The PiAf Impact

Princeton in Africa By the Numbers

The 2022-2023 fellowship year has seen 27 Fellows from 20 colleges and universities placed at 20 organizations across 14 different countries. Over the past 23 years, Princeton in Africa has connected over 700 Fellows with more than 100 organizations in 37 different countries. 

PiAf received feedback in August 2021 from 2020-21 host organizations that hosted our first fully remote class of Fellows. These organizations provided overwhelmingly positive feedback about their Fellows:

What’s the Impact of Princeton in Africa?

Princeton in Africa is dedicated to being an evidence-based and results-driven organization. To this end, we collect information from our Fellows, host organizations, supervisors, and alumni to track our growth every year. We are intent on ensuring that our host organizations’ needs are met, our Fellows experience professional and personal growth and that our alumni maintain their relationships with each other and to the African continent. To learn more about our impact, please look at our current Annual Report and Fellows Flyer Newsletter.

Find old Annual Reports here:

Princeton in Africa’s 2018-2019 Annual Report

Princeton in Africa’s 2017-2018 Annual Report

Princeton in Africa’s 2016-2017 Annual Report

Princeton in Africa’s 2015-2016 Annual Report

Princeton in Africa’s 2014-2015 Annual Report

Princeton in Africa’s 2013-2014 Annual Report




Our History

In 1999, a group of Princeton alumni, faculty, and staff launched Princeton in Africa as an independent affiliate of Princeton University inspired by the University’s informal motto, “Princeton in the Nation’s Service and in the Service of All Nations.” In 2010, the program opened up to include graduates of any US accredited university in order to meet the growing demand from host organizations and allow more young professionals access to the unique opportunities afforded by PiAf. During the past 20 years, we have placed over 600 Fellows with more than 100 organizations in 36 countries, while developing more strategic partnerships across Africa and creating more opportunities for our alumni community to engage with the continent and with one another.

Testimonials

My fellowship has been the most impactful personal and professional development opportunity of my life. I wanted a post-college experience that would push my limits, expand my comfort zone, and help me discern the next steps in my career journey. And this has been the case.

Ryan Elliott
2014-15 Fellow
Baylor Pediatric AIDS Initiative in Lesotho

I can honestly say that this year has changed my life and my view of what’s possible for the future. Princeton in Africa isn’t just a one-year fellowship, it’s an introduction to a particular way of life and a new way of thinking about the world. I feel like so many doors are open now that I never would have considered before.

Katie Fackler
2010-11 Fellow
UN World Food Programme

My Princeton in Africa fellowship was everything I could have hoped for and much more. The myriad of experiences makes my head swim, and it has strengthened my desire to help underserved populations worldwide.

David Bartels
2006-2007 Fellow
Baylor Pediatric AIDS Initiative

Princeton in Africa was an invaluable experience for me. I learned an infinite amount through my work and through living in Uganda. I also realized that I want to continue working on African issues as long as I can.

Alexis Okeowo
2006-2007 Fellow
The New Vision

The International Rescue Committee’s experience with Princeton in Africa has been exceptional. Each Fellow brings excellent writing and analytical skills as well as unique interests and passions that enrich the program and the field office environment. We were so pleased we expanded the program to more field offices.

Susan Riehl
Human Resources, IRC

The Bristol-Myers Squibb Foundation has been working in Africa for over 11 years through its Secure the Future program.  One common theme in all aspects of program implementation is having passionate, energetic individuals on the ground who can think outside the box and then transfer the skills for sustainability.  The Princeton In Africa Fellows have been a huge asset in this regard and our programs and patients have been better for it.

John Damonti
President, Bristol-Myers Squibb Foundation