WASHINGTON, DC – The International Leadership Foundation (ILF) is now accepting applications for its Summer 2026 Civic Fellowship Program. Every year, ILF identifies approximately 30 outstanding 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, nonprofit organizations, and think tanks.

Further, ILF provides scholarships as well as professional development. ILF Civic Fellows receive a stipend upon successful program completion.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 public service leaders through a series of fireside chats and panel discussions.

“Becoming a public servant begins with understanding the communities we serve,” said Amy Cheng Tarnoviski, Executive Director of ILF. “Through the Civic Fellowship, students learn that giving back is not only about contribution — it’s about building stronger, more connected communities and fostering a lifelong commitment to civic engagement and public service.”

Applications are open now and must be submitted by Friday, January 2, 2026 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.

Application Requirements:

• Undergraduate college students
• Eligibility requirements include U.S. citizenship, minimum of 3.0 GPA
• Additional documents such as an official transcript, resume, and at least one letter of recommendation are also required

Want to learn more? Join us for one of our Zoom Info Sessions where ILF staff will answer your questions about the Civic Fellowship Program and guide you through the application process. Register here to get the Zoom link: https://www.ilfnational.org/fellowship-program/

• Friday, Nov 28 at 4pm HST/6pm PST/9pm EST
• Tuesday, Dec 23 at 11am HST/1pm PST/4pm EST