Cross Cultural Leadership Program
JOIN THE CROSS-CULTURAL LEADERSHIP PROGRAM
Immerse yourself in a lively Latinx community this summer. Gain valuable internship experience.
Open to all rising juniors and seniors with Latino Studies Supplementary majors and minors.
Participation in CCLP is offered at no cost to ND undergraduate students looking to increase their understanding and engagement in Latinx populations.
Since 2006, the Institute for Latino Studies has offered the Cross Cultural Leadership Program to undergraduates of all backgrounds and courses of study at the University of Notre Dame. CCLP was modeled after the late Father Don McNeill C.S.C.'s work at the Institute for Social Concerns. CCLP engages students in real-world applications of their academic studies through summer service-learning experiences in Latino serving organizations in Chicago, Los Angeles, South Bend (est. 2024), and El Paso (est. 2025).
Students participate in a three-credit course and volunteer full-time as a team member in a community-based organization in each city. The CCLP course will be offered as a nationwide, online course for 2 hours per week over 8 weeks.
The Program provides:
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8-week immersion placement in Chicago, Los Angeles, South Bend, and El Paso
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All costs covered by ILS: flight, housing, groceries & public transportation stipend
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3 credit Latino Studies course
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Opportunity to build a professional network
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Local mentorship by an ND alumnus in each city
Additional Information:
Dr. Karen Richman will be teaching the summer CCLP course as a national, online course for participants taking the 3-credit course.
Apply earlier to get your preferred spot!
Visit our list of partners to learn about participating organizations in each city.
You may also view prior placements.
Academic Requirements
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Commit continuous participation for 8-weeks in Los Angeles, Chicago, South Bend, or El Paso.
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Attend orientation session, Friday Feb. 27, 2026, from 2-6 pm with all CCLP interns.
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Register for a three-credit course. Credit is granted in the fall following completion of the summer service learning course. For students studying abroad in the fall, credit may be conferred in the spring.
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Meet weekly for 2 hours, online, throughout internship.
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Read all course books and course packet articles. Keep a weekly journal over the summer.
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Participate in meetings with Alumni Mentor four times per summer.
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Write synthesis paper at the end of the course.
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Make final presentation about your experience at end of summer service learning course.
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Submit program evaluation.
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Send hand written thank you note to your organization supervisor and colleagues.
Program Dates
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Friday, May 29, 2026 - Travel to destination
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Sunday, May 31 - Orientation in your city
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Monday, June 1 - First day of service
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Friday, July 24 - Last day of service
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Saturday, July 25 - Deadline to move out/return home
APPLICATION DUE DATE:
November 23, 2025 11:59pm
Decision released 12/10/2025
Commitments due 1/7/2026 11:59 pm