Thank you for your interest in the Interpreters Lead cohort. The application period is now closed.
Interpreters Lead is accepting applications through 1 December 2025 for members of the 2026 cohort.
Cohort Participant Countries
We have spaces available for interpreters from the following countries.
Deaf and hearing interpreters are encouraged to apply.
Schedule
The cohort will consist of the following components.
🤟
January 2026
International Sign classes
On Zoom
Learn or practice your International Sign. Our cohort meetings will use International Sign so that all participants have full access.
🧑💻
February – June 2026
Biweekly cohort meetings
On Zoom
Mondays
11 am – 1 pm ET 🇺🇸
6 – 8 pm 🇲🇼🇷🇼
7 – 9 pm 🇪🇹
🧳
22-27 March 2026
One-week cohort meeting
Onsite in Kigali, Rwanda
Including participation in the Africa Federation of Sign Language Interpreters conference.
For optimal learning to occur, cohort members are expected to attend all portions of the schedule.
Cost & Grant Support
🇪🇹🇲🇼🇷🇼
Participants from Ethiopia, Malawi, and Rwanda
The program is grant-funded for interpreters from African countries, and is offered for free to those who are accepted into the cohort.
Cost: FREE
🇺🇸
Participants from the United States
Interpreters from the United States are responsible for costs related to traveling to Kigali, Rwanda and participating in the onsite component of the cohort.
Estimated cost: $3,100 (based on departure airport)
What’s included:
- 10 weeks of International Sign, interpreting theory, and application instruction
- In Rwanda:
- Africa Federation of Sign Language Interpreters conference registration
- Ground transportation
- Daily breakfast and lunch; most dinners
- Sightseeing tour of Kigali
- For interpreters from Ethiopia, Malawi, and the United States:
- Airfare to/from Rwanda
- Hotel (6 nights)
- Travel insurance
Apply Today
We look forward to receiving your application!
Applications are due on 1 December 2025, and decisions will be sent by 10 December 2025.