The American India Foundation’s (AIF’s) Banyan Impact Fellowship

Duration: November 1, 2021 – July 2, 2022.*

*AIF is planning for the program to be hosted in person, however reserves the right to change it to a hybrid model (i.e., a mix of in-person and virtual) if the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic requires it.

Application deadline : May 17th 2021

Description: This Fellowship is an interdisciplinary experiential learning program that places young professionals from India and the U.S. in service with development organizations in India. Through collaboration and capacity-building, Fellows and local communities exchange knowledge and skills to steer projects that advance social and economic development. Fellows learn about grassroots development and inclusive leadership. Since 2001, AIF has selected, trained, and supported 490 Fellows and 214 partner organizations to scale impact, catalyze change, and build the next generation of socially-minded change makers.

Eligibility Criteria:

Applicants must be either U.S. Citizens, U.S. Permanent Residents, or Indian Citizens.
Applicants must be young professionals between the age of 21-35 by the program start of November 1, 2021.
Applicants must have completed a least a Bachelor’s or other undergraduate degrees before the program start on November 1, 2021.
Applicants must be willing and able to serve on the ground in India for full duration of the program. As of April 6th, 2021, AIF is planning for the program to be hosted fully in person on the ground in India. Should the situation around COVID-19 drastically change by then, AIF may shift to a hybrid model.
Applicants must be willing to receive a COVID-19 vaccine before the start of the program.
Applicants must bring both skills and experience, as well as an eagerness to learn with host communities on the ground.
Applicants must be willing to learn a local language if required for the project.
Applicants must be committed to enriching learning opportunities for the fellowship community and positively contribute to building U.S.-India bridges of understanding and partnership during their time of service and after.

Fellowship Support:

AIF provides Fellows with a living stipend, health insurance, professional development, mentorship, and programmatic benefits to enable their service. Selection of Fellows includes a written application and an in-person interview, followed by matching with potential partner organizations for projects.

Apply by: May 17th 2021

Apply here: https://aif.org/fellowship/