SikhLEAD Regional Internship Program
In addition to the Washington, DC Internship program, SikhLEAD hosts a Regional-specific Internship Program. In 2015, the SikhLEAD Regional Internship Program was first launched in New Jersey. This Internship Program follows in the footsteps of the premiere national program by placing young Sikh Americans in coveted local/state government internships and community organizations.
The regional program is for high school students (15 years and older), undergraduate, graduate, and law students and is available in all 50 U.S. States.
The SikhLEAD Regional Internship Program is aimed at building young leaders and providing opportunities and stepping stones for young Sikh Americans to enter into their local and state government. Interns are placed in Regional State Assembly/Senate offices and local offices of Members of Congress/Senators.
SikhLEAD Regional Timeline:
Dates Subject to Change
- November 15, 2024: SikhLEAD Applications OPEN!
- January 31, 2025: SikhLEAD Regional Application Deadline
- February, 2025: Internship and Placement Interviews Begin
- May, 2025: Internships and/or Seva Projects Begin
- August, 2025: SikhLEAD Summer Program Ends
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 Regional interns have to say about their SikhLEAD experience.
“The SikhLEAD Program has really allowed me to learn more about Sikhi itself, its values, how it plays a role in my life, and how I can carry Sikhi principles of importance to me into my future.”
“Prior to this internship I wasn’t really sure about which career in psychology I wanted to pursue. But with the help of my mentor, with whom I was connected through this program, she helped me shorten the list by helping me figure out my strengths and weaknesses.”
“My favorite weekend programming was the one with Dr. Kamal Kalsi and Jaskaran Singh. I enjoyed hearing his amazing story of how he fought for the right to wear a turban in the army and also being able to ask him any questions I had. His talk taught me to always embrace my identity and fight for my values. “
“Coming from a severely underrepresented area I was never able to connect with Sikhi but this summer program allowed me to finally hear the opinions of other students making it easier to connect with them.”
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:
- Internship placement and/or 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:
- Council of the Parliament of the World Religions
- Mayor Victoria Kilpatrick (Sayreville, NJ)
- Assemblywoman Carol Murphy (Deputy Majority Leader)
- Senate Majority Office (New Jersey State)
- Assemblywoman Nancy Pinkin (Deputy Speaker Pro Tempore)
- Assemblyman Daniel Benson (Deputy Conference Leader)
- Senator Stephen Sweeney (Senate President)
- Sikh American Veterans Alliance (SAVA)
- 21Wilberforce (Emerging Leaders Cohort)
- Senator Menendez Office
- Senator Booker Office