U.S. Immersion
A U.S. team learning together in New Hampshire
Build resilience, practise leadership and take action with young people from across the United States.
Approximately July 2–15, 2027 · Applications open now. Interviews begin in December 2026. Places fill quickly.
We will not accept applications that were completed using Artificial Intelligence.
LEADERSHIP IS SOMETHING YOU PRACTISE
Activities and community service
Build resilience, practise leadership and take action with young people from across the United States.
Community members are part of the program: hosts, volunteers, local professionals and partner organizations bring their experience into the learning. Participants meet people, ask questions, practise public speaking and work alongside others on useful projects.
The learning moves between workshops, shared daily life and real encounters with people beyond the team.
See community action in practiceBEFORE, DURING AND AFTER THE TRIP
The three program phases
Virtual team sessions before travel, followed by a Community Action Project at home.
- 01
Build your team
Join virtual sessions, get to know your teammates and begin developing your Community Action Project. Preparation includes approximately 10–15 hours of virtual work.
- 02
Put skills into practice
Live and learn together in Durham, New Hampshire. Practise communication, conflict transformation, public speaking and understanding identity through workshops and community experiences.
- 03
Bring the learning home
Develop your project plan with FFI’s support, then put it into action to meet a need in your community. Continue participating in the virtual workshops and progress meetings arranged by FFI.
FOR YOUNG PEOPLE AND THE ORGANIZATIONS THAT SUPPORT THEM
Build on the experience you already have
If you are already part of a youth program, FFI offers another step in that journey. We value the relationships, skills and confidence you are developing with the people who know and support you. U.S. Immersion builds on that foundation, giving you time with young people from across the country and new experiences to bring back to your own group and community.
We welcome youth organizations sharing this opportunity with their participants. Our aim is to continue the work you have started together, with young people returning ready to contribute what they have learned.
We also welcome schools, counselors and teachers sharing this opportunity with students. FFI builds on the learning and support already happening at school, giving students new experiences and perspectives to bring back to their classrooms and school communities.
What leadership practice can change
said they listened to others’ thoughts with more empathy.
2023 participant survey“The activities in this program gave me the tools and confidence to step up, listen more, and support others in meaningful ways, even through small actions.”
YOUR GOALS AND THE LEARNING BEHIND THE PROGRAM
A shared experience with room for individual growth
FFI’s approach brings together Individual Leadership Plans and our bespoke curriculum. An ILP connects what you want to work on with your contribution to the team. The curriculum gives that work structure through activities, discussion, community experiences and reflection, shaped around the people taking part.
THE EXPECTATIONS ARE PART OF THE EXPERIENCE
What we ask of participants
Participants commit to preparing for the program, contributing to daily life with their team and following through on a Community Action Project at home.
The challenge is the sustained commitment: showing up, living well together, reflecting honestly and trying things that stretch you. All programs are conducted in English, including team conversations, workshops and public speaking.
FFI is designed to be the most rigorous leadership program you have experienced. The challenge is personal, rather than academic: trying new things, being willing to be vulnerable, showing courage and bringing a positive attitude. Apply ready to put in more effort than you may have before.
Living together, cooking together and every program requirement serve a purpose: developing the self confidence and skills to become your best self and help your community and our planet become the best they can be.
Time without technology
Residential programs are technology-free. Participants put away phones and other internet-connected devices so they can be present with the people and activities around them. Virtual preparation happens before or after the residential experience.
Discuss any essential access or communication needs with the programs team before accepting a place.
Mindfulness and reflection
Daily mindfulness and meditation build time to pause, notice and reflect. Participants record their experiences in memory books and come together for an evening debrief.
Plant-based meals and shared responsibility
All program meals are plant-based. Preparing food, eating together and caring for shared spaces are part of the learning experience.
Tell FFI about allergies and dietary needs in advance.
Why plant-based?Movement, effort and participation
Daily movement, physical activities and unfamiliar challenges are chosen to help the group grow. The expectation is effort, engagement and a willingness to try.
Tell FFI about access and support needs before the program so arrangements can be discussed.
A MOVEMENT THAT CONTINUES
Keep growing with FFI
Your first FFI program is the start of a longer journey. As an alumnus, you can apply to return as an alumni leader, take part in trips to our campuses and pursue further leadership experiences, including programs such as New Orleans. Through your twenties, there are opportunities to keep learning, take on more responsibility and be challenged in new ways.
SUMMER 2027 · APPLICATIONS OPEN
Eligibility and program details
Applications are open now. Interviews begin in December 2026, and places fill quickly. Every accepted student receives a full scholarship.
Compare all youth programs- Age
- 14–18
- Who can apply
- All 50 U.S. states and Washington, D.C.
- Residential location
- Durham, New Hampshire
- Residential format
- 10–14 days in residence
- Language
- All programs are conducted in English.
- 2027 dates
- Approximately July 2–15, 2027
100% SCHOLARSHIPS FOR ALL ACCEPTED STUDENTS
What the scholarship covers
Program fees, housing, meals, activities and program travel.
No passport is needed for this U.S. program.
Individual donors, businesses and foundations make these opportunities possible. Financial support removes the program fee; it does not reduce the commitment expected from participants.
Help fund a student’s experienceSCHOOL CREDIT
Learning you can bring to your school.
Participants who successfully complete the program earn New Hampshire high school credits. FFI supplies competency reports to their schools; schools outside New Hampshire decide whether to accept the credits.
How to apply for 2027
Applications are open now for approximately July 2–15, 2027. Interviews begin in December 2026. Places fill quickly, so apply early.
Apply now for summer 2027Applying requires signing in to a Google account because the form includes file uploads. You can use an existing Google account or create one with your current email address.We will not accept applications that were completed using Artificial Intelligence.
- Complete the application.
Use the shared application form and take time to answer each question in your own words.
- Get to know FFI.
Review our website, mission, philosophy and approach before your interview.
- Complete the forms in your interview invitation.
Complete all forms sent in the initial interview invitation email.
- Take part in your interview.
Selected applicants will interview with FFI staff and alumni.
- Wait for FFI’s decision.
FFI will contact you about the outcome of your application.
Questions about the application process? Read the application FAQ ↗
TAKE THE NEXT STEP
Apply for this program
Read the application FAQ, review FFI’s approach and complete the application in your own words.
Application FAQU.S. Immersion eligibility
50A team drawn from across the country.
Young people from all 50 U.S. states and Washington, D.C. can apply for U.S. Immersion.
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