Mandela Washington Fellowship to Bring 25 Young African Leaders to Duquesne

Duquesne is the only institution in Pennsylvania to be chosen as one of just 13 institutions nationwide to host young African fellows in civic leadership as part of the summer Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders.

The University, for the first time, will welcome 25 participants in the Mandela Washington Fellowship—the flagship program of President Obama’s Young African Leaders Initiative—in June and July.

The Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders is a program of the U.S. government and is supported in its implementation by the International Research and Exchanges Board (IREX). Duquesne is a sub-grantee of IREX and is supporting the U.S.-based academic program of the fellowship.

While at the University, these emerging professionals from Sub-Saharan Africa will participate in academic studies, augmented by workshops, mentorships and networking opportunities with leaders in the field as well as interactions with everyday Americans and culture.

The opportunity to strengthen ties with Africa is being provided by $149,468 from the U.S. Department of State and IREX, an approximately $100,000, mainly through in-kind contributions from the University, said program administrators Dr. Gerald Boodoo, director of the Center for African Studies, and Dr. Joseph DeCrosta, director of the Office of International Programs.

“This program creates opportunities for our campus and local communities to interact and establish lasting networks with future African leaders as we introduce these young leaders to the dynamic City of Pittsburgh,” said Boodoo.

“It dovetails nicely with the University’s current and increasing connections in Africa and is a perfect way to continue the Spiritan mission of service,” DeCrosta said. “We are honored and humbled to play a role in a program that is a strategic public diplomacy priority for the United States.”