PeacePlayers Leadership Academy

A year-long virtual leadership development program for alumni of PeacePlayers programs, with in-person travel opportunities. The program aims to develop young people into advocates for peace and community engagement through mentorship, cultural exchange, and professional development.

Geographic Scope: Global - operates across multiple sites (Northern Ireland, South Africa, Middle East, Cyprus, United States)

Program Duration: September 2022 – August 2023 (based on available information; current cycle dates unknown)

Key Features:

• Mentorship from program staff and alumni
• Cultural exchange and in-person gatherings
• Community advocacy and engagement training
• Academic and professional training
• Networking with PeacePlayers global community
• Access to fellowships and internship/scholarship opportunities
• Seed money for community engagement projects
• Online course on "Cultivating Community through Meaningful Connection" (2 weeks)

Eligibility Requirements:

• Age: Must be 18-25 years old
• Program Experience: Must have been part of PeacePlayers Leadership Development Program for at least one year, or equivalent program
• Language: Must be intermediate in English (PeacePlayers will provide support for those at or below intermediate level)
• Commitment: Must participate in closing retreat (August) and potentially one trip between December-February
• Time Commitment: 1-2 sessions per month (1.5-2 hours each), 2-week online course (2.5 hours/week), monthly virtual mentorship meetings

Cost: Free to apply and participate. PeacePlayers covers individual member travel costs.

Selection Criteria: Program seeks driven, goal-oriented individuals who:

• Are interested in bettering their communities
• Have career aspirations and need guidance
• Want to join and contribute to a PeacePlayers network
• Are willing to allocate time and energy for virtual sessions

Selection Process:

• Global Committee composed of Alumni and PeacePlayers staff from 5 sites review applications
• Interviews conducted for shortlisted applicants
• Limited spots (15-25 participants for pilot year)
• Application rubric available for evaluation transparency

Support Services:

• Technology equipment provided on needs basis
• English language support available
• Visa/travel documentation support
• Individualized support for internship and scholarship applications

Contact Information by Site:

• Northern Ireland: Aoife Redmond, aredmond@peaceplayers.org
• South Africa: Nasiphi Khafu, nkhafu@peaceplayers.org
• Middle East: Duha Amla, damla@peaceplayers.org
• Cyprus: Ozgul Saygun, osaygun@peaceplayers.org
• United States: Sally Nnamani, snnamani@peaceplayers.org and Jasmine Cooper, jcooper@peaceplayers.org

Organization Address: 1100 15th St. 4th floor, Washington, DC 20005

How to Apply

1. Fill out the application form - Due by September 20 (deadline date varies by year)
   • Personal information section
   • 3 short answer questions (can be submitted in written or video format, but must choose one format per question)
   • Recommendation form section
2. Secure Recommendation(s)
   • Applicants required to have one recommender; option for two
   • Recommenders can be from PeacePlayers community, school, or broader community
   • Family members or peers cannot serve as recommenders
   • Provide recommender email address in application
   • Recommendation form must be completed before deadline
3. Shortlist Review
   • Global Committee reviews all applications
   • Applicants with strong applications are invited to interviews
4. Interview (if shortlisted)
   • Conducted week of September 25 (dates vary by year)
   • Only shortlisted applicants are interviewed
5. Selection Decision
   • Limited to 15-25 participants
   • Not all applicants can be accepted
   • Unsuccessful applicants may participate in local site alumni programming or apply to Global Leadership Academy in following year

Application Materials Required

• Personal information (name, contact details, age verification)
• 3 short answer questions (written or video submission, one format per question)
• Recommendation form(s) with recommender contact information
• English proficiency verification (intermediate level or above, or confirmation of need for support)

Additional Support

• Information sessions available for applicants
• Site representatives available to answer questions and guide applicants through process
• Application rubric available for review
• Support staff available early in process (recommended to reach out in advance of deadline)