How can I learn more about the Emerging Leaders Program?
You can learn more about the Acton Institute Emerging Leaders Program (ELP) by visiting The Acton Institute ELP homepage, or by contacting our Program Outreach staff at [email protected] .
What is the deadline for applying to The Acton Institute Emerging Leaders Program?
The application for the 2026 Emerging Leaders Program will open October 31st, 2025. The early decision deadline is November 30th, 2025. The general decision deadline is February 13th, 2026. As the Emerging Leaders Program is highly competitive, we encourage you to apply as soon as possible for consideration. All application materials, including the letter of recommendation, must be received by the deadline for the application to be complete.
What are the requirements to be accepted to the Emerging Leaders Program at Acton Institute?
We accept rising juniors, seniors, recent graduates and graduate students into the program. While our most competitive candidates have a GPA of 3.5 or higher, we do not have a strict GPA requirement.
Do Emerging Leaders have the opportunity to attend Acton University?
All Acton Institute Emerging Leaders Program participants have the opportunity to attend Acton University. Those accepted will be able to interact with over 800 leaders from 70+ countries, as well as attend lectures from world class scholars.
Will I have any opportunities to write for Religion and Liberty Online?
Yes, no matter which department you are assigned to, all Emerging Leaders have the opportunity to submit article(s) for publication to Acton’s Religion and Liberty online publication.
What is the stipend offered for The Acton Institute Emerging Leaders Program?
Acton Institute’s Summer Emerging Leaders Program provides a generous stipend for the 8-week program for participants based in the U.S. Stipends for international participants will be based on VISA status. Housing is also provided for all participants. See below for more details.
Are Acton Emerging Leaders Program stipends taxable?
The stipend participants receive is taxable by the IRS and may be taxable by other tax authorities.
Do I have to move to Grand Rapids to participate in the Acton Institute Emerging Leaders Program?
Yes. Acton’s ELP requires that all participants relocate to Grand Rapids for the 8-week duration of the summer program. You can learn more about the vibrant Grand Rapids community here.
Does the Acton Institute provide housing?
Yes. Acton Institute provides housing for our summer Emerging Leaders. We secure housing at the Grand Valley State University Downtown Campus – conveniently located less than one mile from the Acton building for an easy walk to the office. The GVSU apartment complex is also located near a main bus route. You can view the Grand Rapids bus schedule here. This housing comes fully furnished and kitchen appliances, cookware, and dishes are provided.
Does the Acton Institute provide meals?
The Acton Institute provides some meals for our summer Emerging Leaders. Lunch will be provided for Emerging Leaders 1-2 times a week. Additionally, all meals are covered during Acton University. Emerging Leaders will receive a full schedule of provided meals during program orientation.
What opportunities exist after the program?
Acton Institute places a high priority on helping program participants with job placement at the conclusion of their time with us. Our alumni relations department assists with placing program participants in careers throughout our network. The Acton Institute has also gone on to hire a significant number of past program participants.
Where are our alumni now?
Alumni of the Emerging Leaders Program have pursued careers across a wide variety of fields, including think tanks, state and local government, law, education, technology, and finance. Some of our alumni are currently working at the Acton Institute, the St. John Henry Newman Institute, The Hoover Institution (Stanford University), the American Institute for Economic Research, the Cato Institute, the AHA Foundation, the Intercollegiate Studies Institute, the Calvin Coolidge Presidential Foundation, the Michigan House of Representatives, the City of Palo Alto, the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit, Atlanta Classical Academy, John Adams Academy, Trinitas Classical School, McKinsey & Company, PWCampbell, EWTN, Bowyer Research, and Cambridge Econometrics.
Other alumni are continuing their education at institutions including Harvard Law School, Oxford University, Vanderbilt University, Catholic University of America, UCLA, Boston University, University of Notre Dame, Central European University, SciencesPo Paris and HEC Paris.
If I am not accepted into the program, are there other opportunities at the Acton Institute?
Yes. While this program is highly competitive, we do offer opportunities to top candidates to whom we are not able to extend offers. In fact, in the application, you can select whether you would like to be considered for a Collegiate Fellowship to attend Acton University.
Please contact [email protected] if you have any further question.