EdLight Summer Leadership Program
A two-week hybrid leadership experience equipping Haitian secondary students with the tools to become engaged leaders and future citizens.
The flagship leadership experience for Haitian teens
Since 2022, ESLP has combined world-class facilitation, real-world exposure, and a vibrant alumni network so young leaders can transform their ideas into action.
What is the EdLight Summer Leadership Program?
Launched in August 2022, ESLP is a two-week summer programme for secondary students in Haiti designed to strengthen leadership, civic awareness, and future readiness.
ESLP complements academic learning with a focused journey through leadership, entrepreneurship, personal development, civic engagement, and global opportunity awareness. Fellows reflect on both local and international issues while building the confidence to lead in their schools and communities.
The 2026 edition is designed as a hybrid experience: most sessions take place online, followed by an organized company excursion in Port-au-Prince and a closing day in person. We have welcomed speakers from leading organizations and institutions — including Harvard, MIT, Microsoft, Deutsche Bank, and Cornell — who join fellows to share expertise, challenge assumptions, and inspire action.
Inside the ESLP experience
High-energy days blend virtual seminars, collaborative projects, mentor access, and a curated in-person company visit.
Leadership studios
Interactive sessions on personal leadership, social innovation, public speaking, and collaborative problem solving.
Masterclasses & mentors
Facilitated by Haitian and international leaders from Harvard, MIT, Deutsche Bank, Microsoft, and more.
City immersions
A featured company visit in Port-au-Prince helps fellows connect leadership learning to real workplace expectations.
Impact pitch night
Cohort teams design initiatives for Haitian communities and present them to a panel of mentors and partners.
Signature experience
Capstone Challenge Week
Fellows collaborate in multidisciplinary squads of 4–5 to design solutions for local challenges. Each team is paired with an experienced mentor in entrepreneurship and project development. They complete stakeholder interviews, prototype ideas, and present an actionable roadmap during the closing pitch night in front of families, alumni, and partners.
Curriculum
The ESLP curriculum focuses on five core areas spread across the two-week program. For each topic, we invite expert speakers from leading institutions.
Personal Discovery
Self-awareness, leadership styles, values mapping, and public speaking.
Professional Orientation
Career exploration, résumé clinics, and mentorship from industry professionals.
College Admissions & Scholarships
Guidance on studying abroad in the USA, Canada, France, Taiwan, Morocco, and more.
Finance
Personal finance, budgeting, saving, and understanding the economic landscape.
Entrepreneurship
Business model canvas, market research, prototyping, and the final capstone pitch.
In parallel, students are grouped into teams and challenged to develop a project that addresses a specific need in their community. The program also includes an excursion to a major company in Port-au-Prince, allowing students to gain real-world insights into workplace dynamics, innovation, and leadership in action.
Experience the curriculum
From virtual seminars with world-class speakers to hands-on excursions and a celebration of achievement.
Interactive virtual seminars
From 9 AM to 12 PM, fellows meet virtually with expert speakers from institutions like Harvard, MIT, Cornell, Deutsche Bank, and Microsoft. Interactive sessions cover leadership, personal development, college admissions, finance, and entrepreneurship — offering students a platform to engage directly with industry leaders.
Journey
From application to alumni leadership
ESLP is designed as a guided journey. Fellows receive holistic support at every phase — from recruitment to post-program mentorship.
Discover
We recruit curious, community-minded students ready to grow as leaders.
- Application form with short essays
- Submit transcripts and an ID photo
- Selection based on motivation, service, and representation
Prepare
Accepted fellows join pre-program circles that build community before day one.
- Welcome orientation for fellows and families
- Laptop, webcam, and stable internet required
- Receive your EdLight welcome package
Immerse
Two weeks of experiential learning blending seminars, fieldwork, and creative expression.
- Morning virtual seminars with expert speakers
- Team-based entrepreneurial projects with mentors
- Excursion to a prominent company in Port-au-Prince
Amplify
Fellows graduate, join the alumni network, and continue to launch community projects.
- Capstone pitch showcase with partners and families
- Alumni mentorship and micro-grant opportunities
- Ongoing leadership coaching with the EdLight team
Eligibility & selection
We're looking for young leaders who are eager to learn, collaborate, and serve their communities.
Who should apply?
- Students aged 15–18 currently enrolled in a Haitian high school.
- Learners who demonstrate curiosity, teamwork, empathy, and leadership potential.
- Participants committed to attending every session, workshop, and excursion.
How we select fellows
ESLP is highly competitive. We evaluate each application holistically to build a diverse, mission-aligned cohort of ~30 students.
- Motivation, character, and alignment with EdLight's mission
- Community involvement or leadership in clubs, faith groups, or initiatives
- Academic curiosity, discipline, and willingness to learn
- Balanced representation across regions, schools, and gender
How to apply
Submit your documents through our online form. Here's what you'll need for the 2026 application:
Application Form
Fill out the form with your name, address, school information, and more.
Two Essays
One about your extracurricular activities, another showcasing your interest in the program.
ID Picture
Provide a recent ID picture for identification purposes.
Transcripts
Submit your current academic year transcripts as a PDF.
ESLP 2026
Applications are now open for the 2026 edition of the EdLight Summer Leadership Program. The programme runs August 10–21, 2026 and will be delivered primarily online, with a featured excursion and final in-person closing experience. Submit your application before May 31, 2026.
Fully funded for every fellow
ESLP is powered by partners and donors who believe that leadership development should be accessible.
All-inclusive experience
Workshops, curriculum materials, supplies, and daily meals provided for every fellow.
Excursions & cultural labs
Transportation and entries for site visits, service projects, and cultural events covered in full.
Mentors & alumni network
Access to industry mentors plus ongoing guidance from ESLP alumni after graduation.
Certificate of distinction
Recognizes leadership, collaboration, and successful completion of capstone projects.
Scholarship guarantee
Every fellow attends ESLP tuition-free. Sponsors help cover core learning costs, selected logistics for in-person moments, and continued support for alumni growth.
Voices from our alumni
Meet the inspiring faces of our past participants. Through ESLP, they have honed their skills, gained invaluable insights, and forged lifelong connections.
Steïka Thimé
ESLP Alumni
"L'ESLP est l'une de mes plus grandes expériences de cette année et pour le reste de ma vie. J'étais plus qu'heureuse, et j'emporterai ces souvenirs dans ma tombe !"
Frequently asked questions
Need more details? Email eslp@edlight.org and our team will follow up within two business days.
When does the next cohort take place?▾
Applications for ESLP 2026 are open now. The application deadline is May 31, 2026, and the program runs August 10–21, 2026.
Is the program really free?▾
Yes. Thanks to generous partners and sponsors, ESLP covers core program costs including learning sessions, materials, the organized excursion, and the closing celebration.
What documents will I need to apply?▾
Typically you submit: (1) an application form, (2) two essays — one about your extracurricular activities and another about your interest in the program, (3) a recent ID picture, and (4) your current academic transcripts as a PDF.
Do fellows need to speak English?▾
No. The program is designed for Haitian students and core communication is accessible in Kreyòl and French, while some guest speakers may also engage in English.
What do I need to prepare before the program?▾
You will need a laptop, tablet, or phone with a camera, a stable internet connection, a quiet well-lit space, and a notebook with pens or pencils for daily activities.
How can organizations get involved?▾
Organizations can mentor a session, host an excursion, provide scholarships, or offer internships to ESLP alumni. Reach out to eslp@edlight.org to co-create a partnership.
ESLP 2026 · Applications now open
Ready to lead with purpose?
Apply for the 2026 cohort, nominate a student, or partner with ESLP to support the next generation of Haitian leaders.