Where can aspiring young leaders interested in international political affairs have the opportunity to gain professional experience in Washington DC's most prestigious offices? The Washington Ireland Program for Service and Leadership (WIP).

This six-month personal and professional development program brings exceptional university students from Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland to Washington, DC for summer internships and leadership training.

WIP Board Member and DDC Advocacy CEO, B.R. McConnon, along with other members of DDC Advocacy were key supporters of the 5th Annual Celtic Cup at Lake Presidential on July 26th to benefit WIP.

The support received will continue to help the lucky DC participants gain first-hand experience of our political process and expose them to a culture of diversity in prominent offices including:

• Congressional offices:  Senator Hillary Clinton, Senator John McCain, then Senator Barack Obama
• Government Departments:  Library of Congress, Environmental Protection Agency
• Non-profit Organizations:  Habitat for Humanity, Vietnam Veterans of America
• Business Organizations:  World Bank
• Diplomatic Offices: Irish Embassy, Northern Ireland Bureau
• Media:  ABC, CNN, C-SPAN

Additionally, WIP brings leadership and service to communities in need through a variety of programs.

"The Washington Ireland program is a unique opportunity for Irish students to learn about the American political process and how Washington DC really works. Ireland's relationship with the United States is one of our most important and it is essential that future Irish leaders appreciate that relationship. WIP helps to make that happen."
Ambassador Michael Collins, Irish Ambassador to the United States

To learn more about the program through the Irish eyes of the participants, visit the WIP blog – it’s chock-full of compelling stories and insight – from politics and current events to social life in DC.

Leave a Comment