International Leaders Program (ILP)
The church and the communities it serves need leaders who are contextually formed and globally connected. The International Leaders Program partners with global companion churches to ensure that leaders access learning experiences that grow their local impact and deepen our international partnerships.
The ILP awards scholarships to global companion leaders around the world, supporting study in a wide range of academic programs that prepare scholars for transformative leadership. We invest in an equitable future by centering leaders who face systemic barriers to education--especially women, youth & young adults, LGBTQIA+ people, indigenous people, people with disabilities, and people impacted by war & occupation.
Alongside scholarships, we offer international exchange experiences for youth & young adults from global companion churches. Young leaders from around the world work as camp counselors at ELCA summer camps each summer, bringing global perspective to outdoor ministry and facilitating intercultural exchanges that have a lasting impact.
Learn more
Whether you are a prospective program participant, a companion church leader, or an ELCA member, our team is available to answer your questions.
Contact us for more information about international scholarships or international camp counselor programs.
Access the scholarship application guidelines and get answers to frequently asked questions
spective applicants, companion churches, and ELCA summer camps can learn how to get involved
Opportunities for ELCA members, congregations, and synods to support and connect with international leaders
The ILP is part of ELCA Young Adult Ministries, which offers inspiration,opportunities and resources for young adults and for people who facilitate young adult ministry in their communities of faith
Information for ELCA members, congregations, and synods
The International Leaders Program is one of many ways that the ELCA accompanies global companion churches and institutions. This work is part of our commitment to solidarity, interdependence, and mutuality.
Each ELCA synod is part of a bilateral relationship with one or more global companion church. Companion synods may be interested in connecting with ILP program participants from their companion church(es).
Are you connected to an ELCA affiliated camp? Encourage your camp to hire summer staff from global companion churches through the International Camp Counselor Program.
Did you know that the ELCA is a member church of the Lutheran World Federation, which connects us with over 78 million people from the Lutheran tradition globally?
Donations to the ELCA through unrestricted giving and ELCA World Hunger benefit the International Leaders Program, among many other critical programs and ministries. Thank you for your generosity!
Do you have questions or ideas about how to connect with the international scholarship program or International Camp Counselor Program? Email us to connect and learn more!
