Nominate a Young Community Leader for the WIP Academy 2026

About the WIP Academy

Background

The WIP Academy is our newest leadership development program. It has been created for people, aged 18 to 29, who are already involved in community work on a voluntary or professional basis. It aims to develop a diverse new generation of community leaders dedicated to peace, reconciliation, and cooperation.

About

The WIP Academy, which is supported by the Bank of America and the Department for Foreign Affairs and Trade, takes place in Northern Ireland and Ireland.

Each year, 30 young community leaders, who are committed to peace, reconciliation, and collaboration on the island of Ireland, are selected to take part in the WIP Academy program with some elements delivered in-person and remotely over 8 months. The program’s unique flexibility means participants can combine it with their home, volunteering, caring, or other responsibilities.

Academy participants are nominated by community leaders or organizations who have sought consent from the nominee to do so. Each nominee is then sent an application form to complete. Applications are particularly welcome from people who are from traditionally disadvantaged backgrounds and /or minority groups.

Residential

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Work Project

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Development Days

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Summer Speaker Series

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Mentoring Program

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What the WIP Academy Offers

Peer learning

We place a great emphasis on peer learning and encouraging our participants to challenge perspectives, engage in debates, and share examples and learning from responding to challenges in society through their community work that can help to deliver a peaceful and prosperous future for Ireland and Northern Ireland that we wish to see.

Building your network

Academy participants enjoy building a close-knit network with their peers from all around the island of Ireland, creating long-lasting friendships and career connections. They become part of a pioneering group of passionate individuals who are committed to serving others and leading in their community.

Leadership and skills development

The Academy offers participants an invaluable opportunity for learning, alongside leadership and skills development, as they work in small teams to complete a unique eight-week remote project. They also hear from senior community leaders from Ireland, Northern Ireland, and the US, and sharpen their skills through teamwork, CV and presentation workshops, collaboration, innovation, creativity, and entrepreneurship.

Alums

Our Alum community includes over 950 people who have completed the WIP Academy or Emerging Leaders Program. Our diverse alum community is invited to stay connected with each other and the Washington Ireland Program. Sign up for communications on events and opportunities by completing this form.

Who are we looking for?

Participants do not need to be attending school or enrolled in a Further or Higher Education course to apply but a track record of serving others (in any capacity) is a key requirement.

Leadership

WIP is an action-oriented community. We are particularly interested in hearing from people who have strong views and a passion for making their vision for the future a reality.

Those who complete the WIP Academy will join our broader family of emerging leaders across society. We hope every member of the network will be an active member of the community and lead their individual initiatives after graduation in September.

Interested in dealing with Difference

WIP seeks to be a community of divergent views. Our Academy program includes a diverse spectrum of opinions and backgrounds. These are facilitated in spirited and respectful debates within a constructive environment. Our applicants should have a desire to share their views, while also having the ability to respect the shared views and opinions of all participants, whether they agree or disagree with their sentiments.

Innovative Ideas

The Academy seeks people who are willing to discuss and share creative ideas of how to tackle both the potential threats, and global opportunities, that face our shared island. We aim to provide a space for new voices to reflect on our future and to propose new solutions.

Collaboration

The WIP Academy is an informative and collaborative program where participants will share ideas from many different perspectives. The people who take part must be willing to interact with others, both online and in person, and truly engage with the materials provided. At WIP we see the diversity of views held by our participants as an advantage. The WIP Academy provides a space for new conversations and ideas to emerge across communities, traditions, and borders.

The Process

Nominations are submitted by a community organisation

If you work or volunteer in a community/charity organisation and would like to nominate a young community leader, email academy@wiprogram.org to receive our nominator information pack.

Written Application

Nominees are sent the nominee information pack and application form to complete as they are nominated. Applications close at the end of January.

Notification of Outcome

Applicants will be notified of the outcome of their application in early February.

Do I need to be enrolled in a college course?

Participants do not need to be attending school or enrolled in a Further or Higher Education course to apply but a track record of serving others (in any capacity) is a key requirement.

Is there a fee to participate in the WIP Academy?

There is no fee to take part in the Academy. When you apply, you can register for our travel scholarship which can cover up to 100% of your public transportation costs. WIP may also charter transport to certain venues.

What is the 2026 program timeline?

- 27^th & 28^th February: Orientation 1-night Residential (Venue TBC)
- 28^th March: Development Day 1 in Dublin
- 18^th April: Development Day 2: Belfast
- May: BREAK
- June & July: Weekly Online Summer Speaker Series Sessions & Meet with your WIP Mentor
- September: Debrief & Graduation