International Internship Program Application - IIP 2026

About Leadership Initiatives

Leadership Initiatives (LI) is a Washington, DC-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit focused on international grassroots development and experiential education. For over 20 years, LI has empowered high school students to create real change in underserved communities worldwide.

Through partnerships with organizations like Microsoft YouthSpark, Starbucks Foundation, the International Youth Foundation, and GlobalGiving, LI connects motivated students to hands-on internships that make a measurable difference.

Our mission is to empower young leaders by offering real-world experience, leadership development, and the opportunity to impact lives across the globe.

Learn more at https://www.liempower.org/

The International Internship Program (IIP)
The IIP is a year-long virtual internship for high school students (grades 9–12) who want to create sustainable change while developing career and leadership skills.

Interns collaborate weekly with teammates from around the world and work directly with community partners in Northern Nigeria to solve real-world challenges in:

Business & Development
Public Health
Advocacy & Human Rights

Each team is guided by a Team Facilitator and a Nigerian Project Coordinator who provide mentorship, context, and support as students design and implement practical solutions.

Program Highlights

Team Structure: 2–7 students per team
Weekly Meetings: Virtual sessions with teammates and mentors
Commitment: 2–3 hours per week
Duration: August 24 – April 1
Service Hours: 81 total hours upon completion
Fundraising: Teams raise funds that directly support hospitals, schools, small businesses, and advocacy programs in Nigeria

Who are We Looking For?

We’re looking for rising freshmen through graduating seniors who are passionate about leadership, service, and global collaboration. Ideal candidates demonstrate strong communication and teamwork skills and are eager to make a tangible difference in the world while preparing for college and their future careers.

Name*

First NameLast Name

Email*

example@example.com

Where are you from*

Address*

Street Address

Street Address Line 2

CityState / Province

Postal / Zip Code

Phone Number*

Please enter a valid phone number.

International Address*

International Phone Number*

Please include country code

Parent's Name*

First NameLast Name

Parent's Email*

example@example.com

Parent's Phone Number*

(000) 000-0000

Did you attend a Leadership Initiatives Summer Internship Program at Georgetown University?*

YesNo

How did you hear about the International Internship Program*

If other, please specify*

School Name*

What grade will you be in the Fall of 2026*

If other, please specify*

Expected high school graduation year?*

Estimated GPA*

Have you participated in the International Internship Program Before?*

YesNo

Please select which International Internship Program you would like to participate in*

International Business & Development InternshipInternational Public Health InternshipInternational Law & Advocacy InternshipI am unsure or do not have a preference

As part of the internship, you’ll collaborate in a team of 3–7 students. Do you already know friends or classmates who may want to join your team?*

Yes, I already have friends or classmates who would like to join.Possibly, I have some people in mind.No, I don’t know anyone yet.

I understand that as part of the internship I will be asked to work with my team to fundraise for projects in northern Nigeria.*

YesNo

What part of this internship are you most excited about?*

What skill do you most hope to improve during this internship?*

Leadership means different things to different people. How do you define leadership?*

How do you hope this experience will shape your future goals or career path?*

When considering your application, is there anything else you think we should know?*

Our team will start reviewing applications on July 15, 2026. Please enter your initials below to show that you understand we won’t be reaching out with updates until that time.*

2026 - 2027 International Internship Program Application

General Information

Education

IIP Interest & Information

Short Response Questions