OC Michael Jardine will join a class of 30 student participants representing Northern Ireland and Ireland as part of the Washington Ireland Program for Service and Leadership (WIP) this year. 

http://wiprogram.org/class-of-2018-launch/

WIP inspires and develops promising leaders through an exceptional program committed to building a future of peace and prosperity for Northern Ireland and Ireland. For over two decades WIP has brought together young leaders from a wide range of communities and backgrounds for an outstanding leadership and skills-development program.

Each year, WIP selects 30 talented students to join it’s network of leaders and influencers by completing a 12-month program of service and leadership development, which includes a summer in Washington DC or New York City. 

The Washington Ireland Program has cause to celebrate in 2018 with notable alums serving as Taoiseach (Leo Varadkar, WIP Class of 2000), Lord Mayor of Belfast (Nuala McAllister, WIP Class of 2010), and in Westminster (Emma Little-Pengelly MP, WIP Class of 2002).

Selection for WIP 2018 was highly competitive with three hundred students from across the island of Ireland competing for the opportunity to be on the class, and ultimately to become part of an active WIP alum network seeking to make a difference in their communities. 

Speaking about his recent selection for the #WIP Class of 2018, Michael said:

“Its an amazing opportunity and an incredible honour for myself to have been chosen to take part in such a prestigious and program with so many inspiring former class members. I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t feeling a little nervous about heading over to the States but I’m thrilled to be given the chance to develop my leadership skills whilst giving back to the community that has already given me so much.” 

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar recently launched WIP’s New York Program by speaking about his experience on WIP at the Irish Consulate in New York City: “It helped me develop my view of the wider world…and without it perhaps I wouldn’t be standing here today.” 

If you would like to follow Michael's progress and others this summer you can follow their blogs and view photos at http://www.wiprogram.org 

#InspiringCampbellians