The Omar Khalidi Scholars Program (OKSP), an initiative of the Indian American Muslim Council (IAMC), provides university students with a unique hands-on opportunity to engage with pressing issues around human rights, religious freedom, and social justice. This program invites students from diverse academic and professional backgrounds, currently enrolled in American universities, to contribute to meaningful research and advocacy initiatives aimed at safeguarding the rights and freedoms of marginalized and minority communities in India and the United States.
About the Program
The OKSP offers flexible internships in remote, in-person, and hybrid formats designed for both undergraduate and graduate students. The interns will have the opportunity to work on various projects, including advocacy campaigns, research, and media advocacy on human rights, religious freedom, and social justice.
The program honors Dr. Omar Khalidi, an eminent Indian-American scholar and advocate for social justice. Dr. Khalidi, who served as a research librarian at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), dedicated his life to advancing the rights of underrepresented communities. His scholarship and activism in the areas of social justice and pluralism inspire this program’s mission and values.
The program seeks to nurture a new generation of leaders dedicated to promoting human rights, justice, and democracy in India and the United States.
Internship Opportunities
Participants can choose to work with one of IAMC’s departments:
Governmental Advocacy: Work with IAMC’s Governmental advocacy team in Washington, DC, on legislative research, advocacy campaigns, and community education about policy issues affecting Indian minorities and Indian Americans..
Media and Research: Conduct quantitative and qualitative research, write reports, and OPEDs, create content for social media, and support IAMC media advocacy campaigns.
Community Outreach: Plan, design, and execute awareness and education programs and campaigns to mobilize support for human rights and social justice movements.
Campus Outreach: Facilitate discussions, workshops, and events to engage student communities on human rights and social justice issues impacting minority and marginalized communities in the United States and India.
Eligibility and Requirements
- Open to university students enrolled in American institutions.
- Applicants must demonstrate a strong interest in human rights and social justice.
- Resume and cover letter.
- A short essay (250 words) on why the applicant is passionate about IAMC’s mission.
Timeline
- Application Opens: February 28, 2025
- Deadline: March 30, 2025
- Notification of Acceptance: April 13, 2025
- Internship/Fellowship Begins: May or June 2025
Note: The Omar Khalidi Scholars Program (OKSP) doesn’t offer paid internships. Applicants are encouraged to apply for funding through their universities.