UPDATE May 11, 2007: The deadline for application to the Emerging Leadership program has passed. More than 50 people applied for the 18 openings. We are looking forward to greeting them in October.

Application deadline for the second Emerging Leaders Fellowship program is April 30.

The program, which brings talented media managers from North Africa and Middle East countries to learn more about media trends, strategies and leadership, is sponsored by the International Research and Exchange Board and AmmanNet, with support from the U.S. Department of State. It includes a three-week seminar conducted by the Media Management Center and a three-week professional residency at an American media outlet.

Eighteen media professionals are chosen for the program from the countries of Algeria, Bahrain, Egypt, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Morocco, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Tunisia, the United Arab Emirates, Yemen, the West Bank and Gaza. A minimum of five years of media experience is required.

For more details and an application: http://www.irex-mena.org/