Public Health Institute’s Generation Next Fellowship Program Year 2 Semi-Annual Report

The program aims to provide opportunities for young professionals to gain experience in humanitarian assistance and develop their skills in this field. During the first half of Program Year 2 (PY2), the GenNext team continued to refine its communications, outreach, and recruitment plans and activities to begin recruiting the second cohort of Fellows and additional humanitarian assistance organizations. The team also began performance management and learning activities that directly interface with Fellows. Building partnerships was a key focus area during the reporting period. GenNext staff attended the InterAction Annual Forum to reach out to implementing agencies and garner interest in becoming a host partner for the GenNext Fellowship. The USAID/BHA Assistant Administrator endorsed the fellowship during her plenary address, which enhanced the effectiveness of this strategy. As a result, a substantial list of interested organizations was generated, and partnerships with four additional implementing agencies were formed, bringing the total number of host organizations to nine. Fostering linkages with Minority-Serving Institutions (MSIs) was another key area of focus. The GenNext team continued to foster relationships with MSIs through outreach initiatives, including a career fair at Hampton University. The team connected with Dr. Green, Chair of the Department of Political Science, History & International Studies, who expressed interest in delving deeper into the humanitarian assistance field and sharing insights with students. GenNext also strengthened its relationship with USAID by disseminating opportunities to MSIs, further linking the two organizations. Conducting outreach and recruiting Fellows was also a key activity during the reporting period. The six Fellows hired in PY1 began their fellowships, while preparations for recruiting the second cohort were underway. The GenNext team secured attendance at various prominent gatherings, including the Society for Advancement of Chicanos/Hispanics and Native Americans in Sciences (SACNAS) and the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU). The team participated in 16 external events across the United States, targeting various communities strategically, and hosted two webinars titled “Beyond the Cap and Gown: Embarking on a Career in the Humanitarian Field.” The GenNext team's efforts resulted in a substantial list of interested organizations, partnerships with four additional implementing agencies, and a strengthened relationship with USAID. The team also secured attendance at various prominent gatherings and hosted webinars to promote the program and recruit Fellows.