The ECDAN Knowledge Fellows program creates opportunities for early-career ECD professionals around the globe to receive professional development, mentorship, and networking connections while working on a project that advances ECDAN’s learning goals.
Launched in 2021, the program is based on the belief that supporting early-career ECD professionals to develop their skills, knowledge, and professional connections will not only help them increase their interest in continuing in the ECD field but also enrich conversations in the global ECD sector by elevating their perspectives and voices.
Eligibility
Knowledge Fellows must meet the following criteria:
- Received an advanced degree within the past three years.
- Not currently in the process of writing a PhD dissertation.
- Available to commit 6 to 10 hours per week from July 2024 to March 2025.
- Interested and experienced in the field of ECD.
- Comfortable writing and communicating in English.
- Willing to meet at least once a month with an assigned mentor and participate in monthly cohort meetings.
- Experienced with analyzing information from multiple sources and compiling insights in a digestible and usable format.
- Capable of being self-directed yet responsive to feedback.
Benefits
ECDAN will provide each Knowledge Fellow with the following:
- Financial support of US$3,000, paid in two installments.
- A seasoned ECD professional, who has expertise in the Fellow’s specific topic area, to serve as a mentor and provide guidance throughout the fellowship.
- Continuous professional development and support from ECDAN’s Secretariat.
- Peer support through the monthly cohort meetings with other Knowledge Fellows.
- Networking and collaboration opportunities with other ECD professionals worldwide.
- Invitation to attend events such as webinars, facilitated discussions, and other learning exchanges hosted by ECDAN and its partners.
- The opportunity to present the final product to global stakeholders in a dissemination event.
- Visibility for the Fellow on ECDAN’s website and promotion of the created product
Application Process
The Knowledge Fellows application is submitted through an online Google form. For a successful application, applicants must prepare their information in advance so that it is well-written and complete. Professional writing and the ability to organize ideas are part of how applications are evaluated. Answers to open questions can be prepared in MS Word and copied into the online form when ready. No attachments are required or permitted. Applicants will be emailed a copy of their submission using the email address provided.
The application has seven main parts:
- Personal information.
- Confirmation of eligibility.
- Personal motivation.
- Background information and relevant qualifications.
- Project proposal.
- Examples of written work.
- References.
