Ujima Fellowship Program, Cohort 7

The Ujima Fellowship is a leadership development program that aims to address structural racism and inequity by creating opportunities for diverse representation within advisory or decision making entities.

This fellowship aims to support African descent and other BIPOC (Black, Indigenous or a Person of Colour) aged 16 - 30 who demonstrate the willingness to develop their leadership skills and want to serve on advisory or policy-making platforms.

The fellowship is named Ujima (oo-JEE-mah), after the third principle of Kwanzaa. Kwanzaa is a week-long cultural celebration that honors African American and African culture. Ujima means collective responsibility and work. Ujima focuses on the foundation of community building and collaboration as a means to solve problems and stepping away from the individual mindset and moving towards a collective approach.

• Must be 16–30 years old.
• Identify as African descent or other BIPOC.
• Must be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or refugee.
• Must reside in Edmonton or Calgary during fellowship.
• Letter of intent (500 words) explaining interest in civic leadership, motivation, and goals.
• Optional reference letter from professor, teacher, employer, or volunteer supervisor.
• Commitment to completing all program components (training, placement, volunteer work).