2008 Press Releases

Hubert Humphrey Fellowship Program (04 Feb 08)

Press Release
US Embassy Freetown
Contact: Danna Van Brandt
Tel: 515-000

The United States Embassy in Sierra Leone is pleased to announce the annual competition for the Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program. This one-year, full scholarship program for study in an American University is offered to mid-career professionals who have a proven track record of leadership, a public service commitment, and the capacity to take full advantage of a self-defined program of independent study at a leading U.S. university. The program awards a certificate from the U.S. Government.

The Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program brings accomplished professionals from around the world to the United States at a midpoint in their careers for a year of study and related professional experiences. The Humphrey Program was initiated in 1978 to honor the memory and accomplishments of the late Senator and Vice President, Hubert H. Humphrey. Fellows are selected on their potential for national leadership and commitment to public service.

The program provides a basis for establishing lasting ties between citizens of the United States and their professional counterparts in other countries, fostering an exchange of knowledge and mutual understanding throughout the world.  Fellowships are granted competitively to professional candidates with a commitment to public service in either the public or private sector.

Eligible Fields/Sectors:
Below is a list of eligible fields from which Embassies/Commissions may choose to target in order to match country priorities.

Agricultural development /agricultural economics;
Communications/journalism;
Drug abuse education, treatment and prevention;
Economic development/Finance and banking;
Educational administration, planning and policy;
HIV/AIDS policy and prevention;
Human resource management;
Law
Human rights;
Natural resources and environmental management;
Public health policy and management;
Public policy analysis and public administration;
Technology policy and management;
Trafficking in persons, policy and prevention;
Urban and regional planning

Application Process:

Interested applicants must apply to the U.S. Embassy/Fulbright Commission. After national selection, final nominations are reviewed in the United States by independent review committees. These review committees make recommendations to the J. William Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board. Awards are announced by March each year for Fellowships during the 2008-2009 academic year.  Awards for Fellows going to the Long Term English program will be announced in January or February 2008.

To be eligible for a Humphrey Fellowship, applicants must have:
Ø       A first university degree
Ø       Five years of substantial professional experience
Ø       Demonstrated leadership qualities and a record of public service
Ø       Fluency in English
Ø       Limited prior experience in the U.S.

Terms and Conditions:

The Humphrey Fellowship provides: international travel, tuition and university fees, accident/sickness insurance, monthly maintenance allowance and funding for books and professional activities. The Humphrey Program does not provide financial support for accompanying dependents.