The Government have re-launched the Washington Programme for young Gibraltarians, now redesigned as the Washington D.C. Shadowing Programme. 

A statement from the Government follows below:

HM Government of Gibraltar is pleased to announce the re-launch of the Washington Programme for young Gibraltarians, now redesigned as the Washington, D.C. Shadowing Programme. 

The programme, delivered in partnership with the Advanced Leadership Foundation, will give up to fifteen outstanding Gibraltarian students and young professionals the opportunity to spend eight weeks in Washington, D.C., gaining direct exposure to senior leadership, public policy, international institutions, civil society and decision-making at the heart of the United States capital. 

The renewed programme builds on the successful partnership first established between HM Government of Gibraltar and the Advanced Leadership Foundation in 2016. It has now evolved from its original internship format into a structured shadowing model, designed to place participants close to senior executives, public officials, institutional leaders and experienced professional mentors. 

The Autumn 2026 edition will run in Washington, D.C. from 28 September to 20 November 2026. The programme will include executive shadowing, structured mentorship, leadership workshops, policy briefings, institutional visits, conferences and civic engagement activities. 

To be considered for the Programme, candidates must: 

• Be Gibraltar residents for at least ten (10) years and hold a Gibraltar passport and red ID  card. 

• Be currently enrolled in, or have graduated within the past twenty-four (24) months from, a  post-secondary institution recognised by HM Government of Gibraltar. 

• Hold a minimum upper second-class honours (2:1) degree under the UK system, or an  equivalent academic standing (3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale, or equivalent qualifications under  other recognised systems). 

• Demonstrate a sustained commitment to the development of Gibraltar through academic  achievement, civic engagement, or professional involvement. 

• Demonstrate professional and academic interest in one or more of the Programme's focus  areas: humanities, public policy, the United States Congress, education, civil society, and  international institutions. 

• Be available for the full eight-week duration of the Programme between September and late  November 2026, and to attend the Pre-Departure Event at Gibraltar House in London in  September 2026.

HM Government of Gibraltar will fund the participation of all those who are selected. The scholarship will cover the programme fee, accommodation in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area, the curated institutional programme and medical insurance for the duration of the programme. 

Applications will open on 30 June 2026 and will close on 20 July 2026. The selection process will be conducted jointly by HM Government of Gibraltar and the Advanced Leadership Foundation through a transparent, merit-based process, including documentary assessment and formal interviews with shortlisted candidates. 

Each application must include the following materials: 

• A one-page curriculum vitae in UK style; 

• A copy of the candidate’s most recent university transcript; 

• A statement of professional interest (500 words) describing the candidate’s motivation, the  Programme component(s) of greatest interest, and the contribution the candidate intends to  make to Gibraltar upon completion of the Programme; 

• Two letters of recommendation, at least one of which must be from a faculty member; 

• A copy of the first page of the candidate’s Gibraltar passport and a copy of the Gibraltar  identity card. 

Shortlisted candidates may be requested to provide additional materials in advance of the selection interview. 

For any questions or to apply, please contact: 

[email protected] 

The Minister for Education, Professor John Cortes, said: “I am delighted that we are able to bring back this excellent programme for young Gibraltarians, in a renewed and more focused format. The Washington Programme has already shown its value in giving our young people international exposure, confidence and access to networks that can help shape their future. 

“This new shadowing model will allow participants to learn directly from senior professionals and institutions in Washington, D.C., while also reflecting on how their experience can benefit Gibraltar. It is an investment in our young people, but also in Gibraltar’s future leadership, public service and civic life. 

“I am particularly pleased that the programme will be managed directly through my Ministry, ensuring that it is delivered with care, accessibility and a clear focus on the development of Gibraltarian talent.”