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

download the full rfp here

Statement of Purpose 

Meridian’s Global Leadership Institute seeks a skilled curriculum developer and facilitator to construct, augment, and implement a modular curriculum for two of its immersive summer 2026 leadership programs: the Meridian Future Leaders Fellowship and the Meridian Future Leaders Academy.  

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. The slated 2026 programs: 

Meridian Future Leaders Academy – High School 

A one-week pre-college program for rising juniors and seniors, the Academy is a hands-on introduction to global affairs. Students engage with diplomatic leaders, visit embassies, and participate in real-time policy simulations on issues ranging from trade diplomacy to emerging technologies. By the end of the program, participants will earn a Global Leadership Certificate, join a lifelong alumni network, develop practical skills in leadership, negotiation, and public speaking, and gain a deeper understanding of career pathways in global affairs and how to pursue them. 

Program dates: June 22 – 26, 2026 | Washington, DC 

Cohort size: 25 students maximum 

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 2, 2026 | Washington, DC 

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

Cohort size: 16 students maximum 

Both programs emphasize experiential learning, interactive workshops, and engagement with leaders across government, business, and civil society, preparing students to act with insight, integrity, and influence on the world stage. 

Scope of Work 

Through our curriculum mapping process, we determined which modules require new content development and which can be delivered using existing materials and Meridian methodologies: 

  • Modules identified as creation are expected to be both developed and implemented by the Contractor, ensuring consistency and fidelity between design and delivery.  
  • Modules identified as implementation-only are based on pre-existing Meridian content, and the Contractor’s role will be to facilitate these sessions using the materials provided. This approach allows us to leverage external expertise where it is most impactful while maintaining program quality and cohesion across all sessions. 

Module Creation: 

The Contractor will be responsible for creating the following modules for the College and High School programs: 

High School Program 

  • Interactive Debate (45 min - 1 hour)
    Students practice argumentation and consensus-building on pressing global issues. 
  • Simulation: Building a Policy Coalition (1.5 minutes to 2 hours)
    Allows students to practice negotiation and coalition-building in a policy context. 
  • Workshop: How Washington Works (1 hour)
    Explains the flow of power among the White House, Congress, federal agencies, and think tanks. 
  • Workshop: Global Path / Career Mapping (1.5 minutes to 2 hours)
    Helps students align strengths and interests with potential career paths in international affairs. 
  • Workshop: Public Speaking / Media Training (1.5 minutes to 2 hours)
    Develops students’ communication and presentation skills, including live practice. 

College Program 

  • Leadership Lab: Small-Group Reflections (1 hour)
    Facilitates group discussions connecting personal values and strengths to leadership in global contexts. 
  • Workshop: Powell Principles (1 hour)
    Explores Secretary Colin Powell’s ten leadership rules and their application to effective leadership. 
  • Seminar: U.S. Foreign Policy Ecosystem (1 hour)
    Explains the structures, coalitions, and networks that drive U.S. foreign policy decision-making. 
  • Simulation: Building a Policy Coalition (1.5 hour)
    Gives students hands-on experience forming alliances and advancing policy goals. 
  • Interactive: Design a Diplomatic Mission for the 21st Century (1 hour)
    Teams reimagine embassy operations to address contemporary international challenges. 

Deliverables for modules to be created include, but are not limited to: slide decks, facilitator guides, worksheets, interactive exercises, case studies, and other materials needed to deliver each session effectively, as well as an overarching recommended schedule for implementation. 

download the full rfp here