The New Jersey Leadership Program

We are excited to share that the New Jersey Leadership Program (NJ Lead) 2025 Fellowship Program application is now live. The NJ Lead's fellowship program offers South Asian youth the ability to engage in and learn about local government through a summer internship with their local Mayoral Office, District State Legislator, or the Governor’s Office.

This internship is supplemented by a weekly speaker series and field trips, among potentially other activities. Additionally, fellows are expected to complete a civic engagement project by the end of their fellowship that strives to make a positive social impact in their community.

The fellowship program is open to both high school and college students.

Eligibility:

  • Must be of South Asian descent

  • Currently enrolled in high school or college

  • Be able to commit to a full-time schedule (Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM) to the summer internship placement, although a fellow's exact schedule will vary based on the placement

  • Be able to attend all supplementary training and events organized by NJLP (including weekly speakership series on Saturdays from 9:00 AM to 12:30 PM)


Deadline: Applications, including letters of recommendation, must be received by March 15, 2025.


Compensation: The NJLP Summer Fellowship Program is unpaid.

Period: Six weeks in July/August 2025. The exact schedule has yet to be determined, but the program will likely begin on Saturday, July 12, 2024.

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In order to apply, please complete the following steps:

  • Complete the online application, including the essay question. [The application may be found further below.]

  • Submit two letters of recommendation in support of your application. The letters may be from academic references, employers, supervisors, or anyone who can attest to your character outside your immediate family. Recommenders may submit them directly to info@njlead.org. Do not submit more than two letters of recommendation. 

    • Additional letters will not be reviewed.