Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program stands as a prestigious initiative dedicated to fostering global leadership and promoting mutual understanding. Named after the distinguished former U.S. Vice President, this renowned fellowship equips professionals from around the world with advanced skills and knowledge to address critical issues in their respective fields. With its rich history of international collaboration and transformative experiences, the Humphrey Fellowship Program continues to nurture a network of change-makers committed to creating a better world.
Overview of Hubert Humphrey Fellowship Program
Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program is a distinguished, non-degree exchange initiative tailored for accomplished mid-career professionals seeking to enhance their leadership skills and broaden their horizons. This one-year fellowship offers participants from designated countries, including Nigeria, an exclusive opportunity to pursue graduate-level studies in the United States, focusing on leadership development and professional collaboration with American counterparts at select universities.
Through a carefully curated blend of tailored activities, the program aims to provide comprehensive professional enrichment. Fellows engage in knowledge-sharing, skill-building, and networking through workshops, conferences, and affiliations with esteemed U.S. institutions. These engagements foster interaction with leaders from U.S. federal, state, and local governments, multinational organizations, and the private sector, facilitating invaluable exposure to diverse perspectives and best practices.
A crucial component of the fellowship involves fellows undertaking professional affiliations, or placements, where they immerse themselves in a full-time U.S. work environment for a minimum of six weeks. This firsthand experience further enhances their capabilities and enables them to establish invaluable professional connections.
The Humphrey Fellowship seeks to provide fellows with an immersive and transformative experience that expands their outlook, equips them to assume greater career responsibilities, and enables them to establish long-lasting professional relationships. Candidates are selected through a rigorous and highly competitive process, with emphasis placed on demonstrated leadership ability, commitment to public service, and a strong desire to effect positive change in their workplace and community.
Scholarship Benefits
- Coverage of tuition and fees at the designated host university, ensuring that fellows can fully focus on their academic pursuits without financial burden.
- Provision of pre-academic English language training, if required, to enhance participants’ language proficiency and facilitate their successful integration into the academic environment.
- A generous maintenance allowance, encompassing a living stipend to support fellows throughout their stay, as well as a one-time settling-in allowance to assist with initial expenses.
- Comprehensive accident and sickness coverage, ensuring the well-being and security of fellows during their program duration.
- An allowance dedicated to books, allowing participants to access essential academic resources and materials.
- A one-time subsidy towards the purchase of a computer, empowering fellows with the necessary technology for their studies and professional activities.
- International travel to and from the United States for the duration of the program, ensuring seamless mobility and facilitating fellows’ participation.
- Domestic travel within the United States to attend mandatory program events, workshops, and conferences, fostering professional development and networking opportunities.
- A professional development allowance specifically allocated for activities such as field trips, professional visits, and participation in conferences, enabling fellows to expand their knowledge, build connections, and broaden their horizons.
Scholarship Requirements
To be eligible for the prestigious Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program, candidates must meet the following criteria:
- Possess an undergraduate degree, whether it’s a first university degree or Bachelor’s degree, demonstrating a solid foundation of academic achievement.
- Accumulate a minimum of eight years of full-time professional experience, showcasing their dedication and expertise in their respective fields.
- Exhibit limited or no prior experience in the United States, as the program aims to provide participants with a unique opportunity to explore and engage with American culture and society.
- Display strong leadership qualities, highlighting their ability to inspire and guide others towards positive change and impactful initiatives.
- Demonstrate a commendable record of public service in their community, emphasizing their commitment to serving the greater good and making a difference.
- Prove their English language proficiency by achieving a minimum score of 100 on the Internet-based TOEFL (iBT) test. Participants should ensure that their scores are sent to the program’s office by using the institution code 9616.
Selection Criteria for the Humphrey Fellowship Program:
Leadership Ability
- Candidates must have achieved significant positions of responsibility at the national, regional, or local level, showing potential for assuming greater leadership roles in the future.
Commitment to Public Service
- Candidates’ careers should demonstrate a present and future commitment to public service in the public, NGO, or private sectors of their home country.
Candidate’s Objectives and Program Plan
- Candidates’ stated objectives should align with the overarching goals of the Humphrey fellowship program. The focus should be on broadening, deepening, and enhancing their ability to contribute professionally to their country’s development. The program is not intended for those seeking traditional academic degrees or research.
Professional Qualifications
- The nature and quality of candidates’ professional experience should be relevant to the type of training and study they seek. They should be policymakers, managers, or administrators, with at least 8 years of post-NYSC experience if applying from Nigeria.
Desire to Return to Nigeria
- Candidates should be currently employed and have the support of their employers. They should discuss their training plans with their supervisors to ensure the possibility of obtaining a leave of absence. Continued salary support or approval of unpaid leave is important, as the program expects fellows to return to their positions after completion.
Capacity to Benefit from the Program
- Candidates must have a minimum of eight years of substantive professional experience beyond the university degree, demonstrating a record of superior performance. They should indicate how the program will provide new experiences and opportunities.
Academic Qualifications
- Candidates should have at least a first university degree (equivalent to a bachelor’s or HND) and possess the academic background necessary to undertake graduate-level study at a major U.S. university.
Language Proficiency
- Candidates are expected to be proficient in English, as measured by the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). A minimum score of 100 is required.
Gender
- The program seeks to achieve a balance between the number of qualified female and male participants, with a priority on recruiting qualified women professionals.
Age
- There is no age limit for the program. However, candidates below 30 years old need to demonstrate maturity and discipline, while candidates over 50 will be assessed based on their potential to contribute substantially to their profession upon their return.
How To Apply
To begin the application process for the Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program, interested individuals can access the application by visiting the following link: https://apply.iie.org/huberthhumphrey.
First-time applicants are required to click on the “create an account to start a new application” option to initiate their application. This step allows applicants to set up their account and begin the process of submitting their application materials.
To ensure a complete application for the Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program, please adhere to the following guidelines:
Online Application
- Fill out the online application form, providing a well-written program plan that includes clear objectives and motivations for applying.
- Prepare detailed essays that highlight your qualifications, experiences, and aspirations.
- Upload academic records, including certificates, and a comprehensive curriculum vitae.
Professional Letters of Reference
- Arrange for two professional letters of reference to be submitted electronically. Referees should have a deep understanding of your abilities and accomplishments.
International Passport
- Include a biodata page of your valid international passport.
Additional Document Submission
- Hard copies of official academic transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended, along with any supplementary documents, should be sent to the program’s office via regular mail.
Postal Address for Southern Nigeria Applicants
The Hubert Humphrey Fellowship Program Officer Public Affairs Section, U.S. Consulate General 2 Walter Carrington Crescent Victoria Island, Lagos
Postal Address for Northern Nigeria Applicants
The Hubert Humphrey Fellowship Program Officer Public Affairs Section, U.S. Embassy Plot 1075 Diplomatic Drive Central District Area, Abuja
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible to apply for the Humphrey Fellowship Program?
Eligibility criteria include possessing an undergraduate degree, having a minimum of eight years of full-time professional experience, limited or no prior experience in the United States, demonstrated leadership qualities, a record of public service, and a minimum TOEFL score of 100 (internet-based test).
Can I pursue a degree or conduct research through the Humphrey Fellowship Program?
The program is not designed for applicants seeking traditional academic degrees or research opportunities. Its focus is on leadership development, professional enrichment, and practical experience.
Is there an age limit to apply for the Humphrey Fellowship Program
There is no specific age limit for the program. However, younger candidates must demonstrate maturity and discipline, while older candidates will be evaluated based on their potential to contribute significantly to their profession upon their return.
What is the Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program?
The Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program is a prestigious non-degree exchange program designed for mid-career professionals from designated countries, including Nigeria. It offers one-year graduate-level study opportunities in the United States, focusing on leadership development and professional collaboration.
How can I apply for the Humphrey Fellowship Program?
The application process involves completing an online application, including a program plan, detailed essays, academic records, and two professional letters of reference. Applicants must also submit hard copies of official academic transcripts by regular mail to the program’s office.
References
- https://ng.usembassy.gov/humphrey-fellowship/
- https://uploads.mwp.mprod.getusinfo.com/uploads/sites/43/2023/04/Selection_Criteria_for_Humphrey_Applicants.pdf
- https://www.humphreyfellowship.org/
- https://www.scholars4dev.com/2887/hubert-humphrey-fellowships-for-international-students/
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