KEEP Liberia, in partnership with Girls for Change, proudly presents the Emerging Leaders Mentorship Fellowship, a cornerstone initiative of the Kids Educational Engagement Project. Operating in both Montserrado and Gbarpolu counties, this two-year immersive fellowship grooms Liberia’s next generation of change makers by combining practical leadership training with real-world exposure and meaningful community action.
What the Fellowship Is:
The Emerging Leaders Mentorship Fellowship is a hands-on, two-year development program designed to prepare young people for leadership in their schools, communities and beyond. While the program is designed to serve youth broadly between the ages of 10 and 19, applicants are asked to meet the program’s eligibility requirements (see below). Throughout the fellowship, participants deepen their confidence, expand their skills and build networks that support long-term personal and civic growth.
Core Learning Areas:
Fellows engage in a curriculum focused on five complementary domains:
- Public Speaking — building confidence, clarity and persuasive communication skills.
- Community Engagement & Civic Responsibility — learning how to identify community needs and lead civic initiatives.
- Leadership Development — practicing teamwork, decision-making, ethical leadership and project management.
- Digital Literacy — acquiring essential digital skills for learning, communication and responsible online behavior.
- Entrepreneurship & Financial Literacy — understanding business basics, financial planning and economic empowerment.
Program Experience & Highlights
The fellowship combines classroom learning, mentorship and experiential opportunities so participants can apply their learning outside the training room:
- Educational exposure visits to Liberia’s historical and landmark sites that deepen national pride and contextual learning.
- Internship placements with KEEP Liberia and partner organizations to gain workplace experience and professional mentorship.
- A joint community impact project planned and implemented by fellows, giving them direct experience in project design, implementation and evaluation.
- Certification upon successful completion of the two-year program, recognizing each fellow’s accomplishments and readiness for future opportunities.
- Networking opportunities with like-minded youth leaders, mentors and partner organizations to support ongoing growth and collaboration.
Who Can Apply:
To ensure strong commitment and readiness, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Age/Grade: Applicants should be between ages 11 and 19 and/or enrolled in grades 4 through 11. (Program design serves youth ages 10–19; please review eligibility carefully.)
- Academic Performance: A minimum GPA of “B” or 83% in the most recent school assessment.
- Location: For the Gbarpolu cohort, applicants must reside in Gbarpolu County (preference given to those in the Bopolu District for ease of commute). KEEP Liberia also runs programming in Montserrado County
- Availability: Must attend mandatory fellowship sessions held two Saturdays each month, from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM.
Why This Fellowship Matters:
Young people are central to Liberia’s future. The Emerging Leaders Mentorship Fellowship deliberately blends practical skills, civic education and hands-on experience so fellows graduate not only with knowledge, but with demonstrated leadership and a track record of community impact. The program lifts individual potential while strengthening community institutions through youth-led initiatives and sustained engagement.
Getting Involved:
The Emerging Leaders Mentorship Fellowship is ideal for motivated young learners who are eager to grow, contribute and lead. Prospective applicants and community partners should look to KEEP Liberia and Girls for Change announcements for application windows, selection timelines and next steps. Selected fellows will join a supportive network of peers and mentors committed to learning, service and leadership.
Join us in empowering Liberia’s youth to lead with skill, purpose and heart and the Emerging Leaders Mentorship Fellowship is where tomorrow’s leaders begin.