Request for Proposal: Meridian Global Leadership Institute – Capstone Curriculum Developer, Facilitator, and Advisor

download the full rfp here

 

Statement of Purpose 

Meridian’s Global Leadership Institute seeks a skilled leadership curriculum developer and facilitator to develop and implement a young leaders’ capstone project that serves as the culminating activity of one of its immersive summer 2026 leadership program for college students, the Meridian Future Leaders Fellowship.  

Background  

Meridian International Center is a nonpartisan center for diplomacy founded in 1960 and headquartered on a historic campus in Washington, D.C. Our mission is to empower leaders to advance the next era of diplomacy. Our programs strengthen American leadership by accelerating collaboration on shared challenges, increasing economic competitiveness, and building geopolitical resilience. We equip leaders from business, science and technology, cities and states, culture and sports with the insights, networks, and resources to navigate a complex world.  

Meridian’s Global Leadership Institute prepares tomorrow’s changemakers for leadership in a rapidly evolving global landscape. Through immersive programs in Washington, D.C., ambitious high school and college students from around the world gain the skills, networks, and confidence to lead across diplomacy, international business, law, public policy, and global service. 

Meridian Future Leaders Fellowship – College  

This four-week summer fellowship offers college students immersive experiences in international affairs, combining leadership training, mentorship, and hands-on work with global professionals. Participants explore diplomacy, policy, and global business in real-world settings, gaining the skills, credentials, and confidence to stand out in competitive careers and graduate programs. 

Program dates: June 8 – July 3, 2026| Washington, DC 

  • Summer Enrichment Program: June 8 – 12 
  • Fellowship/Internship: June 12 – July 2 

Curriculum Facilitator will be present at the following Capstone Sessions: 

  • June 8, 12, 19, 26, and July 2  

Cohort size: 16 students maximum 

Scope of Work 

The Capstone Project is the culminating experience of the program, providing students with a hands-on opportunity to apply the leadership, policy, and diplomatic skills developed throughout the program. Students are introduced to the Capstone on the first day of the fellowship and continue building their projects through structured Friday sessions, guided work periods, and mentorship, concluding with final presentations. 

The Curriculum Facilitator will: 

Pre-Program: 

  • Develop a structured framework for the Capstone Project, including objectives, themes, guidelines, milestones, and expected outcomes. 
  • Assist students in identifying and refining a project theme or focus that aligns with program goals, learning objectives, and the broader curriculum (including potential creation of a policy brief, as outlined in our existing framework, but allowing flexibility for alternative project concepts as long as the topic is international in nature). 
  • Outline the session structure, including timing, skills development, and work periods, to position the Capstone within the larger Fellowship program.  

In-Program: 

  • Deliver content within the following structure: 
  • June 8, 2026: Day 1 – One-hour introduction 
  • Present Capstone objectives, expectations, project themes, and resources. Guide students through initial brainstorming for project ideas. 
  • June 12, 19, 26, 2026: Weekly Friday sessions 
  • Skills sessions (2 hours to 2.5 hours): Establish targeted competency-building exercises supporting Capstone completion (e.g., research, writing policy analysis, collaboration, presentation skills). 
  • Hands-on work sessions (2–3 hours): Provide office-hours style guidance for students to develop and advance projects 
  • July 2, 2026: Closing direction for final Capstone showcase (2-3 hours) 
  • Facilitate the cohort’s final Capstone showcase and provide culminating guidance on how to transition projects to real-world applications. 

download the full rfp here