2006 press releases

U.S. Embassy Announces "Leaders for Democracy" Fellowship Program

March 8, 2006

The Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI) announces the “Leaders for Democracy” Fellowships Program, a four-month program for 20-25 emerging democratic reform leaders between the ages of 25 and 40, from Lebanon and across the Middle East and North Africa. The program offers the opportunity to complete both academic coursework and a skill-building internship in the United States. The fellowship will cover all international and domestic travel, health insurance, housing, and a moderate living stipend. Applications and more information can be found at Study in the U.S. Applications must be received by the U.S. Embassy Public Affairs Section by March 31, 2006.

The program is open to applicants between the ages of 25 and 40 with a Bachelors degree and English language fluency to function successfully in an American academic and professional environment. Applicants should also have five years of work experience as well as leadership skills and the capacity to apply the opportunities presented by the fellowship in a way that would benefit an organization, sector, or specific community.

Description of the Program

This program will begin at the end of January 2007 with a four-week academic program at a prestigious American university. Participants will complete relevant seminars and workshops on the key elements of democratic governance, including: the development of democratic institutions; constitutional law; political parties and campaigning; electoral laws; rule of law and legal codes; transparency/good governance; citizenship and civic education; and the relationship between democracy and other social and economic factors. Participants will receive a certificate from the accredited institution upon the successful completion of the academic preparation program.

After completing the academic portion of the program, participants will engage in a three-month internship from March to May 2007 with a political, non-governmental, or public policy organization of professional interest. Through their internships, participants will gain practical experience and further professional contacts to draw upon within their network. Possible internship opportunities include working for a Congressional member or committee; a state legislature; a city-council; a non-governmental organization; a political activist group; a campaign; or a think tank. Internships will be based in a major American city.

Background on MEPI

MEPI was launched by the U.S. Government in 2002 to support democracy promotion, economic reform, quality education, and women’s empowerment in the Middle East. Since then, it has funded more than 350 programs across the MENA region, ranging from support for election monitoring to improvements in the quality of education.