

Program Information
Rising Freshman - Graduating Seniors


Georgetown University Washington, DC
Seven Days - Sunday to Saturday
July 7th - July 13th, 2024
July 14th - July 20th, 2024
View Program Schedule
$4,000 USD
Click for Financial Aid
Advanced Medical Neuroscience Internship
Explore the foundations of the brain
All Advanced Medical Neuroscience Internship session are now closed. Visit our 2025 Advanced Medical Neuroscience Internship page here for more session availability.
The Program
In Leadership Initiatives' Advanced Medical Neuroscience Internship, students work directly with Dr. Giordano, the Chief of Georgetown's Neuroethics Studies Program and Co-Director of the O’Neill-Pellegrino Program in Brain Science and Global Health Law and Policy.
Interns spend seven days participating in cutting-edge neuroscience and ethics research. Students explore the anatomy and physiology of the brain, from the electrical signals fired by neurons to higher-order cognitive functions like memory, emotion, and morality. Interns also have the rare opportunity to participate in several neurological tests and meet with individuals who have neurological disorders and enhancements.
For their final project, students propose an experiment related to cognitive neuroscience and ethics to apply their understanding, then present it publicly to leading neuroscientists. The top teams will write a paper that will be published for peer review.

For their final project, students will work with Dr. Rachel Wurzman to design and propose a research project related to cognitive neuroscience. Students will present this project to Dr. James Giordano and several of the world's leading Neuroscience experts.
Research Project
Students work directly with medical experts from Georgetown University and the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency. Students will learn from leaders working at the frontier of the fields of neuroethics, neuroimaging, brain stimulation, and neurotechnology.
Work with Experts
Interns will learn about neurological tests and procedures. Students will participate in functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS), functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), neuropriming, deep brain stimulation, electromyography (EMG), and brain dissection.
Neuro Experiments
Program Highlights


Bonnie Thomas
Keller High School, Class of 2023
2023 Advanced Medical Neuroscience Internship
"I found Dr. Giordano's lecture on the ethics and intricacies of big data to be eye opening, and important not just to those with a pre-med or neuroscience focus, but to those who deal with information in the digital sphere - which is everyone. It is such a complex issue that is increasingly concerning, yet I think that we as individuals feel behind in our understanding of the potentially negative impacts of the emerging digital world. "


Leadership Initiatives hosts neuroscientists, surgeons, and members of research institutions from across the globe to share skills and insights into ongoing research. The program includes experts from the Georgetown University Medical Center's Center for Functional and Molecular Imaging, Lab for Relational Cognition, Pellegrino Center, Brain Bank, and Movement Disorders Program; the Gallaudet University Brain and Language Lab; and the Laboratory for Cognition and Neural Stimulation at the University of Pennsylvania.






Explore the brain sciences and a career in medicine
Interns will get to experience neurostimulation technology firsthand, including transcranial direct current stimulation, and the commercially available neuropriming device known as the HALO. In addition, interns will learn about intensive stimulation techniques like deep brain stimulation technology being used to help patients with movement disorders. Students will also be able to explore the future of neuromodulation, as they implement neurotechnology to control the motion of live cockroaches.







Explore the brain sciences and a career in medicine
Interns explore Washington, DC and visit Georgetown University's Brain Bank to hold and study human brains, take a behind-the-scenes tour of The Petitto Brain and Language Laboratory to witness neuroimaging experiments, explore the Georgetown University Medical School for multiple experiments and an overview of the institution. All interns experience life as a Georgetown University student in the Nation’s Capital.





Explore the brain sciences and a career in medicine.


Students have the rare opportunity to learn exactly what it takes to get into the Nation’s leading undergraduate colleges and medical schools directly speaking with admissions officers from Johns Hopkins, Georgetown, George Washington, and Harvard University at our exclusive Undergraduate and Medical School Admissions Panels.




Explore the brain sciences and a career in medicine.



Undergraduate Admissions Panels
Medical School Admissions Panels

All students who attend one of our Summer Internship Programs will receive free SAT/ACT training through PrepScholar, one-on-one admissions consulting with a former admissions officer, essay editing assistance, two letters of recommendation, and scholarship application assistance. These benefits remain available for six years to allow nominations for rising freshmen through rising seniors.
Click on each academic benefit below to learn more :
1. One-on-One Advising
2. College Essay Assistance
3. Letters of Recommendation
4. College Probability Modeling
6. Admissions Panels
5. Personalized Websites

Jumpstart your college experience.
Summer program students will have the opportunity to meet virtually, one-on-one with a college admissions expert from our partners at CollegeAdvisor. They will help walk students through the ins-and-outs of college applications, essay writing, and scholarships.
Students can speak directly with dedicated admissions counselors and former admissions officers to provide them with an in-depth understanding of the college application process. These counselors have personal and extensive experience in the college application field that cannot be replicated anywhere else.
Students are recommended to have their most pressing questions about the college application process ready so they can have them answered by someone who knows the application system inside and out.
Past students have used this time to hone in on their essay topics, decide on how many colleges to apply to, and create application time lines.
One-on-One Advising

All Summer Internship Program participants receive one-on-one essay editing assistance from Leadership Initiatives partner University Connection.
This offer is exclusive, and not available with any other institution or program!
Each student essay will be edited to ensure it makes an excellent impression at every stage of the competitive application process. The editors will improve the style, clarity, sentence structure and coherence of your application so that your achievements are noticed.
Editors bring their experience in many different backgrounds, including Science and Technology, Commerce, Management, and the Humanities.
College Essay Review

Letters of Recommendation

Matthew Matusiewicz - Full Ride to UC Berkley School of Engineering
Samantha Williams - Attending Harvard University
Meredith Karle - Full Scholarship to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Request a letter or recommendation here.
All Summer Internship Program participants will have the opportunity to request up to two letters of recommendation from any member of the Leadership Initiatives staff, including Executive Director Marshall Bailly.
Student interns will also have the opportunity to receive letters of recommendation from Leadership Initiatives partners affiliated with the International International Internship Program (IIP).
These distinctive and complimentary letters are among the most highly valued benefits offered by Leadership Initiatives. Below are examples of recommendation letters from past students, highlighting the transformative impact of the program on their lives.
College Probability Modeling

Leadership Initiatives and our partners at Parchment, PrepScholar and University Connections have designed a system that will calculate the probability of acceptance into the student’s top university choices based on the students GPA, test scores, extracurricular activities, career goals, financial need and more.
Our college admissions team will guide participants in refining their college interest list and developing a personalized application plan.
Drawing on their experience with a wide range of institutions, they offer valuable insights to help students better navigate the admissions process.
Register for college probability modeling today!

Financial Assistance Needs
Extra-Curricular Activities
Community Service
College Probability Calculator
Grade Point Average
SAT/ACT Training Scores
Leadership Initiatives creates a personalized website for each Summer Internship Program participant, showcasing their collaborative efforts with partners and mentors throughout the summer.
Each website highlights your team’s solutions, grant proposal, and photos from your time at Georgetown, illustrating the meaningful impact your work has had on your partners and their communities. A link to your website is included in your letters of recommendation, giving colleges the opportunity to explore and appreciate the exceptional contributions made by every student.
Personalized Website
Click to view our Summer Internship Program websites here.

Summer program students will have the opportunity to meet one-on-one with a college admissions expert. They will help walk students through the ins-and-outs of college applications, essay writing, and scholarships.
Students can speak directly with former admissions officers from schools such as Yale, Brown & UCLA. These individuals have a minimum of 15 years of experience in the field of college admissions.
Students are recommended to have their most pressing questions about the college application process ready so they can have them answered by someone who knows the application system inside and out.
Past students have used this time to hone in on their essay topics, decide on how many colleges to apply to, and create application time lines.
College Admissions Panel

Experience life as a student at one of the nation's most prestigious universities.






Leadership Initiatives is committed to ensuring health, safety, and well-being at all of our world-class summer Summer Internship Programs. Leadership Initiatives closely monitors guidelines set by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), World Health Organization (WHO), local officials, and our university partners at Georgetown to evolve our programs and prioritize community and student safety.


Experience life as a student at one of the nation's most prestigious universities.






Participants become a part of the Georgetown community of students and staff who live together in the New South Residence Hall. Students live in two-person rooms and may select their roommate upon enrolling in the program. Leadership Initiatives will provide bedding, towels, and pillows. Each dorm room is air-conditioned and includes a bed, study desk, closet & Wi-Fi. Lounges, game rooms, laundry facilities, and our offices are located in the residence hall. With afternoon activities in the Georgetown Quad and outings along famous M Street, participants are immersed in life as a student.
Experience life as a student at one of the nation's most prestigious universities.






Leadership Initiatives provides three meals, snacks, and drinks as a part of the program tuition. Students order meals on their mobile phones from a selection of local restaurants, including Chik-fil-a, Epicurean, 90 Second Pizza, Georgetown Gourmet, Chipotle, Wisemiller's, and Jimmy John's. Meals are delivered directly to the students, and snacks and drinks are available in dorm lounges throughout the day.
Experience life as a student at one of the nation's most prestigious universities.






Students are responsible for covering the cost of travel to and from the internship. Leadership Initiatives offers optional shuttle service between Washington-area airports (DCA and IAD) and the Georgetown University campus on the official start and end dates of the program. The shuttle fee is $30 from DCA and $45 from IAD. Upon acceptance into the program, detailed instructions for registering for the airport shuttle service will be provided. Leadership Initiatives staff will meet students at the airport baggage claim area and escort them directly to program registration at Georgetown University.
Program Tuition & Assistance




All-Inclusive Program Tuition
Specialized
Scholarships
Assistance Scholarships
No-Interest Payment Plans




Learn More
Learn More
Learn More
Learn More





The program tuition includes the cost of room and board, ground transportation throughout the program, all curriculum and materials, as well as facility and lab fees. Interns will also benefit from a 5:1 student-to-faculty ratio during their time in the program.
Tuition covers educational support, including one-on-one college admissions counseling, mentor sessions with experts, workshops, and comprehensive academic services. This includes SAT/ACT preparation through PrepScholar and college essay editing.
Scholarships, payment plans, and fundraising assistance are available.
All-Inclusive Tuition

Back To Overview



No-Interest Payment Plans
Back To Overview

Leadership Initiatives offers a variety of flexible options to pay for program tuition.
Zero-interest payment plans are available in three, six, nine, and twelve-month payment options.
Participants can opt to pay the entirety of their remaining tuition balance off at any point during the payment period.
Reserve a place today with a $100 refundable deposit here.


Back To Overview
Specialized Scholarships

Leadership Initiatives is dedicated to providing opportunities for everyone who shows drive, determination, and grit towards their future goals. We have created various specialized scholarships to provide merit-based aid to enrolled and potential students.
Click here to view 2024 scholarship recipients.


Back To Overview
Scholarships
As a 501(c)3 nonprofit, all Leadership Initiatives programs are heavily subsidized by our sponsors allowing us to offer programs with academic benefits at a lower cost than for-profit institutions.
To apply for a scholarship click here to fill out the program interest form and indicate you are interested in a scholarship.
Please note scholarships do not stack (this means you can only use one scholarship per program).


Our office in Washington, DC is open seven days a week - give us a call! A phone conversation allows us to answer your specific questions and provide you with contact information for previous internship participants and their families so that you can get a first-hand perspective.
Join us this summer!

Contact Us
4410 Massachusetts Ave., NW #236
Washington, DC 20016
info@lichange.org
202-738-1115
Helpful Links
Join A Webinar
Request Alumni References
Become An Intern
Testimonials
Visit The International Internship Homepage
Leadership Initiatives is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt, publicly supported, charitable organization as determined by the U.S. Internal Revenue Code.








Recognition