The U.S. Embassy is pleased to announce a call for applications for the Global Sports Mentoring Program, which will take place in the United States from September 14 – October 17, 2015.
Through this exchange program, young female leaders in the sports sector will be matched with leading female executives from the most prestigious sports organizations in the United States for a month-long mentorship. The program will provide participants with unique opportunities across all aspects of sports to develop relevant management and business skills, gain exposure to the U.S. sports business, media, and non-profit environments, and establish lasting relationships and a global network of leaders in the sports sector.
Program Outline:
The 2015 program includes several days of orientation in Washington, D.C., a three-week mentorship in the United States, and a series of closing activities in Washington, D.C. The orientation will introduce the emerging leaders to U.S. Government officials, high-level figures in the sports sector, and representatives of sports business associations. Participants will also learn about American culture, the American sports structure, and the history of women’s sports in the United States.
Following the orientation, the participants will travel individually to their respective mentorship locations. Each participant will work with a senior female executive, her team, and the organization’s partners to engage in activities designed to meet the needs and interests of the participant. Throughout the mentorship, the participant will work with her mentor and representatives from the mentor’s networks to further develop her action plan and future endeavors. During the final component, the participants will share and evaluate their mentorship experiences and finalize the action plans that they will develop in cooperation with their mentors. The nominee’s ability to create this strong follow-on project for her home country and its potential to increase the number of women and girls participating in sports weigh heavily in the selection process.
Funding:
The program is supported by U.S. Department of State’s Sports United Program with its cooperative partner, the University of Tennessee and will cover international and domestic airfare, lodging and meals, and basic health insurance for all participants during the program.
Participants:
Participants must be Jordanian women between the ages of 25 and 40 who demonstrate the drive and potential to make an impact in Jordan’s country’s sports sector. These select individuals must show an ability to reach the top levels of their organizations. Preference is given to those candidates who have not yet traveled to the United States.
Candidates must have a very good command of English, including business-related terms, and must be able to converse fluently in English with their fellow participants and mentors. Participants should demonstrate a willingness to take part in exchange programs, welcome opportunities for mentoring and new partnership development, and exhibit confidence and maturity. They should also be self-motivated and driven towards exceptional success in their profession and committed to sharing knowledge and helping others succeed in their home country.
Participants may include, but are not limited to, women from all aspects of sports including: sports management; sports administration; coaching; sports journalism and mass communication; sports marketing; disability sports; social responsibility through sports; or sports medicine. They must have a minimum of three years of professional experience in a sports-related industry. Women from underserved communities or rural areas, and women with disabilities are highly encouraged to apply. Participants with higher education degrees in a sports-related field are welcome, although this is not mandatory. Compatibility of skills, background, and entrepreneurial experience between selected participants and their potential mentors will also be a part of the selection process.
How to apply
To apply, please submit the following documents toAmmanExchanges@State.gov or AmmanExchanges@gmail.com no later than March 1, 2015.
- Completed application form
- A Statement of Interest (a description of what you hope to gain from the mentorship experience and of your future plans in the sports sector in Jordan; 500 words maximum).
- Current résumé
- Copy of passport
- Basic biographical information including interests
- Details about the sports work in which you are engaged, the sector of the organization as well as your role within the organization
- Letters of recommendation (encouraged, but optional)
