The International Leadership Foundation (ILF) has officially opened applications for its Summer 2026 Civic Fellowship Program, a competitive leadership opportunity designed to prepare undergraduate students for careers in public service and civic leadership across the United States.

This fellowship offers selected students hands-on experience through public service internships combined with leadership training, mentorship, and professional development.

About the Fellowship

Civic Fellows are placed in federal agencies, congressional offices, nonprofit organizations, or policy think tanks, where they gain real-world exposure to government and civic institutions. Alongside their internships, fellows participate in:

• Leadership and professional development workshops

• Speaker series with public service leaders

• Mentorship and coaching from ILF staff

The program places strong emphasis on leadership potential, academic excellence, and community engagement, and encourages applications from students from historically underrepresented communities, including AAPI students.

Internship Placements

Based on academic background and interests, ILF assists fellows in securing placements or supports those who already have unpaid internships. Past placements have included:

• U.S. Department of Treasury

• USAID

• National Institutes of Health

• U.S. Department of Labor

• Federal Aviation Administration

• Congressional and Senate offices

• Policy institutes and nonprofit organizations

Don't miss out on the application deadline which is 2 January 2026.