The International Rescue Committee has been so fortunate to have had a longstanding relationship with Princeton in Africa since our very first Fellows landed in Rwanda in 1999. Whether it was Emily or Renee in 1999 or the 110 Fellows across 14 IRC countries over the years, we have been blessed by the relationship, the quality of the Fellows and the impact on what IRC does on the ground every single day.
20th Anniversary Gala
Over the last 20 years, the success of PiAf’s initial mission, to create lifelong connections for recent college graduates to Africa, can be seen through an extensive network of over 600 alumni who served in fellowships with over 90 host organizations in 36 countries and have since launched impressive careers in many fields related to Africa.
This milestone reminds us of our starting point, two summer internships with the International Rescue Committee (IRC) in Rwanda, and all the friends, supporters, organizations and alumni who have helped us grow, while staying true to our original mission. Two decades later we continue to support IRC offices from Sierra Leone to Tanzania, but have expanded to include many grassroots organizations and private companies, representing sectors from conservation to impact investing.
In 2019, we celebrated all those who made it possible for our Fellows to bring skills in marketing, fundraising, teaching, finance, M&E, software design and more to our incredible host organizations, while developing critical professional skills and cultivating meaningful relationships with their host communities in Africa and with one another.
Learn more about previous recipients of the Princeton in Africa Medal here.
Princeton in Africa is an independent 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. We are affiliated with Princeton University, but we do not receive direct funding from the University. We rely on the generosity of individuals, corporations and foundations to make these life-changing fellowship opportunities possible, and to keep our program available on a need-blind basis.
Highlights from the Gala:
Thank You To Our Sponsors & Supporters
Holly Sanderson Garrett
Daniela & Ajay Kaisth
Jim & Chris Robinson
Emily Holland and Timothy Nichol
Princeton Class of ’69
The Tierney Family
Lou Tucciarone
H.R. Slack
Frank & Carrie Strasburger
Princeton Class of ’72
Our History
In 1999, a group of Princeton alumni, faculty, and staff launched Princeton in Africa as an independent affiliate of Princeton University inspired by the University’s informal motto, “Princeton in the Nation’s Service and in the Service of All Nations.” In 2010, the program opened up to include graduates of any US accredited university in order to meet the growing demand from host organizations and allow more young professionals access to the unique opportunities afforded by PiAf. During the past 20 years, we have placed over 600 Fellows with more than 100 organizations in 36 countries, while developing more strategic partnerships across Africa and creating more opportunities for our alumni community to engage with the continent and with one another.