2025 ILF Civic Fellows Program Apply Today!

WASHINGTON, DC – The International Leadership Foundation (ILF) is now accepting applications for the Summer 2025 Civic Fellowship Program. Every year, ILF identifies approximately 30 outstanding Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) college students to spend 8 to 10 weeks interning at a federal agency in Washington D.C. during the summer term. Students are also placed in the U.S. Congress, D.C. based nonprofits and think tanks.

Further, ILF provides scholarships as well as professional development. ILF Civic Fellows receive a stipend upon successful program completion to help offset costs for their travels to Washington, D.C., housing and living expenses.In addition to their full-time federal internships, Fellows attend professional and leadership development workshops and seminars. They also have the opportunity to hear from prominent AANHPI public service leaders through a series of fireside chats and panel discussions.

Applications are open now and must be submitted by Friday, January 3, 2025 at 5pm ET. *Please be mindful of this deadline due to school closure and the holiday break to obtain transcripts and recommendations. To learn more or submit an application, please visit www.ilfnational.org/fellowship.

“Empowering the next generation of AANHPI leaders is central to our mission,” said Linh Hoang, Executive Director of ILF. “Through the Civic Fellowship, we offer college students the tools, experiences, and networks they need to become impactful leaders. This program provides an unparalleled opportunity to launch their careers in public service, make meaningful connections, and gain insights that will shape their leadership journeys.”

Please see our recent testimonials from ILF Civic Fellows who successfully completed the program:

“During my internship at the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI), I had the unique opportunity to explore a new interest in development economics within my passion for food and agriculture. ILF enabled me to gain exposure to leading internationally-relevant research which cumulated in my summer project eventually being presented in-person to foreign governments’ ministers and heads-of-state halfway around the world. As a newcomer to Washington D.C., ILF further gave me a new community of friends, peers, and mentors that have enhanced my understanding of how governance and public service can improve our world.”
Nick Blumenthal, 2023 ILF Civic Fellow
Placement: Food Policy Research Institute
Current Position: Stanford University Graduate School of Business – Master of Business Administration

“Reflecting on my time as a Civic Fellow with ILF, I’m filled with both warmth and a deep sense of inspiration. Through ILF, I had the chance to meet AA&NHPI trailblazers and build lasting connections with peers, relationships that I know will be vital as we continue to navigate our shared journey to make a difference. With the support of ILF, I had the honor of interning at The White House Initiative on Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander. Truly, this foundation has provided me with the tools, knowledge, and confidence to turn my passion into action, allowing me to give back to my communities in meaningful ways. I am immensely grateful to ILF for opening doors I never knew existed and I genuinely hope that all aspiring AA&NHPI leaders can have an experience like this.”
Vanessa Lee, 2023 ILF Civic Fellow
Placement: White House Initiative on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders
Current Position: Communication Analyst and Case Manager, National Asian Pacific Center on Aging (NAPCA
)

Application Requirements:

  • Undergraduate students who identify as AANHPI are encouraged to apply.
  • Eligibility requirements include U.S. citizenship, minimum of 3.0 GPA, and current undergraduate student in good standing at their prospective university.
  • Additional documents such as an official transcript, resume, and at least one letter of recommendation are also required.

Important note: Applicants should expect that summer internships will be on-site in Washington, DC. However, some or most internships may be virtual, depending on each federal agency’s policy. ILF will keep applicants informed during the application and placement process.

.

APPLY HERE TODAY!