The American India Foundation (AIF) Banyan Impact Fellowship (formerly the Clinton Fellowship for Service in India) is a fully-funded, interdisciplinary experiential learning program that places young professionals from India and the US in service with communities across 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 through fieldwork, mentorship, and conferences over the course of the program.

The Fellowship pairs a select number of young professionals with credible NGOs and social enterprises in India in order to accelerate impact and create effective projects that are replicable, scale-able, and sustainable. Together, Fellows and development sector leaders form dynamic partnerships to exchange technical skills and knowledge, as well as their passion, commitment, and new ways of looking at the world; ultimately transforming both the individual and organization.

To be eligible, you must:

• be a citizen or permanent resident of the United States or citizen of India
• be between the ages of 21 and 35 by the program start date
• have completed an undergraduate degree (or higher) prior to starting the program

Ideal candidates have:

• A deep interest, passion, and commitment to social and economic development in India
• Humility and an eagerness to learn within a cross-cultural context
• Strong professional skills, relevant volunteer or other practical experience, and applicable academic credentials or training
• Potential for leadership
• Adaptability in new environments and a creative approach to problem-solving
• Exceptional ability to build meaningful relationships across cultures in the social development space
• Sensitivity and ability to work with vulnerable communities
• Humility and passion to acquire new skills informally and "learn by doing" while on the project
• Indian language skills are not required, but considered a highly valuable asset