The inaugural cohort of the Pan-Africa Youth Leadership Program (PAYLP)is complete! PAYLP is a dynamic youth leadership program that brings together students from across Africa to the United States for a three week program focusing on cultural exchange and social entrepreneurship training. Working in partnership with the Meridian International Center, the customized and intercultural programs team at the ISSS coordinated programming for twenty-one students and three mentors from four different nations (Sierra Leone, Nigeria, Kenya, and Tanzania).
Throughout the program, students worked in country teams to develop a pitch for an entrepreneurial start-up that will be implemented in their home communities. The students presented their final pitch to a panel of judges in Chicago during the final days of the program.
In addition to their entrepreneurial planning, other program highlights included visits to the Capital Factory, East Austin College Prep School, and the Georgetown Challenge Course. Students were also hosted by local home stay families, where they experienced local customs and cultural events in a familiar setting.
This is the first of three PAYLP cohorts that the customized and intercultural programs team will be hosting on campus this year. Look for cohorts number two and three on campus in July and August!
THIS was a very happy moment for everyone i enjoyed being part of you guy ball state was also fun
This is the best experience I’ll live to cherish forever, the impact this program has brought in my live is awesome. Long live PAYLP!