Junior Fellows

The IAAB Lend a HAND Junior Fellowship program honors young middle school and high school leaders in the Central Asian and Iranian American communities who have already accomplished extraordinary acts of service within their local communities. Fellows will be invited to participate in IAAB’s Summer Leadership Institute, which will include additional curricula focusing on further developing the skills of Fellows as the next generation of leaders within the Iranian diaspora community. 

Junior Fellowship Eligibility Requirements:

In order to be eligible for the IAAB Lend a HAND Junior Fellowship program, applicants must be currently enrolled in middle school or high school and reside within the United States.  Applicants must demonstrate a commitment to public service and civic participation, and must inspire others to make service a central part of their lives. If selected, applicants must be willing to attend IAAB’s Summer Leadership Institute where they will receive in-depth training and guidance that will support them as young leaders.

Junior Fellowship Benefits:
Junior Fellows will receive:

• In-depth training at IAAB’s Summer Leadership Institute. The HAND Foundation will cover the costs of the program tuition.
• Opportunities to participate in special events for current Fellows and Alumni.
• Mentorship from experts within a specific field of interest.
• Recognition, which will include a featured article within various Iranian publications describing the junior fellow’s achievements.

Junior Fellowship Qualifications:

Fellows will be selected for outstanding community service, public service, and/or significant contributions of benefit to Central Asian or Iranian American communities. 

How to Nominate Junior Fellows: 

Nomination/letters must be sent to juniorfellowships@iranianalliances.org, must be in written form, and must include biographical information as well as any supporting documents.

Nominations do not guarantee selection for the IAAB Lend a HAND Fellowship program, and nominees should not be promised otherwise.  The nominated candidate must have earned the recognition and respect and trust of the Central Asian or Iranian American communities.

The recommended candidates, if selected, would be notified in writing by IAAB. Finalists will be asked to submit a 1-3 minute video and a written application as a part of the selection process. 

All questions about the IAAB Lend a HAND Junior Fellowship Program may be sent to juniorfellowships@iranianalliances.org.