2022 Study of the United States Institutes for Young Women Leaders
U.S. Mission Uganda is now accepting applications for the 2022 Study of the United States Institutes (SUSI) for Young Women Leaders on Economic Empowerment. The five-week, in-person program will take place during the June to August timeframe at a U.S. University. Should health, safety, and travel conditions continue to pose significant challenges, the program will pivot to a modified virtual format.
Study of the U.S. Institutes for Young Women Leaders are intensive short-term academic programs whose purpose is to provide groups of undergraduate student leaders with a deeper understanding of the United States while simultaneously enhancing their leadership skills. The program will enhance participants’ knowledge of U.S. history, government, institutions, society, and culture while developing their leadership skills. The Institute consist of a four-week academic residency with a balanced series of seminar discussions, readings, group presentations, lectures. Site visits, leadership development, cultural activities, and community service also complement the coursework and academic sessions. If conditions allow, the Institute will include a one-week integrated study tour in the United States. Should the program take place virtually, participants will engage in similar activities but online from their home countries.
The SUSI for Young Women Leaders on Economic Empowerment will examine topics including, but not limited to, an overview of the U.S. economic system and structures, economic prosperity and opportunity, building sustainable economies, inequities in economies, financial access, entrepreneurship and entrepreneurial ecosystems, social capital development, financial literacy, and organizational development and management.
The Institute will incorporate a focus on American historical events as well as contemporary American life including current political, social, and economic debates in a pluralistic society. The Institute will also examine how government policies, business and private sector practices, and socio-cultural norms engage and affect women through the thematic lens of Economic Development and discuss current U.S. and global women’s issues such as: progress and opportunities for women’s leadership, combatting violence against women, addressing income disparity and other challenges to women in the workplace, women’s health issues, and the ways in which women can contribute to global peace, security, and stability.
Eligibility requirements:
- Be female
- Be a Ugandan citizen
- Be between 18 and 25 years of age;
- Be interested in the topic of Economic Empowerment
- Be proficient in English
- Have at least one semester left of their undergraduate studies, and therefore be committed to return to their home universities following completion of the program;
- Fields of study of potential applicants will be varied and may include the sciences, social sciences, humanities, education, business, and other professional fields;
- Have demonstrated interest in the Institute topic of Economic Empowerment through course work, volunteer activities, independent projects, or work experience.
- Demonstrate strong leadership qualities and potential in their university and community activities;
- Indicate a serious interest in learning about the United States;
- Have a sustained high level of academic achievement, as indicated by grades, awards, and teacher recommendations;
- Demonstrate commitment to community and extracurricular university activities;
- Have little or no prior study or travel experience in the United States or elsewhere outside of their home country;
- Be mature, responsible, independent, confident, open-minded, tolerant, thoughtful, and inquisitive;
- Be willing and able to fully participate in an intensive academic program, community service, and educational travel; and,
- Be comfortable with campus life, prepared to share living accommodations, and able to make adjustments to cultural and social practices different from those of their home country.
How to Apply: Interested applicants should email their bio page, one page statement, academic transcripts, and recommendation letter (in one email) to kampalaexchanges@state.gov. Email subject line should read – 2022 SUSI for Young Women Leaders. Applicants’ statements should describe their involvement in leadership, community involvement, what they hope to gain and take back from this program. Additionally, applicants should indicate why they are interested in a discussion on Economic Empowerment and how this program will fit into their academic and career plans.
Application deadline: January 14th, 2022.
