SikhLEAD Washington DC Internship Program
The SikhLEAD Washington DC Internship Program partners with congressional offices, federal agencies, and Washington, DC-based organizations (including SALDEF) to provide Sikh American students (undergraduate, graduate, and law students) with enriching internship experiences.
SikhLEAD interns develop leadership skills, encourage political and civic engagement, and foster interest in public service careers by providing an unparalleled experience of interning in a congressional office, a federal agency, or another political social-profit organization. Internships allow students to explore a potential career track, create a network of professional and personal contacts, develop real-world skills, and build confidence.
Throughout the duration of the internship, SALDEF will host a series of special programming and opportunities, such as a series of orientation events, leadership speakership series and other events. Throughout the program, SikhLEAD Interns have the unique opportunity to develop their skills and grow as they move throughout their careers through one on one mentorship and networking opportunities. Participants are connected with successful mentors to help them develop their missions, progress in their careers, and learn from their experiences. Through networking sessions, participants will get the chance to meet with leaders across fields, explore potential careers, and develop a larger network of contacts.
Additionally, DC Interns work on an in-person group project called Langar on the Hill. This event aims to spread cultural awareness of Sikhism to senators, members of Congress, and their staff. Each DC SikhLEAD intern will help to organize Langar on the Hill that will take place in coordination with the SALDEF staff. The series of orientation events, speakership series and group project are mandatory.
Students who complete the SikhLEAD D.C. Program receive a stipend up to $3000 from SALDEF.
SikhLEAD DC Timeline:
Dates Subject to Change
- November 15th, 2024: SikhLEAD Applications Open
- January 15th, 2025: SikhLEAD D.C. Application Deadline
- February, 2025: Internship Interviews and Placements Begin
- May/June, 2025: SikhLEAD D.C. Program Begins
- August, 2025: SikhLEAD D.C. Summer Program Ends
Testimonials
SikhLEAD interns have a proven track record of fostering their leadership skills to make a difference in their communities – whether as a trial attorney at the US Department of Justice or a second lieutenant in the US Air Force.
Check out what former DC interns have to say about their SikhLEAD experience.
“I would definitely recommend the SikhLEAD program because I think that it really hones in on your networking skills and just provides you with a lot of career support that would be hard to find otherwise.’
“This program gave me, and many other young Sikhs like me, an opportunity to accelerate our careers and increase our community’s visibility to the highest levels while simultaneously investing in our young leaders.”
“During my internships on Capitol Hill, I worked with my representatives’ staffs and met Cabinet members, including U.S. Treasury Secretary Jack Lew. The experience taught me how to affect positive change and inspired me to do so on behalf of our community and all Americans.”
“I have had the incredible opportunity to become directly involved in many of my interest areas, connect with amazing experts in their fields, and experience Capitol Hill and Washington D.C. in person!”
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the benefits of the SikhLEAD Internship program?
The SikhLEAD Internship program partners with congressional offices, state legislative offices, federal and state agencies, and other host organizations to provide Sikh American high school, college, graduate, law students, and recent graduates with enriching internships. A quick overview of the unique benefits of the program are:
- Informative Speakership Series Highlighting Sikh Leaders
- One on One Mentoring and Professional Advising
- Community Service Capstone Project
- Access to exclusive networking events
- Network of Sikh youth
Do I need to have prior internship experience to apply?
No, you do not need prior internship experience to apply. SALDEF staff will match you with an internship based on your interest.
What do I do at SikhLEAD?
Apart from obtaining professional soft skills, a network, and knowledge through discussions, there are 3 main components of the Internship:
- DC: Internship placement AND SEVA Project – The SikhLEAD Programs team matches and places candidates with Internships according to their field of interest and availability of Internship opportunities. Internships may, eventually, lead to full-time roles, depending on candidate caliber and program requirements. In regards to the seva project, The SikhLEAD Programs team creates and assigns SEVA projects for SikhLEADers who choose to do Seva Project. Self-led projects range in topics – from working on research projects and fundraising, to organizing entire networking events. Additionally, projects may have assorted timelines, some being multi-tiered: in several capacities spanning over weeks or months.
- Speakership Series: As a part of the SikhLEAD Summer internship program, participants go through an intensive series of sessions and workshops with a variety of accomplished speakers. Some examples include: SikhLEAD Alumni panel, Sikh Elected Officials, Sikhi Inspired Leadership panel.
- Mentorship: SikhLEADers have the opportunity to choose a mentor in their field to provide guidance throughout the internship. Mentors and mentees can candidly discuss personal and professional goals.
What if I am not interested in politics?
Our internships are designed for any and all students, regardless of career path. We focus on leadership development and specialize our placements to fit each student’s career goals and paths.
Past internship placements and interested hosts include:
- The White House
- Various congressional offices: Congresswoman Shelia Jackson Lee, Senator Cory Booker, Senator Manka Dhingra, Representative Ranjeev Puri
- House Committee on Energy and Commerce and other Committees
- Department of Justice (DOJ)
- Equal Employment Opportunities Commission (EEOC) (undergraduate and law students encouraged to apply)
- Transportation Security Administration (TSA)
- Smithsonian Institution
- The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights
- The Becket Fund (must have completed 1st year of law school)
- National Organization for Women (NOW)
- SALDEF National Office
- Washington DC Mayor’s office
- Conference on Asian Pacific American Leadership (CAPAL)
- Policy internship with Cornerstone Government Affairs
- Faith in Public Life
- International Religious Freedom Roundtable
- Department of Energy, Office of Nuclear Energy