By Shekinah Harper, Editorial Intern
The City of Atlanta commended Clark Atlanta University for being the only educational institutional in Georgia selected to participate in President Obama’s Young African Leaders Initiative.
On June 24, CAU President Carlton E. Brown received the City of Atlanta Phoenix Award from Mayor Kasim Reed and his mother Sylvia Reed. CAU was recognized for the implementation of President Obama’s YALI program. CAU is the only historically black college or university chosen to participate in President Obama’s initiative.
The Obama administration launched the YALI program in 2010 as a signature effort to invest in the next generation of African leaders. YALI was designed to support young African leaders as they spur growth and prosperity, strengthen democratic governance and enhance peace and security across Africa. Since its development, the U.S. Department of State has held 15 exchanges specifically for young African leaders, as well as sponsored 1,283 sub-Saharan scholars through its educational and cultural affairs programs. The USAID has worked with local governments and institutions to strengthen access to education, workforce training and skills by partnering with African and U.S. higher education institutions.
This summer 25 young African leaders, representing more than 10 countries, received the opportunity to study business and entrepreneurship at CAU. CAU was selected for the program because it was cited for playing a vital role in facilitating cultural, educational and economic exchanges between the United States and Africa.
