Mongolian - U.S. National Civic Engagement Program (MUNCEP)
The Program
The Mongolian-U.S. National Civic Engagement Program (MUNCEP) is a nine-week professional development program created by the US-Asia Institute (USAI) in coordination with the Embassy of Mongolia in Washington, DC. It is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for young adults of Mongolian descent who are U.S. citizens, U.S. permanent residents, or F-1 visa holders to gain a firsthand look at the American government and political system in Washington, DC to engage civically and reflect on the role they, as future leaders, might play in strengthening the US-Mongolia relationship.
MUNCEP introduces the chosen participants to their roles and responsibilities in becoming engaged in their community and beyond. It provides them with the skills and knowledge to participate in and transform into leaders in the democratic and electoral processes as well as civil society through a series of hands-on and interactive workshops, networking opportunities, placement in professional development/internship positions in Washington, D.C, one-on-one mentorship, and the completion of a civic engagement project.
This program provides these young people with the opportunity to intern on a national level in various offices of elected officials, public agencies or in organizations involved in the political/government/policy influencing arena, such as the U.S. Congress, government agencies, non-governmental organizations.. This opportunity helps develop a stronger understanding of how government and the political system work by experiencing it from an insider’s perspective. Further, the program prepares these young leaders to participate in the civic arena, developing skills for those interested in public service and/or in becoming citizens involved in their communities. Not only is this an invaluable professional experience, but also benefits the Mongolian American community by increasing the interest of Mongolian Americans in American politics and civic engagement in the future.
The program also highlights professional development at its core. Each participant is matched with a mentor based on professional and career goals, offering individualized support and guidance to our program participants in helping them navigate their future professional careers and expand their networks. The program also features a variety of group and individual networking opportunities and professional development workshops.
In the United States, participation in the political process and being civically engaged are crucial to ensuring that a community’s needs and concerns are heard and addressed. The MUNCEP program is one way to achieve this objective by finding a more effective way to support the Mongolian community in the US’s new generation to represent their own community politically and civically.
Click here to view the MUNCEP informational one-pager.
The 2025 MUNCEP program will run from June 2 - August 1, 2025. For application, requirements, and deadlines, please click below.
MUNCEP 2025 Applications are now open
MUNCEP 2025 Program Details
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To apply please fill out the form linked here.
CANDIDATE QUALIFICATIONS
Age 18-25 years old
Enrolled as a full-time undergraduate or graduate student in good academic standing OR recently completed degree
U.S. citizenship or permanent residency OR U.S. F-1 visa (Academic Student visa)
Leadership ability and good interpersonal skills
Record of community service or interest therein
Written and spoken fluency in English
Mongolian descent
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
Candidates will submit:
Resume with photo
One page Statement of Intent and Impact: Why they want to participate in this program and what impact it might have on their future.
A copy of most recent transcript
A copy of ID, passport or other official documents as proof of US citizenship or permanent residency OR U.S. F-1 visa (Academic Student visa)
A copy of parent’s ID, passport or any official document as proof of Mongolian descent
One letter of recommendation (For example, from a professor, an employer, or a community leader)
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Application Released: by Friday, November 8, 2024
Application Deadline: Friday, January 31, 2025
Candidates selected and contacted for interviews: on a rolling basis
Final decisions: by Wednesday, February 14, 2025
Acceptances from interns due: by Friday, February 28, 2025
Program Dates: Monday, June 2 - Friday, August 1, 2025
Orientation week: Monday, June 2 - Friday, June 6, 2025
Full Program Dates: Monday, June 2 - Friday, August 1, 2025
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Expenses: Participants are responsible for all expenses related to the program including travel to Washington, D.C. and return home; accommodations; food; ground transportation throughout the program; and cultural and spending money. All participants must, after acceptance into the program, show proof of health insurance.
F1 Visas: Please note that USAI, the Embassy of Mongolia, nor any other organization associated with this program will not sponsor F-1 visa status. The F-1 visa holder is responsible for ensuring that all necessary requirements have been met in order to participate in MUNCEP, including but not limited to securing CPT authorization, OPT authorization, etc. F-1 visa holder applicants will be required to provide the name and contact information of their Designated School Officer (DSO) at the time of application.
Preference will be given to American citizens and permanent residents.
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