WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - Purdue University will host 25 of Africa's brightest emerging leaders for an academic and leadership institute focused on business and entrepreneurship from June 16 to July 28 and needs volunteers and interns to assist with the program. 

Purdue students who have an interest in business and entrepreneurship in fields related to agriculture and engineering and who have completed at least two semesters in undergraduate study in any major are welcome to apply. Interns will work on a variety of projects, including coordinating networking events and assisting with site visits during the fellows’ stay at Purdue. 

Interns will receive a stipend of $500 for their six-week involvement, with an average time commitment of eight hours per week. 

The application review process begins April 14; however, applications will continue to be accepted through May 1. Those interested in intern positions should email a cover letter and resume to mwf@purdue.edu. 

In addition to interns, the program also is seeking volunteers who want to help provide facilitation and assist with logistics during the fellows’ stay at Purdue. Those interested should visit www.purdue.edu/mandela-fellowship/get-involved/ and sign up by completing the volunteer form. 

The Mandela Washington Fellowship, the flagship program of the Young African Leaders Initiative, empowers young African leaders through academic coursework, leadership training, mentoring, networking, professional opportunities and support for activities in their communities. Fellows are from across sub-Saharan Africa and have established records of accomplishment in promoting innovation and positive change in their organizations, institutions and communities. The cohort of fellows at Purdue will be part of a larger group of 1,000 Mandela Washington Fellows hosted across the U.S. this summer. 

Biographical information about the fellows will not be available until June, but you can review past profiles here at http://www.purdue.edu/mandela-fellowship/fellows/. The website also has more information about the program, and questions about the program can be directed to the Mandela Washington Fellowship staff at mwf@purdue.edu. 

The Mandela Washington Fellowship is sponsored by the U.S. Department of State Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs and administrated by International Research & Exchanges Board (IREX). Purdue’s Institute is co-sponsored by Discovery Park’s Burton D. Morgan Center for Entrepreneurship, Office of Executive Vice President for Research and Partnerships, Center for Global Food Security, Krannert School of Management, Office of Engagement, and the Colleges of Engineering and Agriculture.