Application Deadline: November 13, 2022
The Public Affairs Section of the U.S. Embassy in Angola welcomes applications for the 2023 Pan-Africa Youth Leadership Program (PAYLP). PAYLP is designed to provide secondary school youth (ages 15-18) and adult educators the opportunity to explore themes such as entrepreneurship, civic education, youth leadership, economic development, and respect for diversity. The program will be held in the United States from April 8 –28, 2023 and will be conducted in English.
Program Details: PAYLP is an intensive academic program offered by the U.S. State Department Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA)’s Youth Programs Division. The intensive virtual exchanges will be hosted by various United States colleges, universities, and institutions over the course of four weeks in April 2022. 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 with local American virtual host families. A key component of the program is for participants to develop follow-on community-based projects in their home communities to effect positive change after their completion of the program.
The Department of State through an award to Meridian International Center will cover all program costs, including the purchase of necessary devices (smart phones, tablets, laptops, routers, etc.) and data required for participation in the program. Stipends for other program associated costs such as transportation to a school, library or internet café for internet access will be available.
Candidate Description and Qualifications:
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.
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.
Please, Click in the bars below for further information.
For Student Applicants
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 proficient in English (for the Anglophone program) or French (for the Francophone program);
- 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.
For Adult Applicants
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:
- be a Angolan citizen or permanent resident and live in Angola;
- 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.
Application are now closed
- 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
