Emerging Leaders
The Washington Ireland Program is looking for the next class of Emerging Leaders — 30 students from across Northern Ireland and Ireland ready to create real change.
Make an impact that lasts beyond the summer
Over eight transformational weeks during June and July 2027, you'll live with a host family, have a work placement, visit community organisations and build essential skills that will give you the confidence to be an impactful leader in your community.
This isn't just a summer trip. It's a chance to be part of a growing network of young leaders working to build a more peaceful, prosperous future for Ireland and Northern Ireland.
Applications open
Wednesday 7 October 2026
Applications open at midday.
We're looking for people who make things happen
You don't need a huge title or years of leadership experience. WIP is looking for people already making a difference in the communities around them.
Show up for your community
You don't just talk about change. You get involved and help make it happen.
Make a difference
You've led, volunteered or made a difference in your community — big or small.
Find common ground
You're ready to have challenging conversations and engage with class members from different communities and perspectives.
Eligibility
In addition to WIP's Applicant Characteristics, applicants must meet the following eligibility criteria.
Applicant requirements
- Born in Ireland or Northern Ireland, an Irish/NI citizen, or consider Ireland/NI home with a minimum of three years' residency.
- Be a full-time third level education student (Level 5+) in Ireland, Northern Ireland or Great Britain as of June 2027.
- This includes courses such as a full-time Foundation Degree or full-time HND.
- Be aged 18 or over as of March 2027.
- Hold a valid passport or be able to obtain one by 1 February 2027.
Key dates
-
Orientation Weekend
Friday 19 – Sunday 21 March 2027 -
Resilience Day Training
Saturday 15 May 2027 -
Eight weeks in the United States
Saturday 29 May – Sunday 25 July 2027
We particularly welcome applications from
NI Regional Colleges
Students currently studying at a Northern Ireland Regional College.
EMA recipients
Students who received EMA during their final two years of secondary school.
Grant or fee waiver
Students on a full grant or fee waiver based on parental income.
Church communities
Members of the Presbyterian, Church of Ireland or Methodist Church.
Smart Consent participants
Students who've completed a Smart Consent, or similar, programme at their college.
Cost & Scholarships
The programme is heavily subsidised
During the summer, students receive $175 per week for travel and groceries, plus $40 per month towards phone data.
Students are asked to contribute towards:
- $1,550 — Flights, basic health insurance, Philadelphia day trip and five-day New York City trip.
- $500 — Visa processing.
- $160 — US Consulate interview fee.
WIP offers scholarships to students who are unable to contribute towards programme costs.
Approximately half of Emerging Leaders students received a scholarship in each of the past four years.
Scholarships are available to:
- NI students receiving a Maintenance or Special Support Grant
- NI students who received EMA in their final two years of secondary school
- All-Ireland Scholarship recipients
For more information:
application@wiprogram.orgWIP Academy
Ready to turn your passion for your community into real change?
The WIP Academy is a unique leadership programme for 30 young community leaders passionate about making a difference across Northern Ireland and Ireland.
Supported by Bank of America and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade Reconciliation Fund, the Academy blends in-person experiences in Belfast and Dublin with remote learning designed to be flexible around your life — whether that's a job, volunteering, caring responsibilities, or all three.
What you'll get
Build skills, relationships and experience
- An overnight residential to build relationships and help shape the programme.
- An exclusive eight-week remote project with a high-profile organisation.
- Sharpen your CV, presentation and teamwork skills while delivering real social impact.
- Two in-person development days packed with industry leaders, live debates and design-thinking workshops tackling issues facing our shared island.
Learn from leaders and mentors
- Weekly speaker sessions over the summer with community leaders from the US, Ireland and Northern Ireland.
- Your own WIP Alum mentor.
- Weekly mentoring sessions to help you map out your goals and next steps.
Community leaders already making a difference
The Academy is for people already leading in their communities, fostering peace and reconciliation, caring for others and advocating for people where they live.
WIP especially welcomes applications from those from traditionally disadvantaged backgrounds and/or minority groups.
Nomination & Application
The WIP Academy works by nomination.
If you know someone — or you are someone — making a difference, ask an organisation or community leader to nominate you.
For more information or to be added to the mailing list:
Could you be one of the next WIP leaders?
Whether through Emerging Leaders or the WIP Academy, this is your opportunity to develop your leadership skills, broaden your perspective and create meaningful change in your community.