SERC students are encouraged to seize a life-changing leadership opportunity by applying for the prestigious Washington Ireland Program (WIP), Emerging Leaders, designed to develop the next generation of leaders from across Ireland and Northern Ireland.
WIP Emerging Leaders
The program offers successful applicants the chance to spend eight transformational weeks in the United States during June and July 2027, combining professional work experience, leadership development, community engagement and personal growth. Participants will live with host families, undertake a work placement, visit community organisations and build the skills needed to become impactful leaders within their communities.
The program is looking for students who are already making a difference, whether through volunteering, community involvement, leadership activities or advocating for positive change.
Applications are open to full-time third-level students, including those studying full-time Foundation Degrees and HNDs. Applicants must be aged 18 or over by March 2027 and either be born in Ireland or Northern Ireland, be an Irish or Northern Irish citizen, or consider Ireland or Northern Ireland home, with at least three years' residency.
Applications for the Emerging Leaders Class of 2027 open on 7 October 2026 and close on 22 November 2026 (23:59).
WIP Academy
In the last academic year, two students from SERC, Gia Francesca McCormick (from Donaghadee) and Caitlin Wilson (from Portavogie), were selected from hundreds of nominations from across the island of Ireland for the WIP Academy. Both young women were class representatives when they first progressed to SERC, and both were elected representatives of SERC Students’ Union.
For the WIP Academy, young people can be nominated by people who work or volunteer in a community or charity organisation. Participants do not need to be attending school or enrolled in a Further or Higher Education course to apply but a track record of serving others (in any capacity) is a key requirement. Applications close at the end of January.
Watch a short video from a past participant and find out further information, including opportunities for scholarships and financial support at: Washington Ireland Program - SERC.
