EdLight Summer Leadership Program
A fully funded summer residency that equips Haitian high school students to lead, innovate, and serve.
The flagship leadership experience for Haitian teens
ESLP combines world-class facilitation, real-world exposure, and a vibrant alumni network so young leaders can transform their ideas into action.
Students per cohort
Selected from hundreds of applicants representing schools across Haiti.
Immersive residency
Leadership intensives, excursions, and community design labs in Port-au-Prince.
Scholarship coverage
Tuition, materials, meals, and activities fully sponsored for every fellow.
Inside the ESLP residency
High-energy days blend leadership labs, design thinking, cultural exploration, and community-building.
Leadership studios
Interactive sessions on personal leadership, social innovation, public speaking, and collaborative problem solving.
Masterclasses & mentors
Facilitated by Haitian and international leaders from finance, media, diplomacy, and the creative industries.
City immersions
Site visits to companies, embassies, media houses, and cultural institutions that expand each fellow’s worldview.
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 to design solutions for local challenges. They complete stakeholder interviews, prototype ideas, and present an actionable roadmap during the closing pitch night in front of families, alumni, and partners.
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.
- Interest form and short essay submission
- Values-aligned interviews with ESLP mentors
- 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
- Goal-setting sessions and leadership challenges
- Community agreements and program expectations
Immerse
Two weeks of experiential learning that blends classroom, fieldwork, and creative expression.
- Daily workshops with expert facilitators
- Team-based design labs tackling real issues
- Cultural outings and service learning experiences
Amplify
Fellows graduate, join the alumni guild, 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 15–19 currently enrolled in a Haitian high school (NSI to NS4).
- 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.
- 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
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 travel stipends, technology, and launch grants for alumni-led initiatives.
Voices from the community
Fellows and partners share how ESLP sparks growth, confidence, and collaboration.
“ESLP helped me discover my voice. I launched a literacy club at my school with the support of alumni mentors.”
Nathalie – 2023 Fellow
“From day one, I felt seen and challenged. The workshops sharpened my confidence to lead community change.”
James – 2024 Fellow
“We sponsor ESLP because the program nurtures thoughtful, prepared leaders who invest back into Haiti.”
Program Partner
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?▾
ESLP typically runs each July in Port-au-Prince. Exact dates, application deadlines, and orientation details are announced on EdLight’s channels and by email.
Is the program really free?▾
Yes. Thanks to generous partners and sponsors, ESLP covers all program costs including materials, meals, excursions, and local transportation.
Do fellows need to speak English?▾
Sessions are bilingual (Kreyòl and French/English). Comfort with Kreyòl is essential. Fellows gain access to additional language practice resources during the residency.
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.
Join the next chapter
Ready to lead with purpose this summer?
Applications open soon. Share your interest, nominate a student, or collaborate with ESLP to sponsor the next generation of Haitian leaders.