Cross Cultural Leadership Program Summer 2023
JOIN THE CROSS CULTURAL LEADERSHIP PROGRAM
Immerse yourself in a lively Latinx community this summer. Gain valuable internship experience.
Open to all First Years, Sophomores, Juniors, and rising Seniors in all majors and departments. First priority for placements goes to 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 Center 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, and Washington, D.C.
Students participate in a three-credit course and volunteer full-time as a team member in a community-based organization. For summer 2023, the course component of CCLP will be offered virtually for 2 hours per week over 8 weeks. The volunteer internship experience itself will be offered in person with a nonprofit or NGO. The online course will be taught nationally by an ILS faculty member, with a local component provided by an alumnus or partner of Notre Dame.
The Program provides:
• Site options in: Chicago/Washington D.C./Los Angeles
• All costs covered by ILS: flight, room, board, and local transportation
• 3 credit Latino Studies course taught virtually (credits/registration for fall 2023)
• Opportunity to build a professional network with fellow ND students
• Local mentorship by an ND alumnus in each city
• Students may earn a $3,000 scholarship applied to their fall semester
Program Dates including travel:
CCLP Chicago: May 29 to July 28, 2024 (includes summer training institute with CSPL)
CCLP DC & LA: June 1 to July 28, 2024
Additional Information:
Dr. Karen Richman will be teaching the summer CCLP course as a national, online course for participants taking the 3-credit course. If you have already taken the course in the past, please contact Dr. Richman to discuss alternate options.
Apply earlier to get your preferred spot!
Decisions will be made on a rolling basis until late February.
Visit our list of partners to learn about participating organizations in each city.
You may also view prior placements.
General CCLP dates in DC/LA/Chi:
Wednesday May 29 (for Chicago) or Saturday June 1 (for LA and DC) - Travel to destination
Sunday June 2 - Orientation in your city
Monday June 3 - First day of service
Friday July 26 - Last day of service
Sunday July 28 - Deadline to move out/return home
Academic Requirements
- Attend three orientation sessions in the spring semester prior to summer service learning course.
- 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 will be conferred in the spring.
- Read all course books and course packet articles.
- Keep a journal.
- Participate in class sessions with professor and other students.
- Write synthesis paper at the end of the course.
- Final presentation of your experience at end of summer service learning course to other students, faculty, community members, and alumni of Notre Dame.
- Participate in all follow up activities in fall following summer service learning course such as exit interview, video, and open house for future potential applicants.
Student Spotlights

“Working at MALDEF was a rewarding experience that allowed me to understand the legal complexities that many Latinos in not just LA, but the United States, experience. I am inspired to further advocate for my Latinx community and use my power as an individual with many opportunities and knowledge to give back to the community.”
Jocelyn Limon '25
Los Angeles • Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund
Major: Political Science • Minor: Latino Studies

"My KID experience gave me great insight into a sector I once knew very little about. The CCLP course further augmented this new experience as it really put my research of the informal learning sector from KID into perspective.”
Anthony Banderas-Infante '26
Washington, D.C. • KID Museum
Major: Mechanical Engineering
Special Thanks to ....
•Arthur and Joanne Velasquez for their generous endowment in support of the CCLP Chicago site.
• The Notre Dame Club of Los Angeles for being a generous supporter of the CCLP Los Angeles site through annual endowment contributions raised at club events.
