Professional Development Initiative
The Ashinaga USA Scholar Professional Development Initiative supports Scholars’ engagement with professional opportunities. Scholars often find these opportunities on their own, or through the global Ashinaga Africa Initiative network and they range from unpaid internships, academic or experiential research projects, and attendance of professional conferences.
Internship Grant
Our Scholars are required to pursue at least one internship in an African country during their university career. We also support the Scholars’ expenses if they choose to engage in additional internships in Africa as we believe that returning to the continent during the summer to work as interns is the best way for them to remain connected to their professional area in Africa and eventually find a suitable job upon graduation. Grants of $4,000 are offered for internships in sub-Saharan Africa, and $3,500 for internships in the Scholars’ home countries or a second internship in sub-Saharan Africa.
Ashinaga Proposal Research Grant
Scholars work on a four-year research project called the Ashinaga Proposal, which seeks to find a solution to a problem identified in their home country. $2,500 is offered to Scholars who wish to conduct research for their Ashinaga Proposal in their home country.
Conference in Africa Prize
Scholars research conferences they would like to attend in Africa to propel their Ashinaga Proposal research, major, and future career, and explain their reasoning in a competitive application process. Winners of the Prize receive funding to cover registration, travel, and lodging to attend the conference.
African Diaspora Investment Symposium Prize
Scholars are required to attend virtual or in-person networking events and/or conferences every year. Scholars may also use conferences to present their Ashinaga Proposal, which is a requirement before graduation. We have spent an average of $800 per scholar for in-person conferences that require travel and accommodation.
