The Civic Education and Leadership Fellowship (CELF) provides an opportunity for academics in the social sciences from the Middle East and North Africa to engage in 4-month residencies at the Maxwell School for Public Affairs at Syracuse University. The program includes both group seminars and individually tailored components for each participant. The objectives of the program are to: 1) promote democracy and international standards in social science education at the university policy level; 2) enhance the quality of civic education through improved curricula development and delivery, increased institutional capacity, and expanded student and faculty engagement; and 3) fully develop the critical thinking and analytical abilities needed by educators. Check here for full details

WHO IS ELIGIBLE?
The program is open to Kuwaiti citizens working at an accredited institution of higher education for a minimum of 5 years but not more than 10 years. Applicants must possess at least 5 years of experience working in social science disciplines, including political science, public administration, law, media, journalism, and communications. Applicants that hold PhD degrees (completed or in progress) are preferred. However, the minimum educational requirement for candidates is a completed Master’s degree in one of the aforementioned fields. Applicants must have English language fluency to participate successfully in a high-level academic and professional environment and will be requested to submit TOEFL scores. This program is subject to J-1 visa restrictions. At the time of application and while participating in the program, Fellows must be citizens of Kuwait and cannot hold U.S. citizenship or be a U.S. Legal Permanent Resident.

Applicants must demonstrate: a commitment to improving the quality and capacity of educational institutions in the region and in their fields of study; leadership skills; the capacity to apply opportunities presented in this program in a way that would benefit institutions, organizations and/or communities; and the desire to remain working in their field of study for the foreseeable future.

A complete application includes an updated resume, a letter of support allowing the applicant to study in the United States from the Fellow’s institution, and two essays of no more than 500 words each, written in English, which answer the following:

• ESSAY ONE: What has influenced your thinking about civic engagement? What are the prospects for greater civic engagement in solving problems and fostering participatory democracy in your country and how do you see the connection between your field of study and improving the prospects for civic engagement in your country?

• ESSAY TWO: What hopes and plans do you have for improving the quality and capacity of your educational institution in your field of study? How do you see yourself leading the change?

To apply, or for more information, please contact:
kuwaitmepi@state.gov
Deadline for application: April 15, 2011