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.
Nexus
Princeton in Africa Nexus Program
In 2023, Princeton in Africa expanded our model to include the Nexus program! Princeton in Africa Nexus pairs 5 Nexus Fellows educated and resident on the African continent with 5 general co-Fellows educated at U.S.-accredited institutions. These Fellows work together in the same host organizations on the African continent for a co-Fellow exchange of skills, knowledge, leadership, and technical expertise. The Nexus program is an addition to PiAf’s signature fellowship program tailored for young leaders educated at a U.S.-accredited institution.
The program is designed to enrich our Fellows’ experience and professional growth on the African continent and bring young professionals educated in African institutions into our community of over 700 alumni spanning all over the world.
How do I become a Nexus Fellow?
All Nexus applicants must meet the eligibility criteria listed below. Please see additional FAQs on our website to learn more (this can be linked to the FAQs).
- Nexus applicants must be young professionals or current undergraduates graduating by June 2024 at the time of application.
- Nexus applicants must have an undergraduate degree or a Master’s degree (or equivalent), or a Ph.D. from an African university.
- Nexus applicants must have full professional English proficiency as defined by the U.S. Department of State. Additionally, full professional proficiency in French is preferred at some posts.
- Nexus applicants must be not more than 35 years of age for the duration of the fellowship year (through August 2025).
- Nexus applicants must have a passport valid through the end of the fellowship year (August 2025).
- Nexus applicants must have citizenship in an African country and have current residency in an African country (applicants with dual U.S. citizenship will not be considered).
Please see additional FAQs on our website to learn more.
How does the Nexus program differ from the general fellowship program?
- The Nexus program is intended for graduates of African universities who have citizenship in an African country and are resident on the African continent. The general fellowship program is intended for graduates of US-accredited universities. All Nexus Fellows will be placed in a host organization alongside a co-Fellow from the flagship fellowship program so that both Fellows can benefit from an exchange of skills, experiences, and perspectives. Note that specific posts at certain host organizations are designated as Nexus posts. These are listed on the fellowship application and on the List of Prospective Host Organizations. The list of Nexus posts will be updated through the fall and spring and are subject to change.
- Applicants who have a degree from an African university and a degree from a US-accredited university, or a degree from a US-accredited university that is based on the African continent are eligible to apply for the Nexus Program. Applicants holding only a degree from a US-accredited university that is not based on the African continent will be eligible to apply for the general fellowship program only.
- Those who are citizens of an African country and who graduated from an African institution that is not U.S.-accredited and who hold dual U.S. citizenship will not be eligible to apply for the general or the Nexus fellowship program).
Please see additional FAQs on our website to learn more.
Nexus Application Requirements
- (All Applicants) Complete Online Application — submitted via online form linked here
- (All Applicants) Resume or CV — attached to online application. Must be in English, 2 pages max and no larger than 256KB.
- (All Applicants) Unofficial Transcript — attached to online application. Transcripts must be in English, should be in PDF format and no larger than 256KB.
- (All Applicants) Official Transcript — sent directly from your university to piafapp@princetoninafrica.org, additional information in FAQs linked above. Note that PiAf only accepts digital official transcripts in English that are sent directly from your university to our offices via official online platform or university email.
- (All Applicants) One Letter of Recommendation — submitted directly by your recommender via online form linked here
- (Nexus Applicants Only) Proof of University Enrollment — attached to online application. Must be in English, in PDF format and no larger than 256KB. For this requirement, PiAf will accept any ONE of the following:
- An official enrollment verification document (accompanied by an English translation, if necessary)
- A scanned copy of the applicant’s diploma (accompanied by an English translation, if necessary)
- A letter in English on university letterhead signed by a university administrator or professor indicating the dates of enrollment, degree obtained, and area of study. The university representative’s email and phone number must be included in the letter.
2024-25 Orientation
Nexus Fellows are required to attend the 2024-25 orientation virtually and in real-time. The orientation will take place in Eastern Standard Time at Princeton University and will be streamed live so Nexus Fellows will be able to interact with others and participate in sessions.
When applying, applicants must attest that if selected as a Nexus Fellow, they will be able to virtually attend Princeton in Africa’s full mandatory orientation in real-time. Orientation starts on Thursday, June 6th and concludes on Saturday, June 8th, 2024.
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.