U.S. Programs
July 8th-18th*
We are excited to offer this one-of-a-kind program designed to develop bold and empathetic leaders (14-18 years old) from across the United States. This program includes virtual weekly sessions (approximately 10-15 hours) and a 10-day long trip to our Global Headquarters in New Hampshire in the summer.
100% of the program cost (including housing, travel, meals, activities, etc.) will be waived for all accepted applications.**
This is the most challenging youth leadership program in the country due to the time commitment and healthy living practices it requires to complete.
This competitive application only accepts 10 individuals annually. Accepted applicants must demonstrate their willingness to work hard to become the best versions of themselves so they can help their community become the best version of itself. Applicants can come from all 50 states in the United States, as well as Washington D.C. We will not accept applications that were completed using Artificial Intelligence.
FFI has been offering youth programs since 1986. Our programs are some of the world's most challenging youth leadership programs, emphasizing resilience, empathy, and action. This program will focus on leadership development, including conflict transformation (personal and community), public speaking, communication, and identity. Participants will develop concrete skills and the confidence that will help them transform the world into a better place.
As part of the application process, applicants will begin brainstorming and developing their Community Action Project ideas. After advanced training through virtual and in-person program experiences, they will develop the skills to turn their project ideas into tangible and replicable projects that address their unique community needs. Participants will conclude their program experience by initiating their action for change in their community, using the skills and resources they gained during their time with FFI.
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Regardless of their home state, all participants who successfully complete the program will earn New Hampshire high school credits, which may be transferable. FFI will provide competency reports (transcripts) to each participant’s high school, which has the discretion to determine whether to accept the credits.
*Dates are approximate and subject to change based on flight availability.
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**Accepted applicants are responsible for the cost of their passport.
Program Details
FFI programs incorporate our RECIPE and are adapted to fit the interests of the individuals within every group.
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Healthy Living
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Healthy living is an important part of FFI programs. This includes both physical and mental health. There are several components that make up our healthy living framework:
1. Technology-Free: All of our programs are entirely technology-free. Participants do not have access to devices that connect to the internet for the entirety of their program. This is so participants can be present each day and disconnect from any other distractions we may have.
2. Mindfulness & Reflection: Each day, our participants engage in mindfulness, which helps them practice presence and stress reduction. We tailor this to match the day and what it requires. In
addition, we reflect on each day both individually in memory books and collectively through a nightly debrief.
3. Plant-Based Eating: All of the meals we eat during the program are entirely plant-based and healthy. This is done primarily for the promotion of cultural inclusivity and allowing all people of diverse backgrounds and cultures to know they have a welcome seat at our dinner table. In addition, we do this for personal health, planetary health, and the understanding that we can overcome challenges. See more at: www.ff.international/plant-based
4. Movement & Physical Activities: We engage participants in daily movement and physical activities specifically chosen to challenge the group, provide new experiences, and give the greatest potential for individual development.
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Program Phases
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The program will be around five months in length and will be split into three phases:
Team Building (approximately 5 weeks) - This phase will include virtual sessions that are 2 hours in length and one to two times a week. Participants will also begin working on their Community Action Projects.
Skill Building Phase (approximately 10 days): After completing all required materials in the previous phase, participants will travel to the FFI Campus in New Hampshire, USA. Here, they will practice their developed leadership skills and immerse themselves in a new community. They will learn firsthand from community resources and professionals making an impact and develop further skills to apply in their home communities.
Community Building Phase (approximately 5 weeks): Participants complete their Community Action Project plan through self-guided assignments overseen by FFI. Once the project is approved, participants will turn their vision into reality and make an impact on their community as FFI alumni.
Alumni Movement Phase: We distinguish ourselves from other organizations by maintaining an inclusive approach that welcomes all former participants. Upon successfully completing the requirements of their program, each participant attains FFI alumni status. This prestigious status grants them access to exciting opportunities such as global alumni trips, exclusive workshops designed for alumni, facilitation training, and the potential to assume a leadership role as an Alumni Leader.
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Ongoing Virtual Sessions - Participants are expected to engage in virtual workshops and progress meetings scheduled by FFI throughout each program phase. ​
For more detailed information about our phases, visit our Immersion Programs page.
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There are a variety of qualities we are looking for in applicants, and we encourage all to apply.
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How to Apply
Applications are due May 5th
Application Steps:
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Complete the Application Form. It should take one to two hours to complete. We appreciate your effort in answering each question!
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Review our website and familiarize yourself with our mission, philosophy, and approach to developing communities worldwide.
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Complete your interview with FFI Staff and Alumni (only for select applicants). ​
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Wait for FFI to contact you regarding our decision.
​If you have any questions about the application process, please email programs@ff.international.
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See the graphic for more information about each step!
Provide a Scholarship
In order for FFI to make these programs 100% tuition-free for accepted applicants, we rely upon individuals, companies, and foundations to donate towards scholarships. If you would like to do so, please click the button below for an online gift or mail a check to our Headquarters at 1 Morgan Way, Durham, NH 03824. Please be sure to include a note directing your funds.
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One full scholarship equals $3,000, but gifts of all sizes make an impact on the lives of the youth participants.