The Institute for Responsible Citizenship was established in 2003 to prepare the nation’s best and brightest African American male college students to use their extraordinary talents to serve others.

• Men with the greatest potential should be challenged to pursue the highest achievement.
• Men who work hard to live virtuous lives and achieve academic success should be recognized and rewarded.
• Men who are destined for leadership should understand fundamental economic, constitutional, and ethical principles.
• Men who strive to make a difference can have a greater impact by working together.
• Men of character should be encouraged to pursue success as a platform for service to their communities, our nation, and the world.

Washington Program

Each year, we select 12 of the nation’s best and brightest African American male college students for an intensive two-summer program that includes high-level internships in their fields of interest, a rigorous academic seminar, professional development workshops, private meetings with public and private sector leaders, and a variety of social activities.

More than 250 young men have participated in the Washington Program and have gone on to a wide range of successful and impactful careers. Learn more about the Washington Program here.

Regional Collegiate Institute Programs

In 2016, the Collegiate Institutes were founded to better serve talented African American male students throughout the academic school year. The program selects students attending colleges and universities in Charlotte, Greensboro, Durham, New York, and Atlanta. The Collegiate Institute sessions take place on five Saturdays per semester and consist of professional development workshops, private meetings with their city’s public and private sector leaders, and bonding activities with the other young men in the cohort. Visit our Collegiate Institute page to learn more about our regional programs.