Leadership Development
EPIC’s most robust effort at developing leadership is Pacific Islander Leaders of Tomorrow (PILOT). It is a community-focused program created to increase the number of emerging leaders in the Pacific Islander community. PILOT consists of four components: Summer Institute, Semester Sessions, Forward Movement Projects, and Internships.
Summer Institute
The annual PILOT Summer Institute is a four-day intensive program that offers a unique approach to leadership development that centers Pacific Islander culture and social justice. Each institute is held in partnership with a college campus with the intention of increasing access to and retention in higher education.
Semester Sessions
Workshops held during the academic year that build the political consciousness and skills of young Pacific Islander leaders to better serve the community. Topics are chosen by PILOTs to continue learning beyond their time in the Summer Institute.
Forward Movement Projects
Forward Movement Projects are driven by PILOT alumni in service of community to address some of the most pressing issues that Pacific Islanders are facing today. These are short term projects where PILOTs can implement the skills they've learned through the Summer Institute, Semester Sessions, and Internships. Ideal projects will demonstrate critical thinking, creativity, and a clear vision of its outcomes.
Internships
Internships are paid elevated leadership opportunities hosted with EPIC or one of our organizational partners. These are summer or semester-long placements. Applications are released periodically based on programming needs, staff capacity, and funding. Join our listserv to receive updates about our work and notifications when internships are available. If you’d like to intern with EPIC for school credit, please contact epic@empoweredpi.org.
