FAQs
How can I learn more about the program?
You can learn more about the Acton Institute Emerging Leaders Program by visiting the Acton Institute internship program homepage, or by calling our human resources staff at 616.454.3080.
What is the deadline for applying to an Acton Institute Emerging Leaders Program?
We accept applicants on a rolling basis. The Acton Institute Emerging Leaders Program is highly competitive, please apply as soon as possible for cosideration.
Semester internship program dates can be more flexible in order to accommodate school schedules. Our summer Emerging Leader Program dates are not flexible.
What are the requirements to be accepted to the Emerging Leaders Program at Acton Institute?
The Acton Institute requires that all candidates have a 3.0 GPA or higher. However, our most successful Emerging Leaders Program applicants have a 3.5 GPA or higher. We accept rising juniors, seniors, recent graduates and graduate students into the program. Exceptions to these criteria are made frequently.
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 1,000 leaders from 80+ countries as well as attend lectures from word class scholars.
How much does the Emerging Leaders Program pay?
The Acton Institute summer Emerging Leaders Program provides a stipend of $1,000 for the 8-week program. We also accept participants through the Koch Internship Program which pays $4,500 for the summer program.
Our semester internship programs vary depending on the length of the internship.
Are Acton Emerging Leaders Program stipends taxable?
The stipend participants receive is taxable by the IRS and may be taxable by other tax authorities. Participants are responsible for reporting the stipend on their taxes.
Do I have to move to Grand Rapids to participate in the Acton Institute Emerging Leaders Program?
The Acton Institute Emerging Leaders Program requires that all participants relocate to Grand Rapids for the duration of their program. You can learn more about the vibrant Grand Rapids community here.
Does the Acton Institute provide housing?
Housing is provided for Acton Institute summer Emerging Leaders at the convenient Grand Valley State University Downtown Campus – less than one mile from the Acton building. If you do not plan to bring a car to Grand Rapids, the apartment complex is located near a main bus route. You can view the Grand Rapids bus schedule here.
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. Acton Institute has gone on to hire a significant number of past program participants.
Do you accept applicants through the Charles Koch Institute?
Yes, we encourage students to apply for the Acton Institute Emerging Leaders Program through one of the many Charles Koch Institute summer/semester programs.
Please contact [email protected] for any questions that were not answered in the above FAQs.