Program Overview

Leadership-in-Action Program

The Leadership-in-Action (LiA) component is a six- to eight-week immersive and hands-on project that takes place in the second summer of the Laidlaw Scholars Leadership and Research Program.

Program Overview

Community engagement and positive impact on society lie at the core of the LiA experience. This project gives scholars the opportunity to engage in initiatives that directly serve under-resourced communities.

Throughout the LiA summer, scholars will step out of their comfort zones to apply their newly acquired leadership skills and change maker values. They will be encouraged to lead by empowering others, engage ethically, and create lasting impact in a global environment.

Project Types

There are three different types of projects:

1. Central LiA projects proposed by the Laidlaw Foundation

• A centrally organized expedition that you select from the Laidlaw Foundation’s approved list.
• You will experience a new and challenging environment alongside scholars from the Laidlaw partner universities.
• These internships often have specific themes related to one of the UN Sustainable Development Goals, allowing you to focus on areas that align with your interests.

2. LiA projects proposed by EPFL partners or self-defined ones

• A placement with a mission-driven NGO or social enterprise that makes you work with local agents of change in under-resourced communities to support sustainable impact.
• You can propose a project that aligns with your ambitions and meets EPFL requirements.
• Choose internships where you can take initiative, step beyond your comfort zone, and create tangible change while demonstrably serving and learning from a defined community.

3. In-field application of research

• You can choose to build on your first summer research project with a practical and in-field implementation of your work in under-resourced communities.
• This experience should aim to create positive change by putting your findings into action while developing your leadership skills.

Program Requirements

The following requirements must be met for the LiA experience:

• Clear and sustainable objectives related to an engagement work that contributes to under-resourced communities
• Field application to allow you to work closely with people on the ground and to lead by empowering others
• New and unfamiliar environment in an international context to get out of your comfort zone and gain different perspectives
• Engage ethically in putting the values and virtues that you have developed through the program into practice

Program Experience

The Leadership-in-Action internship entails:

• Experimenting a new and challenging environment
• Working with under-resourced communities
• Doing something with a positive and sustainable impact
• Developing and demonstrating your scientific and leadership skills
• Learning through service overseas

Testimonials

Scholars have shared their experiences and the impact of the LiA program:

• Esteban worked as an intern in the Billington Lab at Stanford University, aiming to improve community well-being and promote sustainability in San Francisco’s Chinatown.
• Jordane and Alixe supported the Massarates Project by assisting cooperative groups in overcoming legal and technical hurdles, focusing on making training accessible despite language and cultural barriers.