SikhLEAD DC 2027 Internship Application
The SikhLEAD DC summer internship program is a fully in-person program that takes place in our nation's capital, Washington, D.C. This year SikhLEAD DC will commence on June 5th, 2027 and will conclude on July 24, 2027. The deadline to submit this application is January 15, 2027. Please note some parts of this application will require you to upload specific documents (resume, cover letter, transcripts, writing sample, & 2 letters of rec.) later in the form. Completing this application is only the first step in our selection process. While we make every effort to interview everyone who submits an application, interviews are not guaranteed.
Program Requirements
Please review and answer the following required eligibility questions to ensure you can meet the core commitments of this program.
The SikhLEAD DC internship program focuses on uplifting and empowering Sikh students and young Sikh professionals, so we seek candidates who share our religious background. Do you personally identify with or share this religious background?
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Yes, I identify with and share this religious background.
No, I do not share this religious background.
Passing our interview only provides a tentative confirmation of acceptance. Final participation in the program is strictly contingent upon you successfully securing a host internship/employer in DC. If you are unable to secure a host employer by May 1, 2027, you will not be able to participate in the program. Do you understand and agree to this confirmation process?
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Yes, I understand that full program participation depends on finding a in-person DC-based host employer.
No, I do not agree.
Please note that housing is not provided. If accepted into this program and matched with a host employer, students are entirely responsible for finding and securing their own housing in Washington DC. Can you confirm you understand and accept this responsibility should you be accepted into the program?
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Yes, I understand and accept that housing is my responsibility.
No, I cannot meet this housing requirement.
If accepted into the program, can you confirm that you will be able to attend the mandatory, in-person orientation in Washington DC (June 5, 2027), in addition to all other required in-person DC programming events?
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Yes
No
Do you understand and agree that, if accepted into the SikhLEAD DC summer internship program, any unexcused absences, tardiness, or failure to attend required sessions will result in the immediate termination of your internship or reduction of your stipend?
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Yes
No
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Application Requirements
Please review and acknowledge the following policy regarding your application materials before proceeding.
The use of generative AI tools is strictly prohibited for drafting essay responses, short answers, or cover letters for this application. All submissions must be your own authentic work. Discovery of AI usage will result in disqualification of your application. Do you understand and agree to adhere to this policy?
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Yes, I understand and agree that AI usage is strictly prohibited.
No, I do not agree.
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Part A: Personal Information
First name
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Middle name
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Last name
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Gender
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Birth date
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Month
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Day
Year
2 digit month, 2 digit day, 4 digit year
Date
Phone Number
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Area Code
Phone Number
Primary Email Address
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example@example.com
Permanent Address
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Street Address
Street Address Line 2
City
State / Province
Postal / Zip Code
Part B: Additional Eligibility
Will you be 18 years old by the program orientation date (June 5, 2027) ?
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Have you applied to any SikhLEAD programs before? If yes, please specify which track (DC, Regional, or Media) and the year(s).
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What is your current citizenship or residency status?
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Part C: Emergency Contact Information
Emergency Contact Full Name
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Relationship to You
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Emergency Contact Phone Number
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Area Code
Phone Number
Emergency Contact Email Address
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example@example.com
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Academic Background
Please provide details regarding your current enrollment, major, and academic status.
Current College or University Name
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City and State of College/University
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Current Year/Standing
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Major/Field of Study
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Minor/Concentration
Expected Graduation Date (MM-YY)
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Cumulative GPA
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Short Essay Responses
Please answer the following prompts fully. Note that your responses must be written entirely by you without the assistance of generative AI, and each must stay within the specified word limit.
How do you personally define your relationship with the Sikh faith?
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0/250
What do you hope to gain from the SikhLEAD DC internship experience?
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0/250
How do your academic or professional experiences relate to this internship program?
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0/250
Is there an issue that you are passionate about and would like to advocate for? Please explain why.
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0/250
Required Documents
Please upload all required materials below
Resume
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Browse Files
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Cover Letter
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Browse Files
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Transcript (we accept unofficial copies)
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Browse Files
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2 Letters of Recommendation
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Browse Files
If your recommender would like to send SALDEF the recommendation letter directly, please have them send the letter to simrndip.k.sandhu@saldef.org.
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Writing Sample
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Browse Files
This can be a recent academic paper, article, or professional writing sample. There are no page limits for this document, as we want to fully review your core writing capabilities.
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Additional Skills
Please feel free to list any additional unique skills, talents, and/or honors/awards (that are not already mentioned in the documents you uploaded previously) that you bring to the program.
Language Proficiencies
Other talents or skills
Honors/Awards
Extracurriculars and/or Positions Held
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Final Attestation & Next Steps
Please complete the final verification steps below to submit your application
How did you hear about the SikhLEAD DC internship program?
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SikhLEAD Alumni
Social Media
Email newsletter
Other
Who would you recommend or nominate to speak to our cohort for our guest speaker series? (Please share name, title, or organization).
Would you like to be added to the SALDEF Mailing list?
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Yes, sign me up!
No, thank you.
Do you have any questions about the SikhLEAD DC program itself or SALDEF, the application/interview timeline, the host internship matching process, or anything else you would like us to follow up with you about?
I certify that all the information provided in this application is true, accurate, and complete to the best of my knowledge.
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Date
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Month
-
Day
Year
2 digit month, 2 digit day, 4 digit year
Date
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