November 10, 2008
While AIPAC does not have chapters or affiliated groups on college campuses or in high schools, for almost 30 years we have helped students find their voices in support of a strong U.S.-Israel relationship. AIPAC student activists participate in a variety of training opportunities, including:
Saban Leadership Seminar: December 20-23, 2008
AIPAC hosts its Saban Leadership Seminar twice annually in Washington, DC. More than 400 of AIPAC’s top student activists from over 140 campuses participate in three days of intense political programming and advocacy training. During this seminar, students interact with leading Washington policy makers, elected officials, and Middle East experts and AIPAC leadership development professionals.
Advanced Advocacy Mission Trip to Israel: Dec. 27, 2008 to Jan. 4, 2009
AIPAC’s most intensive leadership development experience, the Advanced Advocacy Mission is open only to students who have previously traveled to Israel. Leading policy makers and opinion-shapers engage undergraduate and graduate students interested in pursuing careers or community leadership positions in the fields of Israel advocacy, public affairs, and policy formulation. The next Advanced Advocacy Mission application deadline is fall 2008.
Policy Conference: May 3-5, 2009
More than 7,000 activists representing every state, including 1,200 students from hundreds of campuses, come to Washington, DC for AIPAC’s Annual Policy Conference. Delegates hear from top White House officials, Congressional leaders and Israeli government ministers. The conference culminates in a trip to Capitol Hill, where delegates meet with their members of Congress to advocate for a strong U.S.-Israel relationship. Interested students, faculty, and campus professionals must apply for a seat at the conference through AIPAC’s Leadership Development Department.
Diamond Internships: Summer, Fall, Winter & Spring
AIPAC's Diamond Internship Program enables students to contribute to strengthening the U.S.-Israel relationship by participating in one of the most dynamic lobbying groups in American politics. AIPAC offers Diamond Internships in Washington, DC and around the country for undergraduate and graduate students. Diamond Summer Internships are paid positions and semester internships are for credit only. Diamond Interns develop their own political activism skills by bringing research, writing, and event-planning experience to a host of projects that help advance AIPAC's mission. When they return to their campuses, Diamond Interns are expected to promote pro-Israel political action as AIPAC portfolioed activists. The next Diamond Summer Internship application deadline is February 20, 2009.
Campus Allies Mission to Israel: May 25-June 5, 2009
The AIPAC Campus Allies Mission to Israel is open only to those not eligible for birthright Israel, and is designed for pro-Israel political activists and student leaders from Historically Black Colleges and Universities, Christian campuses, and primarily Latino serving campuses. Participants experience the land of the Bible, gain a deeper understanding of the strategic and social issues facing Israel today, and examine the challenges and opportunities associated with the U.S.-Israel alliance. The next Campus Allies Mission application deadline is early 2009.
2009 Summer Seminar Series
AIPAC’s Summer Seminar Series events, which are held on a regular basis throughout June and July, attract hundreds of Washington-based students interested in politics and the U.S.-Israel alliance. Past speakers include former White House Press Secretary Ari Fleischer, Sen. Evan Bayh (D-IN), Sen. John McCain (R-AZ), Rep. Artur Davis (D-AL), Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL) and syndicated columnist Charles Krauthammer. Intern seminars are also hosted by AIPAC’s Regional and Satellite Offices throughout the country each summer.
Summer Saban Leadership Seminar: July 19-22, 2009
AIPAC hosts its Saban Leadership Seminar twice annually in Washington, DC. More than 400 of AIPAC’s top student activists from more than 140 campuses participate in three days of intense political programming and advocacy training. During this seminar, students interact with leading Washington policy makers, elected officials, and Middle East experts and AIPAC leadership development professionals.
2009 National Summit in San Diego
Community activists from across the country—and select student activists—will attend this exclusive gathering of AIPAC’s top leadership. Previous speakers include Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, Ambassador Richard Holbrooke, Natan Sharansky, and Elie Wiesel.
Students interested in these and other AIPAC Leadership Development training opportunities should send an e-mail to: oncampus@aipac.org.