipend of EUR 1.500 + free accommodations during July, August and September; exact amount of stipend dependent upon number of accompanying dependent family members
    • Accommodation and travel for the orientation program
    • Stipend for travel to and from Germany
    • Lifelong membership in the Robert Bosch Foundation Alumni Association

    Eligibility

    Applicants are expected to have a genuine interest in German and European affairs, have clear goals for the professional assignment(s) of the program, and demonstrate a commitment to the transatlantic relationship that extends beyond their own professional interests

    In particular, the following qualifications are required of all applicants:

    • U.S. citizenship
    • Age 40 or younger at time of application
    • Minimum five years of full-time work experience in target field (excluding internships)
    • Professional experience and Fellowship target field should be in the areas of: public policy and administration, foreign and security policy, urban and regional planning, business, journalism and communications, law, or cultural and arts management
    • Evidence of outstanding professional performance and academic achievement
    • Graduate degree preferred
    • Active participation in community and/or public affairs
    • Willingness and commitment to learn German; high proficiency would be an asset

    Application

    Please review these instructions before completing and submitting your application:

    • The Robert Bosch Foundation Fellowship Program application must be submitted online no later than 11:59 p.m. EST on November 1, and any supporting documents not submitted online or via email must arrive in hard copy by the same date.
    • You may log into, edit and log out of your application at any time until you have clicked on the “Submit” button. Once an application has been submitted, it is considered final. Please make sure to click “Save” in each section you edit before exiting your application to ensure that all data is saved.
    • Prior to submitting your application, please be sure to review the information you provided very carefully by clicking on the “Review and Submit” tab. On the last page of this section you will be able to view a print version of your application, which you can save and keep for your records.
    • Once you have submitted your application, you will not be permitted to view or make any changes to the information you provided.
    • They recommend saving your résumé and answers to the short essay questions as PDF files in order to avoid formatting issues.

    Click here to apply.

    For more information, visit Cultural Vistas.

  • How to Get Prepared for Your IELTS Test

    How to Get Prepared for Your IELTS Test

    The time is nearly here, so are you ready for your IELTS test? Preparation for the test actually differs from learner to learner. A lot depends on what your level of English already is, also keeping in mind that everyone learns differently. There are different ways to prepare, but it’s important to take note that no matter what you do, the one thing you shouldn’t do is study 24/7.

    The IELTS is a very structured test, so your preparation needs to be structured too. Thousands of students take it every year and pass, and there’s no reason why you can’t do the same. So, the first step you should take is to check the IELTS score required by your chosen university, institution, employer or organization. 

    Regardless of your level of English, there are some preparations that every student can and should do. If you follow this advice, you will enter the exam in your best form and ready for the challenge.

    Take practice tests

    If you are starting from the beginning to prepare yourself, taking online practice tests will give you a very good idea of what your English standard is, as well as familiarize you with the testing format. When you know your standard, it will help you to focus on your weaknesses as well as your strengths, so that you are better able to devote the right time and effort for each skill.

    Practice in a timed atmosphere

    The IELTS is a timed test, and each skill you’re being tested on has a certain time limit to answer. The entire time for the whole test is 2 hours and 45 minutes, covering reading, writing, listening and speaking skills. The reading, for example, is 60 minutes and consists of 40 questions. So, when preparing for reading tasks, make sure you are timing yourself to finish within the 60 minutes you would be provided in the test.

    Immerse yourself in English

    There are so many tips and advice on learning English, or any language for that matter, and most pieces of advice will stress on practicing English as much as possible, besides the actual studying of it. Listen to podcasts, watch videos, read, and speak in English in topics that you like, to keep it interesting. Another idea is to travel. Thousands of students actually plan a trip to the UK and take Manchester English courses while they are there. This gives them the opportunity to plan for the test with professional instructors, as well as use English all the time while they’re living there. To learn English as quickly and as fluently as possible, there’s nothing better than living and dealing with native English speakers.  

    It’s all about the practice. Putting yourself in situations where you have to use your English is the best practice you can ever get. Little by little your vocabulary will increase and you will become much more fluent. Like any other test, you have to prepare yourself to get the score you need. This will open opportunities for you to further your education or start working a dream job that you worked and studied hard for.

    For more articles, visit OD Blog.

  • Obama Foundation Scholars Program 2020-2021 at Columbia University (Fully-funded)

    Obama Foundation Scholars Program 2020-2021 at Columbia University (Fully-funded)

    Deadline: December 13, 2019

    Applications are open for the Obama Foundation Scholars Program 2020-2021 at Columbia University. The Program brings together rising leaders from around the world who have demonstrated a commitment to finding solutions to challenges in their communities, countries and regions.

    Over the course of an academic year, the Obama Foundation Scholars will have the opportunity to deepen their knowledge and skills and to build new capacities and networks that will accelerate their impact in their home countries.

    Program Details

    Scholars participate in an immersive program that brings together academic, skills-based and experiential learning, designed by Columbia University in consultation with the Obama Foundation. A cornerstone of the program includes a required course, which will run for the length of the academic year. Scholars will also have an opportunity to select and enroll in additional courses offered by Columbia University that are relevant to their specific field or values-based leadership, or that fill in gaps in their previous studies.

    Scholars will also participate in workshops to develop practical skills to enhance the impact of their work. Previous workshop topics include conflict management and resolution, public speaking, data analysis and interpretation, and resilience. The program also takes advantage of the unique opportunities that come with being at one of the world’s most important centers of research and with being in the City of New York. Throughout the year, Scholars will have opportunities to engage with thought leaders and practitioners from public, private, and nonprofit sectors.

    In addition, Scholars participate in one-of-a-kind experiences led by the Obama Foundation, including robust networking, mentorship, service activities and values-based leadership development, offering them a chance to learn from some of the world’s most innovative leaders and to build connections with the Obama Foundation and with Obama Foundation Scholars at the University of Chicago.

    Benefits

    • Monthly stipend to assist with living expenses in New York City
    • A furnished studio apartment within walking distance of Columbia University
    • All tuition and fees for up to four courses at Columbia University
    • Basic medical, dental and life insurance for the duration of the program
    • Air travel to and from home country and any program-related activities
    • Leadership development programming led by the Obama Foundation that will help scholars gain the real-world skills, tools and experiences to expand the impact of their work when they return home

    Eligibility

    The Obama Foundation Scholars Program at Columbia University seeks rising leaders from around the world who meet the following criteria:

    • Have a proven commitment to service and leadership within a community, region or country outside the United States, coupled with a demonstrated commitment to return to these communities following their completion of the program and apply their enhanced training, skills and connections on a long-term basis for the benefit of these communities
    • Are emerging leaders who have made meaningful contributions to their field and are now at a “tipping point” in their careers
    • Are fluent in English (verbal, written and spoken)
    • Have the ability and inclination to positively shape the future of their community
    • Have a demonstrated commitment to humility, integrity, inclusivity, stewardship, fearlessness, imagination and teamwork

    Application

    A complete application, submitted entirely online, includes the following materials:

    • Online application form
    • Resume/curriculum vitae
    • Personal video statement
    • Responses to short essay questions
    • Proof of English proficiency
    • Three letters of recommendation

    For more information, visit Obama Foundation Scholars Program.

  • Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program 2020-2021 at McGill University

    Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program 2020-2021 at McGill University

    Deadline: January 31, 2020

    Applications are invited for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program 2020-2021 at McGill University. The McGill University and the Mastercard Foundation are pleased to offer full scholarships to economically challenged, academically gifted Master’s students from Sub-Saharan Africa through the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program.

    This scholarship program is designed to sponsor outstanding, community engaged students to attend university who otherwise would not have the opportunity, thereby, fostering the development of future Sub-Saharan African leaders and entrepreneurs. In addition to financial support, Scholars are provided with a comprehensive support network that includes an array of mentoring and support services to ensure each student’s academic success, community service engagement and transition to socially relevant employment opportunities. This application is for MASTER’s (non-thesis) applicants only.

    Eligibility

    To be eligible for consideration for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Master’s Program at McGill, you must:

    • Be admissible to one of the eligible programs at McGill University (see Program List);
    • Have never registered for/completed any graduate studies;
    • Be nominated by a current McGill Professor or Staff Member from the department you wish to apply to;
    • Be a citizen of and have lived a significant part of your life in a Sub-Saharan African Country (see List of Eligible Countries);
    • Have an exceptional record of service and activity in your school and/or community;
    • Have an intent to return to your country immediately upon the completion of your degree with the goal of transforming your community through social and economic development;
    • Demonstrate that your financial status is in the lowest two quintiles of your country;
    • Must be less than 35 years old at the time of application

    Application

    Before applying, carefully read the step-by-step process for the 2020-2021 Academic Year.

    Download the nomination form

    For more information, visit Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program.

  • First City Monument Bank #FCMBFlexxtern Internship 2019 for Young Nigerians (Paid position)

    First City Monument Bank #FCMBFlexxtern Internship 2019 for Young Nigerians (Paid position)

    Deadline: Unspecified

    Are you a fresh graduate between the ages of 18-25? Young, smart and still job hunting? Looking for an internship opportunity to kick-start a great career? You’re in luck! Here’s an opportunity to get hands-on work experience and mentorship through the #FCMBFlexxtern 3-month paid internship – yes, PAID!

    #FCMBFlexxtern is an initiative by leading financial institution, First City Monument Bank, in partnership with other prestigious organizations in Nigeria. The goal is to empower young individuals by providing internship opportunities and access to a mentor network through their partner organizations.

    Benefits

    • 3-month paid internship for 30 winners
    • FREE 1-day career training session for 30 contestants, with Certificates of Participation

    Eligibility

    • Applicant must be at least 18 years old at the time of entry
    • Applicants must either be a fresh graduate not younger than 18 years or older than 25 years of age at the time of application
    • Contestants must be fresh graduates having graduated not later than July 2017 and who studied any of the following courses:
      • Business Administration
      • Mass Communication
      • Marketing
      • Economics
      • Accounting
      • Information Technology
      • Computer Science
      • Fashion
      • Sociology
      • Banking & Finance
      • English
      • Literary Studies
      • Engineering
    • Vetting of educational credentials will be carried out at any time during the Contest. Any contestant discovered to have submitted falsified documents or certificates will be immediately disqualified.

    Application

    Participants can submit an entry into any of three (3) broad categories:

    • Upload a 45-second video to YouTube with the hashtag #FCMBFlexxtern telling organizers why you deserve to be one of the FCMB Flexxterns.
    • Click here, fill the registration form and include the link to your YouTube video.
    • Share the link to your entry and invite your friends to vote for you.

    For more information, visit #FCMBFlexxtern 4.0.

  • Call for Participants: iWatch Africa Human Rights Abuse & Corruption Project 2019 in Ghana

    Call for Participants: iWatch Africa Human Rights Abuse & Corruption Project 2019 in Ghana

    Deadline: October 1, 2019

    Applications are open for participation in the iWatch Africa Human Rights Abuse & Corruption Project 2019 in Ghana. The project is aimed at training journalists (Including Student Journalists) in the use of data and investigative journalism tools to report on human rights abuses and corruption via the use of digital media platforms.

    The project will also refer reported cases to police oversight bodies such as CHRAJ and PIPS for further investigation and necessary action. The project will involve deploying a digital campaign as well as town hall meetings to educate citizens on their rights and responsibilities in their engagement with the police.

    Eligibility

    Applicants are expected to be:

    • Ghanaian nationals aged between 18 and 35 years old, and belong to the group of young people who are prepared to play a decisive role in shaping the future of Ghana.
    • Students, community leaders, journalists, young leaders, people who are active in social movements, community organizations, and bloggers
    • People or activists who have been directly contributing to ethical governance and have inspired others to do the same through social media platforms.
    • Interested female and alumni members of YALI/YALI RLC are strongly advised to submit their applications promptly

    Important Dates

    • Deadline for applications: October 1, 2019
    • Announcement of the shortlisted applicant for interview: October 7, 2019
    • Announcement of selected applicant: October 10, 2019
    • The arrival of the selected applicant at the Training center: October 15, 2019

    Application

    Click here to apply

    For more information, visit iWatch Africa.

  • Global Citizen Prize: Cisco Youth Leadership Award 2019 ($250,000 prize)

    Global Citizen Prize: Cisco Youth Leadership Award 2019 ($250,000 prize)

    Deadline: October 6, 2019

    Applications are open for the Global Citizen Prize: Cisco Youth Leadership Award 2019. The Global Citizen Prize: Cisco Youth Leadership Award was established by Cisco and Global Citizen to recognize and lift up a young person positively impacting the world, as a way to demonstrate the impact that young people are having on achieving the Global Goals, and to accelerate global problem solving.

    Selected via an application process, the Global Citizen Prize: Cisco Youth Leadership Award honors an individual aged 18-30 who has contributed meaningfully towards the goal of ending global poverty. The award includes a $250,000 prize paid to the organization to which the individual contributes.

    Prize

    The winner will receive:

    • USD $250,000 awarded to a person or specific people on behalf of an organization that is judged to best fit selection criteria.
    • An all-inclusive round-trip to award ceremony in December for themselves and a guest.
    • Networking and development opportunities to support their work.

    Eligibility

    • You must be 18-30 years old as of award ceremony in December 2019, and be able to travel to award ceremony to accept prize.
    • For a period of three years, you must be willing to do media interviews and appearances, and grant rights to GC and Cisco to use name, likeness and related content in GC or Cisco marketing campaigns and on GC or Cisco owned-platforms, such as cisco.com, globalcitizen.org and social platforms.
    • You must accept the terms and conditions.
    • You must not be a citizen of a country or entity subject to financial or other sanctions by the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) or other government entity of the United States of America that may restrict the transfer of the Prize.
    • You must not be an employee of Global Citizen or Cisco.
    • You must not be any organizations who have previously received prize funding or direct grant funding from Cisco or the Cisco Foundation.

    Criteria

    Judging is based on 5 equally-weighted criteria:

    • IMPACT: Demonstrated track-record of measurable impact at scale over last 3-5 years advancing one or more of the Global Goals.
    • VISION: Compelling vision and concrete plans for how to extend this work in the next 3-5 years, including how the prize will advance efforts.
    • CATALYST: Inspires other young people to have an impact on achieving one or more of the Global Goals.
    • GLOBAL CITIZENSHIP: Demonstrates the values and embodies the spirit of a Global Citizen and a Global Problem Solver.
    • TECHNOLOGY INNOVATION: Innovates with technology or Internet-based communications to improve efficiency, reach, and magnify impact.

    Application

    Submissions will close on October 6 at 11:59pm EDT

    Click here to apply.

    For more information, visit Global Citizen Prize.