Now Accepting 2023 ILF Civic Fellowship applicants!

WASHINGTON, DC – The International Leadership Foundation (ILF) is now accepting applications for the Summer 2023 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.

“Developing the next generation AANHPI leaders is at the heart of our mission,” said Linh Hoang, Executive Director of ILF, “We help college students acquire the skills, experience, and insights necessary to become leaders and continue the fight of those who came before them. The ILF Civic Fellowship is a unique opportunity to jumpstart their careers and leadership journey.”

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

“The true beauty of ILF lies in the organization’s earnest commitment to the advancement of the next generation of aspiring AAPI public servants. You may have the knowledge or the tools to pursue your passion, but ILF bridges the gap as it provides a lifelong “community of care” to ensure that you have support during every step of your fruitful journey towards a meaningful career and community service!”
Rehman Liaqat, 2022 ILF Civic Fellow
Placement: DC Office of the Attorney General
Current Position: MPA ‘24, Georgetown University

“I am truly grateful to the International Leadership Foundation and all of its supporters, who are invested in providing young Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders the support and opportunities we need to pursue public service and become better leaders. The Civic Fellowship has expanded my conception of what it means to be civically engaged, and shown me that being a leader and advocate for the Asian American Pacific Islander community is not only necessary but possible in so many different ways. It is these lessons that I will carry with me for years to come, and I hope that future young leaders will also be able to have these amazing experiences, and join the ILF family.”
Andrew Wan, 2021 ILF Civic Fellow
Placement: Federal Aviation Administration
Current Job: Government & Public Services Analyst, Deloitte Consulting

“If there’s one word I could use to describe the person I have become because my experiences as a Civic Fellow, it’s better. ILF has given me the tools, opportunities, and resources to grow into a better person and better professional, and my time as a Civic Fellow has been so special. The Civic Fellowship has given me more than just a greater understanding of public service, it’s given me a family. I’ve met some of my best friends from this fellowship who I know share the same drive, values, and ambitions as me. I landed my dream internship—working in the Department of Education in the Office of the Secretary—through the connections that ILF provided. If my younger self could see where I am today, she would be so proud—and I have to acknowledge the part that the Civic Fellowship has played in helping me achieve my dreams.”
Macy Su, 2022 ILF Civic Fellow
Placement: Office of the Secretary, U.S. Department of Education
Current Position: Junior, Vanderbilt University

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.

Applications are open now and must be submitted by Friday, January 6, 2023 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.

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.

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Want to learn more? Join us for three Zoom Info Sessions with ILF Civic Fellowship staff members to learn more about the Civic Fellowship Program and the application process. Come and have your questions answered. This session is for students and university/college staff members as well as those that work with AANHPI students in the nonprofit and government sectors.

Click here to RSVP to receive the Zoom links. We will send out the link closer to the event dates.

  • Thursday, November 10th at 4pm HST/6pm PST/9pm EST
  • Wednesday, November 30th at 4pm HST/6pm PST/9pm EST
  • Wednesday, December 21st at 11am HST/1pm PST/4pm EST