Originally called The Young Leaders Program, The Washington-Ireland Program for Service and Leadership (WIP) begins and ends with practical service in Northern Ireland and Ireland.

In Washington participants gain first-hand experience of a mature political process and are exposed to a culture of diversity. Through an intense eight-week schedule, WIP interns are formed into a team and challenged to develop their vision for the future of post-conflict Ireland. Students gain invaluable practical experience by completing internships in US government, media, business and non-profit organizations. At the end of the summer, participants return to Ireland with enhanced professional and interpersonal skills, as well as a new confidence in their ability to work together to make a difference.

More than 400 young adults from Ireland have graduated from WIP, representing twenty-five different universities throughout the UK and Ireland. Many graduates are now emerging in important careers in politics, law, business, communications, education and community organizations. As they move into critical leadership roles, they retain their connection with WIP and continue to give back to their local communities through an active alumni network.

Trevor Holmes, VP External Relations at UCC wishing the young leaders well prior to their departure for Washington next Saturday (June 4th 2011) commented, “ It is an honour to be selected to serve these six weeks on this prestigious program and UCC are particularly proud to be represented by such talented ambassadors. These six weeks in USA will be deeply beneficial to the candidates when then graduate in building an international network and preparing them for the complexities of the globalised world in which they will operate.”

Picture:  Jean Fleming, Trevor Holmes, Vice-President for External Relations, UCC and Julie O’Leary.  Karl Ryan was unable to be present.  

<<Previous ItemNext Item>>

« Back to 2011 Press Releases