YSEALI AFP Themes

Addressing Critical Global Challenges

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Civic Engagement

The YSEALI Academic Fellows Program theme of Civic Engagement explores active citizenship, community-building, grassroots organizing, and more. Sub-themes may include media literacy, civil rights, community resilience, etc. Academic sessions are complemented by hands-on sessions and workshops designed to build skills and encourage participants to develop innovative and practical plans to become engaged citizens in their own communities.

A YSEALI Fellow volunteering at a food bank in 2022
A lady smiling after picking carrots in a blue jean jacket

Sustainability and Environment

The YSEALI Academic Fellows Program theme of Sustainability and Environment explores the role that environmental policy has played in economic and political development. Sub-themes may include safeguarding the environment, clean air and water, environmental issues, ocean protection, renewable energy, pollution, public health and safety, conservation, emergency and disaster management, etc. These topics are explored from numerous angles, including local grassroots activism and civic initiatives, impacts on underserved communities, global multilateral efforts, the private sector, and government policies and regulations.

Innovation, Entrepreneurship, and Economic Empowerment

The YSEALI Academic Fellows Program theme of Innovation, Entrepreneurship, and Economic Empowerment explores the use of entrepreneurial skills in addressing social issues and challenges. Sub-themes may include economic and social movements, anti-poverty initiatives, investment, financial literacy, microfinance, emerging technology, strategic business planning, etc. Participants will review the development, history, challenges, and successes of social enterprises and community leaders in the United States and globally, with specific relevance to Southeast Asia

A man giving a presentation on what a Zoom Project is
YSEALI Fall 2022 Fellow communicating with a man in a suit

Society and Governance

The YSEALI Academic Fellows Program theme of Society and Governance explores governance, policy making and public management practices at both the local and national level. Sub-themes may include democracy and rule of law, public health and human services, public-private partnerships, anti-corruption and transparency, etc. Participants are encouraged to draw parallels between the United States and their home countries.