SikhLEAD: Your Journey to Leadership Starts Here
SikhLEAD is a transformative summer program that empowers Sikh youth to lead, serve, and inspire. As a SikhLEAD Intern, you will spend your summer:
- Developing essential leadership skills
- Networking with inspiring peers and mentors
- Gaining hands-on experience through a prestigious internship
- Making a positive impact on your community through seva projects
Don’t miss this opportunity to unlock your potential. Applications for the Summer 2026 SikhLEAD Internship Program are now open and ALL FIELDS are encouraged to apply!
For College Students
Washington D.C. Internship
The SikhLEAD Internship Program partners with congressional offices, federal agencies, and DC-based host organizations to provide Sikh American youth with enriching internships and helps them gain an unparalleled experience of gaining first-hand experience in the halls of power.
Spend your summer in the heart of the nation’s capital. The D.C. program is for undergraduate, graduate, and law students (18 years and older).
For High School and College Students
Regional Internship
The SikhLEAD Regional Internship Program offers wide-ranging opportunities for students to practice, get inspired, and gain the skills for a future in public service by placing young Sikh Americans in coveted local, and state governmental internships and local community organizations.
The Regional program is for high school students (15 years and older), undergraduate, graduate, and law students available in all 50 U.S. States.
For College Students and Recent Graduates
Media Internship
SALDEF is launching an exciting new chapter in Los Angeles, where Sikh students and emerging professionals will gain hands-on experience in film, television, and journalism, the industries that shape how America sees us.
The Media Internship extends SikhLEAD’s mission to cultivate leaders across all fields of influence, moving from civic and policy spaces into storytelling, creative expression, and cultural representation.
The Media Internship is for college juniors, seniors, or recent graduates.
Hear From SikhLEAD Alumni
Don’t just take our word for it, check out these video testimonials from past SikhLEAD program participants! To hear from some more SikhLEAD alumni, please visit SALDEF’s Youtube page – featuring more testimonials and SikhLEAD experiences.