ACMER Leadership Development Program Summer 2026 Internship Application

Please note that the priority deadline has passed as of April 19th. All applications submitted after April 19th are not guaranteed review and will be assessed on a rolling basis. Fall internship and graduate fellowship applications will open later this month. Please check acmer.us/ldp for updates.

Location: Washington, D.C.
Program Dates: June–August 2026 (exact dates flexible; commitment is 2-3 months)
Compensation: $5,000 stipend

Job Description

Please note this is an abridged version of the job description. You can access the full job description here.

The American Committee for Middle East Rights (ACMER) is pleased to launch its inaugural Leadership Development Program (LDP), a paid internship for undergraduate students and recent graduates. ACMER strongly encourages applications from individuals of Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) descent, as well as those with a demonstrated interest in MENA-related foreign policy, human rights, and national security. The LDP places participants in congressional offices and NGOs working on foreign policy, human rights, and national security. Students receive hands-on experience and direct exposure to the policymaking processes that define U.S. foreign policy.

Over the course of the summer, interns will work in congressional offices or DC-based NGOs where they will gain direct insight into the legislative and advocacy processes that drive U.S. foreign policy. Alongside their placements, ACMER offers structured professional development sessions and networking events designed to strengthen leadership skills and expand professional networks. The program aims to equip students with the tools and connections needed to launch careers on Capitol Hill and in the broader policy and advocacy community.

Name*

First NameLast Name

Email*

example@example.com

Phone Number*

Format: (000) 000-0000.

Pronouns used*

City, State of residence*

Home Congressional district and representative (please note hometown district and your university or college's district)*

Find your district here: https://www.house.gov/representatives/find-your-representative

Name of undergraduate institution*

Expected graduation year*

Academic major/minor(s)*

Democratic Hill OfficeRepublican Hill OfficeIndependent Hill OfficeNon-profit organization

How did you hear about the ACMER Leadership Development Program?

What draws you to ACMER's Leadership Development Program and working on U.S. foreign policy? (150 word maximum)*

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What do you consider the most pressing U.S. foreign policy issue of today? (150 word maximum)*

0/175

Tell us about a project, experience, or initiative that you’re proud of and reflects your commitment to public service or advocacy. (150 word maximum)*

0/175

Why is MENA-American representation in foreign policy and public service important to you? (150 word maximum) *

0/175

Resume submission (2 page maximum)*

Please submit a pdf of your resume with the naming conventions Last Name_First Name_ACMER_Resume.

Reference list submission (2-3 references with name, relationship, email, and phone number)*

References should be from professors, managers, mentors, or other professional or educational relationships. Please submit a list with each reference's full name, relationship, email, and phone number.

Unofficial transcript submission*

ACMER Leadership Development Program Summer 2026 Internship Application

Basic Information

Application Questions

Optional Demographics Survey