Embassy of the United States

MEPI Leaders for Democracy Fellowships Program

The MEPI Leaders for Democracy Fellowship Program is a three month program in the United States that provides young civic and democratic reform leaders from the Middle East and North Africa with the opportunity to complete academic coursework, participate in practical, skill-building experiences, and network with like-minded reformers and activists inside and outside the region.

For more information about the Leaders for Democracy Fellowship Program, please click here. For more information in Arabic, Please click here.

Program Funding:

MEPI and Syracuse will cover the costs of international and domestic travel, health insurance, housing, and a living stipend in the United States for all fellows.  Fellows are not permitted to travel to the United States with dependents. 

• Eligibility Requirements: s/he has at least five years of experience working as a professional in a political reform oriented field (e.g. civil society, rule of law, human rights, family law reform).
• s/he has demonstrated a commitment and desire to remain working in this field for the foreseeable future and has an equal commitment to being a leader of positive change within his or her own country.
• s/he has exhibited leadership skills over time and the capacity to apply the opportunities presented in this program in a way that would benefit an organization, sector, or specific community.
• s/he has a level of English language fluency to function successfully in a high-level academic as well as professional environment.
• s/he has at least a bachelors degree and the demonstrated ability to succeed in a demanding and intensive academic environment.
• s/he has not already completed a similar academic degree or internship in the United States, and is not subject to J-visa restrictions.

Application Procedures:

Embassy Manama is now accepting applications for the 2010 program. The 2010 Leaders for Democracy Fellowship Program will take place during 22 March - 4 June, 2010.  

Along with an updated resume, each candidate should submit an essay of no more than 1,000 words, written in English, which answers the following questions: 

1)How will a MEPI Leaders for Democracy Fellowship enable you to better lead your community or country towards greater democracy and citizen participation in the institutions and activities of government? 

2) Specifically, what do you hope to gain from this program and what are your plans to apply the experience it offers? 

3) What changes do you hope to bring about in your country during the next 10 years?

Completed application packages may be sent in hard copy only to the following address:

U.S. Embassy - Leaders for Democracy Fellowships Program
c/o Public Affairs Office
P.O Box 26431
Manama