African-American China Leadership Fellows Program 2024

The African-American China Leadership Fellows Program (AACLF) is dedicated to the development of mid-career African-American China professionals, striving to curb the under-representation of African-Americans in U.S.-China relations. We firmly believe that supporting rising African-American professionals is essential to enhancing the China space, improving U.S. national security and competitiveness, and better reflecting the diversity of the United States.

Now entering its fourth year, the program selects a group of outstanding, mid-career professionals and, through the guidance of experienced African-American mentors and the program team, helps them hone career skills, expand their policy knowledge, and activate professional networks to advance their careers. The ultimate goal is to help them navigate a path to senior leadership positions in their respective organizations and industries. 

Program Format

The program spans 9 months, from mid-April through mid-December. Fellows are paired with one of the mentors above, each of whom has deep experience engaging with China. The substance of the program focuses on further developing core career capacities, including communication skills, networking, goal setting, and navigating career pathways, and then working together to actively promote career advancement. It combines twice-monthly individual sessions with a mentor with monthly cohort events. The program culminates with an in-person trip for the cohort to Washington DC or another relevant location where they will be joined by the previous years’ alumni.

About American Mandarin Society

Since the normalization of relations over four decades ago, U.S.-China relations have evolved dramatically, with increased interaction in fields such as education, culture, trade, and politics. As each country grapples with how to manage the relationship, each must cultivate and train new representatives for this responsibility. Effective stewardship requires a foundation of knowledge and understanding of each other’s language, history, and culture. As U.S. interests in Asia have grown, initiatives encouraging study abroad and people-to-people exchange with China have proliferated....&nb... read more

African-American China Leadership Fellows Program

Aim and Benefits of African-American China Leadership Fellows Program

The program spans 9 months, from mid-April through mid-December. Fellows are paired with one of the mentors above, each of whom has deep experience engaging with China. The substance of the program focuses on further developing core career capacities, including communication skills, networking, goal setting, and navigating career pathways, and then working together to actively promote career advancement. It combines twice-monthly individual sessions with a mentor with monthly cohort events. The program culminates with an in-person trip for the cohort to Washington DC or another relevant location where they will be joined by the previous years’ alumni.

Requirements for African-American China Leadership Fellows Program Qualification

Applicants should be African-Americans who have: demonstrated a commitment to elevating a China-focused career studied and/or worked abroad in Mainland China and/or Taiwan a minimum of five years’ relevant work experiencea strong focus and drive to achieve his/her career goals Mandarin Chinese language skills

Application Deadline

How to Apply

We are looking for people with outstanding potential who are ready to become the next generation of leaders and mentors in the China space. All applicants should first register as members of AMS, then prepare a résumé, the names and email addresses of two references, and the answers to the following questions. 

1. Why are you interested in this program? What do you hope to accomplish? Where are you now, and where do you hope to go in the next five years? (500 words max) 
2. Why China? Describe your experience with and interest in China, and how China relates to your goals. (250 words max) 

Please submit your applications by following this link. Applications will be considered on a rolling basis, so we encourage early application. Feel free to contact us with any questions at [email protected]

For more details, visit American Mandarin Society website.