US-Asia institute youth development programs
About the Programs:
Each summer in Washington, D.C., the US-Asia Institute (USAI) administers the IMPACT! Program for Filipino-Americans, the Mongolian-U.S. National Civil Engagement Program (MUNCEP), and the Thai American National Internship Program (TANIP) in collaboration with their respective embassies, as well as the ASEAN Diaspora Youth Development Program (AYDP). These nine-week youth development programs are once-in-a-lifetime experiences for young adults to gain a firsthand look at the American government and political system in Washington, D.C. to engage civically and reflect on the role they, as future leaders, might play in strengthening American relations with their respective countries.
Important facts:
Candidates undergo a competitive selection process, after which USAI finds placements for the participants’ internships.
Participants have interned with top members of Congress; the U.S.-ASEAN Business Council; the White House Initiative on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders; the East-West Center; and many more impressive organizations.
Alumni have gone on to work for V-100 law firms, the U.S. Department of Commerce, the U.S. House of Representatives, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, and more.
In addition to their internship, while in Washington participants work closely with their respective embassies, have access to a career mentor, and volunteer at community organizations.
Interested in learning more and becoming a sponsor?
While the IMPACT! and TANIP programs are funded by their respective embassies, MUNCEP and AYDP unfortunately do not have funding for stipends for participants at this time. We would be extremely grateful for any donations to go towards stipends for these wonderful and talented students in order to offset their costs of living in DC for the summer. Please contact USAI Director of Programs & Communications Anna Bunn at anna.bunn@usasiainstitute.org with any inquiries or interest.
To read statements from our past YDP cohorts, see HERE.
