2022 YSEALI Academic Fellowship in Philippines

Deadline: 8-Jun-22

The Public Affairs Section of the U.S. Embassy in the Philippines is pleased to announce the call for applications for the Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative (YSEALI) Academic Fellowships for Fall 2022!

The Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative (YSEALI) is a public diplomacy program designed to advance regional strategic goals, break down barriers that separate the next generation of leaders in Southeast Asia, and link those emerging leaders to the United States.  To this end, the YSEALI Academic Fellowship will bring exceptional young leaders from Southeast Asian countries to the United States to further develop their professional and leadership skills.  The Study of the U.S. Branch implements the YSEALI Academic Fellowship aimed at young leaders aged 18-25.

Program Themes

YSEALI Academic Fellowship on Civic Engagement: The YSEALI Academic Fellowship on Civic Engagement will provide Fellows with an overview of how citizens have shaped U.S. history, government, and society both as individuals and groups.
YSEALI Academic Fellowship on Environmental Issues: The YSEALI Academic Fellowship on Environmental Issues will explore the role that environmental policy has played in the economic and political development of the United States.
YSEALI Academic Fellowship on Social Entrepreneurship and Economic Development: The YSEALI Academic Fellowship on Social Entrepreneurship and Economic Development will provide Fellows with an overview of entrepreneurial approaches to address social and economic issues.

Fellowship Qualifications

YSEALI Academic Fellows are expected to be full-time undergraduate students from college, university, or other institutions of higher learning; or have graduated in the past four years, and who demonstrate leadership through academic work, community involvement, extracurricular activities, or their profession.
Priority will be given to applicants from non-elite backgrounds, from rural and urban areas, and with little or no prior experience in the United States or elsewhere outside the Philippines. Applications are encouraged from underserved groups, including indigenous groups, ethnic minority communities, the LGBTQI+ community, and candidates with disabilities. Host universities will provide special accommodations for YSEALI Academic Fellows with disabilities as needed.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must be:
- A YSEALI member;
- Between the ages of 18 and 25 at the time of application;
- A citizen and resident of the Philippines;
- Not a U.S. citizen or permanent resident of the United States;
- A full-time undergraduate college student or have graduated in the past four years; and
- Proficient in reading, writing, and speaking English.
Ideal candidates should:
- Demonstrate interest, knowledge, or professional experience in any of the three Fellowship themes;
- Demonstrate strong leadership qualities and potential in their university, place of work, or community;
- Demonstrate a commitment or interest in community service, volunteerism, or mentorship;
- Indicate a serious interest in learning about the United States and Southeast Asia as a region;
- Be willing to actively participate in an intensive academic program, community service, and study tour; and
- Be committed to returning to the Philippines to apply leadership skills and training to benefit their community, country, or the Southeast Asian region.