Deadline: April 14, 2023
Applications are open for the East-West Center Professional Fellows Program 2023 for Young Economic Empowerment Leaders. The East-West Center’s Professional Development Program, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs and Young Pacific Leaders is conducting a Special Professional Fellows Program Opportunity for Young Economic Empowerment Leaders from the Pacific Islands.
Professional Fellows are chosen through an open competition which highlights their demonstrated commitment to improving their communities through innovative economic development approaches. A particular emphasis is placed on selecting individuals with social entrepreneurial talents geared towards helping their communities emerge from the global COVID-19 pandemic and building resilience to future economic shocks.
Selected Fellows are assigned to customized work-placements in the U.S. that will offer them fresh insights, new analytical perspectives, and practical approaches to address the challenges their communities are facing and identify opportunities for economic empowerment. Supplemental educational and cultural enrichment activities will ensure Fellows acquire substantive leadership skills as well as a deeper appreciation of American society.
Theme
The theme of the program is Post-Pandemic Equitable and Sustainable Economic Recovery.
Eligibility
Open to individuals who are:
- 25-40 years old.
- Currently employed (including self-employment) in a position relevant to economic empowerment within Pacific and indigenous communities, with at least two years of demonstrated work experience.
- BOTH a citizen of, and currently residing in, one of the eligible countries.
- An English language speaker with proficiency in spoken and written English to effectively function in an American workplace.
- Eligible to obtain a J-1 Visa and spend five weeks in the United States for the Fellowship.
- Committed to returning to their home country after the program.
Note: People living with disabilities are especially encouraged to apply.
Eligible Countries
- Australia
- Cook Islands
- Federated States of Micronesia
- Fiji
- French Polynesia
- Kiribati
- Marshall Islands
- Nauru
- New Caledonia
- New Zealand
- Niue
- Palau
- Papua New Guinea
- Samoa
- Solomon Islands
- Tonga
- Tuvalu
- Vanuatu
- Wallis & Futuna
Application
They strongly encourage you to apply online. If you are unable to connect to the online application, you can download a PDF form and submit your application via email.
For more information, visit East-West Center.
