The Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI) and the Maxwell School of
Citizenship and Public Affairs at Syracuse University are pleased to
announce the acceptance of applications for the Leaders for Democracy
Fellowship Program. This annual program provides young civic activists
and democratic reform leaders from the Middle East and North Africa with
the opportunity to complete both academic coursework at Syracuse and
professional experience in Washington, D.C.

Fellows will complete a six-week tailored academic program at Syracuse
from March 15 to June 13, 2009. The coursework will include subjects on
leadership, democracy, civil society, and conflict resolution.
Afterward, fellows will engage in a six-week professional assignment
with political, non-governmental, or public policy organizations in
Washington, D.C.

The fellowship will cover international and domestic travel, health
insurance, housing, and a moderate living stipend in the United States.
Due to the intensive programming schedule, spouses and children may not
accompany participants on this program.

**Eligibility Requirements**

Candidates will be considered without respect to race, color, religion,
national origin or gender. Persons with disabilities are strongly
encouraged to apply. Competition for the MEPI Leadership for Democracy
Fellowship program is merit-based and open to anyone who:

-   Is between the ages of 25 and 40

-   Is fluent in written and spoken English

-   Holds a bachelors degree or higher

-   Has five years work experience in fields such as civic activism and
    democratic reform

-   Is committed to continue work in these fields in Egypt

-   Has exhibited significant leadership skills

-   Qualifies for a visa to the United States

-   Has not previously completed a similar academic degree or internship
    in the United States

-   Submits a complete application with all required documents by the
    application deadline;

U.S. citizens and green card holders are not eligible to participate in
this program.

**How to Apply**\
\
Application forms and application instructions can be downloaded at the
U.S. Embassy website (http://egypt.usembassy.gov/).

Each applicant should submit a completed three-page [application
form](http://egypt.usembassy.gov/pa/applicationform.doc) which includes
an essay of no more than 1,000 words, written in English, and a current
resume or CV to the U.S. Embassy.

These requirements should be submitted no later than 4:30 PM, October
20, 2008.

Applications should be either e-mailed to: <CairoMEPI@state.gov> or
hand-delivered in a sealed envelope to the following address:

> Embassy of the United States of America\
> ECPO/MEPI Office\
> Lazoughly Street, Garden City, Cairo, Egypt

For further information, applicants should contact:
<CairoMEPI@state.gov>

Name (as it appears on passport):

Home Telephone: Mobile:

Email Address: Date of Birth (dd/mm/yy):

Have you traveled to the U.S. before? If so, please indicate the date of
visit, duration, and reason.

Have you ever applied for a U.S. immigrant visa or are you a U.S. green
card holder or U.S. citizen?

**Please fill out the spaces below with information on your last 5 years
of employment.**

+-----------------+---------------+---------+--------------------------+
| **Job Title**   | **Location**  | **      | **Supervisor**           |
|                 |               | Dates** |                          |
|                 |               |         | **(Name and Telephone)** |
+-----------------+---------------+---------+--------------------------+
|                 |               |         |                          |
+-----------------+---------------+---------+--------------------------+
|                 |               |         |                          |
+-----------------+---------------+---------+--------------------------+
|                 |               |         |                          |
+-----------------+---------------+---------+--------------------------+
|                 |               |         |                          |
+-----------------+---------------+---------+--------------------------+
|                 |               |         |                          |
+-----------------+---------------+---------+--------------------------+

**Please list your academic information below.**

  ---------------------- --------------------------------- ---------------
  **Specialty**          **Institution**                   **Dates**

                                                                

                                                                

                                                                

                                                                

                                                                
  ---------------------- --------------------------------- ---------------

> **PERSONAL STATEMENT**
>
> **[Please address the following questions in up to 1,000
> words:]{.underline}**

How will a MEPI Leaders for Democracy Fellowship enable you to better
lead your community or country towards greater democracy and citizen
participation in the institutions and activities of government?
Specifically, what do you hope to gain from this program and what are
your plans to apply the experience it offers? What changes do you hope
to bring about in your country during the next 10 years?