Pan-Africa Youth Leadership Program (PAYLP)

  • Application period: November 27 – December 2

The United States Embassy in Angola and Sao Tome and Principe is pleased to announce the period of applications for the Pan Africa Youth Leadership Program – PAYLP 2024. Applications close December 2, 2023 (23:59).  Applications from Angola and Sao Tome and Principe are welcome.

The Pan Africa Youth Leadership Program PAYLP offers secondary school youth (ages 15-18) and adult educators the opportunity to explore themes such as civic education, climate resiliency, conflict resolution, economic development, entrepreneurship, respect for diversity, women’s empowerment, and youth leadership development.  Through three-week, intensive exchanges in the United States, participants will engage in workshops on leadership and service, community site visits related to the program themes and subthemes, interactive training in conflict resolution, presentations, visits to high schools, local cultural activities, and homestays with American families.  A key component of the program requires participants to develop follow-on projects in their home communities to bring about positive change after their return home. Program will take place in the United States of America April 6-April 27, 2024

Youth participants should be high school students aged between 15 to 18 years at the start of the exchange who have demonstrated leadership potential through academic work, community involvement, and engagement in extracurricular activities. Students with disabilities are also encouraged to apply.

All Candidates should have sufficient proficiency in English to allow them to participate in an academic program.

A successful student candidate for this program will:

  • Be able to attend at least one additional semester of high school in the home country following completion of the program;
  • Indicate a serious interest in learning more about the United States of America;
  • Demonstrate strong leadership qualities and potential in the home school or community;
  • Have a high level of academic achievement, as indicated by academic grades, awards, and teacher recommendations;
  • Demonstrate a personal commitment to community service and record of engagement in extracurricular activities;
  • Have had little or no prior study or travel experience in the United States or elsewhere outside of the home country;
  • Be mature, responsible, independent, confident, open-minded, tolerant, thoughtful, and inquisitive;
  • Be willing and able to fully participate in an intensive program, including community service events and an active educational travel program during the exchange, as well as in follow-on activities in the home country;
  • Be willing and able to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and provide proof of vaccination before travel.
  • Hold a valid passport
  • 1 reference

Each exchange delegation will also include adult participants who are teachers, trainers or community leaders who work with youth.  They will fill the roles of exchange participant, chaperone, and post-exchange mentor.

All Candidates should have sufficient proficiency in English to allow them to participate in an academic program.

A successful adult candidate for this program will:

Adult candidates (25+ years old)

  • Be teachers, trainers, volunteers, or community leaders who work with youth;
  • Be proficient in English (even for the Francophone program, which also requires French fluency);
  • Have a commitment to remain in teaching positions or other positions of influence on young leaders after the program ends;
  • Indicate a serious interest in learning about the United States of America;
  • Demonstrate an interest in further developing professional skills;
  • Be eager to work with the teenage participants and to assist them to become productive and responsible members of society;
  • Exhibit maturity and open-mindedness; and
  • Be willing and able to fully participate in an intensive program, including community service events and active educational travel program during the exchange, as well as to mentor youth in their follow-on activities in their home countries.  
  • Be willing and able to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and provide proof of vaccination before travel.
  • Hold a valid passport  
  • 1 reference

 

  • For Student Applicants please complete the form by clicking  here
  • For Adult Applicants please complete the form by clicking here

 

Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted.

Please review the Dos and Don’ts of Applying in the sidebar before submitting your application. This tool may be helpful to avoid common mistakes.

For more information on the Pan-Africa Youth Leadership Program, please email Pasinboxluanda@state.gov