The Professional Fellows Program (PFP) Spring 2026 offers mid-level emerging leaders from Algeria, Egypt, Morocco, and Tunisia a fully funded, 5.5-week immersive exchange in the United States. Fellows sharpen their leadership and professional skills, build lasting partnerships, and foster mutual understanding across cultures.
The program begins with one week of dynamic team building and professional training in Washington, D.C., followed by a four-week tailored fellowship placement in Washington, D.C., Detroit, or Pittsburgh — giving participants real-world experience and a powerful professional network that extends beyond borders.
This program is designed for people with strong leadership skills who are early- to mid-career professionals. It is for visionary individuals committed to making an impact in their communities.
- Successful candidates will be able to demonstrate flexibility and a sincere interest in gaining professional experience by working in an American organization. This includes a variety of tasks and may from time to time include some routine administrative work.
- This intensive work experience is complemented by cultural immersion activities, networking opportunities, dialogue with non-governmental leaders, and excursions.
- Upon return home, Fellows will be responsible for completing a follow on project and for sharing what they have learned with colleagues and additional audiences.
Who should apply:
- Emerging leaders in public service and administration
- Professionals supporting community development, education, or youth empowerment initiatives
- Innovators using technology to improve public programs and local services
- Program managers and staff from nonprofit organizations focused on skills development, health, education, or workforce readiness
- Academics and researchers contributing to community-based projects or public service innovation
- Technology specialists helping organizations expand access to information and services
This is a 38-day program in the U.S.A
Dates to be determined between April and June, 2026.
Please review these pages as well:
Eligibility Requirements:
- 25-40 years old at the start of your program
- A current citizen and resident of: Algeria, Egypt, Morocco, or Tunisia.
- Fluent in English and able to work full-time at a U.S. worksite
- Currently employed with at least three years' relevant work experience
- Interested in participating in a reciprocal program for Americans coming to your country
- Able to demonstrate leadership and community engagement
- Those who have not previously traveled on a U.S. government funded program are preferred (within last 3 years)
- Family members of U.S. Embassy or Consulate staff, U.S. Department of State employees, or family members of the administering organization or partner organizations are not eligible to apply.
Fellows are selected through an open, merit-based application process.
Selection Timeline
Applications for the Spring 2026 program open at 8:00 am EST on May 15 and close at 12 noon EST on June 23, 2025.
Those selected for an interview will be notified in mid-/late August.
Final decisions are made by the end of August/early September.
How does the selection process work?
- Participants are selected through a merit-based, competitive application process.
- Each complete application is read by a team of evaluators who have been trained to evaluate and score applications and who have experience with prior exchange programs.
- Successful applicants tend to be those who are able to effectively articulate both the impact they would like to make and demonstrate how they intend to do so.
Semi-finalists will be interviewed by a 3-person interview panel in their country. The selection committee seeks a diverse group of participants. Finalists will be notified and then apply for the necessary visa (called a J-1 visa).
