Forging Future Leaders: A Dublin Internship Honors a Legacy of Freedom

PORTLAND, Maine – February 18, 2026 – This summer, fourteen high-achieving American college students will embark on a journey that bridges continents, cultures, and centuries. The Council on International Educational Exchange (CIEE) has announced its tenth cohort of Frederick Douglass-Daniel O'Connell Global Interns, an elite group selected from over 500 applicants to participate in a fully-funded, eight-week internship program in Dublin, Ireland.

But this is more than a study abroad program; it is a moving dialogue with history. The initiative honors the profound connection between two titans of social justice: Frederick Douglass, the American abolitionist and escaped slave, and Daniel O’Connell, the Irish “Liberator” who championed Catholic emancipation. Their meeting in Dublin in 1845 was a pivotal moment, and this program seeks to imbue a new generation of leaders with their shared spirit of advocacy, equality, and entrepreneurship.

A Legacy of Liberation and Leadership

To understand the program's soul is to revisit 1845, when Frederick Douglass arrived in Ireland for a four-month lecture tour. He found a nation reeling from hardship but alive with a passion for liberty. On September 29th, he met Daniel O’Connell, whose uncompromising condemnation of slavery resonated deeply. Douglass was captivated, later writing that he was treated not “as a color, but as a man.” O'Connell, in turn, hailed Douglass as the “black O’Connell of the United States.”

This historical encounter forms the bedrock of the CIEE internship. The program is designed to guide students in emulating the values of both men, who were not only reformers but also savvy entrepreneurs and communicators. Interns delve into this history through academic lectures on Irish culture and social change, exploring how O’Connell’s steadfast principles helped shape Douglass’s evolution into a global human rights champion.

Building Bridges Between Nations

The internship is a collaborative effort, co-sponsored by CIEE, Ireland's Department of Foreign Affairs, the African American Irish Diaspora Network (AAIDN), and the John & Lillian Miles Lewis Foundation. This partnership underscores the program's role as an instrument of cultural diplomacy, strengthening the unique and enduring bond between the United States and Ireland.

For Ireland’s Department of Foreign Affairs, the program is an investment in mutual understanding, introducing future American leaders to the complexities and vibrancy of modern Ireland. The involvement of AAIDN, founded in 2020, adds another crucial layer. The network fosters relationships between the African American and Irish communities, celebrating a shared heritage that is often overlooked. By building these bridges, the program helps unite a diverse and global diaspora.

“The Douglass-O'Connell program introduces a new generation of young leaders to today's diverse and vibrant Ireland,” said James P. Pellow, Ed.D., President and CEO of CIEE. “It's a privilege to partner with AAIDN, Ireland's Department of Foreign Affairs, and the John & Lillian Miles Lewis Foundation to help increase diversity abroad as we also help unite the diverse and global Irish diaspora.”

Investing in a New Generation of 'Good Trouble'

The program’s commitment to social justice is further amplified by its partnership with the John & Lillian Miles Lewis Foundation. Honoring the legacy of the late Congressman and civil rights icon, the foundation has sponsored four spots in the cohort for students from colleges in the Georgia district Lewis represented for over 30 years. These students include Daishanay Francis of Clark Atlanta University, Sarah Darabadey of Georgia State University, and Hayley Ponds and Sophia Wade of Spelman College.

“Congressman Lewis believed in the power of young people to advance justice and build the beloved community,” said Michael Collins, Chair of the John and Lillian Miles Lewis Foundation. “By expanding their global perspectives and leadership skills in Ireland, this experience helps equip the next generation to carry forward Congressman Lewis' legacy of creating 'Good Trouble' and making the world a better place.”

The 2026 cohort is a testament to the program's focus on diversity, drawing students from Ivy League institutions like Harvard and Yale, flagship public universities like the University of Texas at Austin, and several historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs), including Bowie State University, Clark Atlanta University, Florida A&M University, Howard University, and Spelman College.

A Transformative Opportunity

During their eight weeks in Ireland, the interns will gain practical, hands-on experience in their chosen fields. Placement opportunities span a wide range of sectors, including roles in media, technology, transportation, and human rights advocacy. They will work with Ireland-based companies while participating in a rigorous academic seminar and engaging in cultural activities and networking events in Dublin, Cork, and Belfast.

The selection process is highly competitive, based on academic achievement, a demonstrated commitment to social justice, and a desire to emulate the program's namesakes. The selected students—including Zaire Floyd, a journalism major from Florida A&M, and Garrison Andrews, a political science major from Howard—represent the next wave of thinkers, creators, and advocates.

“The Frederick Douglass-Daniel O'Connell Global Internship program builds inclusive bridges of understanding and opportunity between Ireland and America,” noted Dennis Brownlee, Founder and President of the African American Irish Diaspora Network. “We are pleased to again support this transformative program.”

Recognizing the value of international experience for all students, CIEE extends its commitment beyond the 14 selected interns. All eligible applicants who were not chosen will receive a $1,500 Douglass-O'Connell Scholars Grant, which can be applied to any of CIEE’s 200+ study abroad programs through the summer of 2027, ensuring the spirit of the program inspires hundreds more to seek their own global journey.