Attention Student Leaders of Mali!
Are you dedicated to serving and improving your community?
Do you want to learn more about the United States and how U.S. citizens have shaped our government and society?
We are calling on Mali’s best student leaders to apply for the 2022 Study of the U.S. Institutes for Student Leaders on Civic Engagement – All qualified and motivated candidates please apply by October 11!
What is the SUSI Program?
The 2022 Study of the U.S. Institute (SUSI) for Student Leaders on Civic Engagement will be a five-week online virtual program from January 10 to February 11, 2022, and a two-week in-person component at the University of Washington in Seattle in the United States.* Undergraduate university students from Mali and five other African countries will gain a deeper understanding of the United States while simultaneously enhancing their leadership skills.
The Study of the U.S. Institutes on Civic Engagement provide participants with an overview of how citizens have shaped U.S. history, government, and society both as individuals and groups. The academic program defines civic engagement, examines its development in the United States, and explores topics such as citizenship, community building, economic development, grassroots activism, political leadership, media literacy, and volunteerism. Interactive skills building and leadership development sessions are also an integral part of programming. The Institutes encourage participants to develop innovative and practical plans to become engaged and informed citizens in their own communities.
The virtual program will consist of a minimum of 36 hours of required programming and will be a combination of synchronous and asynchronous learning. To the extent possible, the virtual programming will include lectures, small group discussions, videos, readings, panels, site visits, assignments, and individual and group activities. Participants are required to fully participate in the entire virtual program. Participants must complete the virtual program to be eligible for the in-person program in the United States. The U.S. portion of the program will be conducted and hosted by the Foundation for International Understanding Through Students (FIUTS) at the University of Washington in Seattle. The U.S. Government covers all participant program costs.
Who can apply?
Applicants must meet ALL these criteria:
- Be between the ages of 18 and 25
- Be proficient in speaking, reading, writing, and listening in English
- Be ready to engage in lively conversations in English, both online and in person
- Have access to a computer and a stable internet connection
- Be a first, second, or third-year student in a Malian institution of higher education
- Have demonstrated strong leadership through academic work, community involvement, and extracurricular activities
- Be committed to serving their community
- Have little or no prior travel to the United States, and minimal prior international travel
- Plan to return to Mali to finish university studies after the program ends
- Have a strong interest in learning more about the United States
- Have a record of sustained academic achievement
- Be mature, responsible, independent, confident, open-minded, tolerant, thoughtful, and inquisitive
How do qualified student leaders apply?
Download the application form. Fill it out, and attach the document to your email and send to bamakoscholarships@state.gov No Later Than October 11, 2021, midnight..
This is a very competitive program. After a screening of applications, a small number of applicants will be interviewed by the U.S. Embassy. Interviews will be conducted in English.
*Please note that the two-week in-person U.S. component will be organized taking into consideration all necessary COVID-19 safety guidelines issued by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and state, local, and campus authorities.
