Who We Are Looking For
We are looking for a diverse and dynamic team of 30 students who are we believe have the potential to make a difference and help write a better future for Ireland and Northern Ireland. We are looking for individuals who will make great ambassadors for their communities, and who show potential and promise to make a difference both now and in the future.
Each student is valued from their unique perspective and potential, and while there is no ideal applicant, we look for a range of characteristics and competencies as follows:
Demonstrated leadership potential. Students may have taken a formal leadership role through their college work or extra curricular activities, or an informal role when leadership was needed amongst their friends, family or community.
Long standing commitment to service. Students may have shown their commitment to others through sports, volunteer work, or have played an active role in a community project or service project.
Experience of working collaboratively in a team.
Willingness to face challenges and work through them with perseverance and commitment.
Respect for diversity and a desire to learn from the experiences of peers from different backgrounds.
Dedication to personal and professional excellence. We are looking for people who will bring a responsible attitude to the program, and couple it with a good sense of humor which will help carry the team through challenges.
Goal and results driven. We looking for individuals who have demonstrated achievement in either their personal or professional life, and who work hard to make positive results happen.
Additional eligibility:
Born in Ireland or Northern Ireland, or a citizen of Ireland or Northern Ireland, or regard Ireland or Northern Ireland as your home.
Full time university student or a student of higher education in Ireland, Northern Ireland or Great Britain as of 1st June 2012.
Aged 0ver 18 as of 1 June 2012.
Have a valid passport, or can obtain one by 3rd April 2012.
Fit and healthy to travel and participate in the program.
Work a minimum of 30 hours on a public service project before departing for DC.
Available to participate fully, including all preparatory and re-entry weekends, and for a full and uninterrupted eight weeks in DC.
In 2012, we particularly welcome applications from:
- Students on full grant from university or having all their fees based upon the income of their parents.
- Students who are first in their family (excluding siblings) to attend university or college.
- Students who received Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA) during the last two years of their secondary school education (Northern Ireland).
- Students who graduated from post-primary schools supported through the Delivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools (DEIS) Program (Republic of Ireland).
- Students who are from a single parent family.
