ABOUT THE
MICKEY LELAND KIBBUTZIM INTERNSHIP FOUNDATION
The Mickey Leland Kibbutzim Internship Foundation funds promising high school juniors, who live or attend school in the 18th Congressional District, with an opportunity to participate in a unique summer experiential learning program. Students are selected through a competitive application process and participate in a preparatory educational program before spending approximately four weeks working, traveling, and living in Israel.
MISSION & HISTORY
Founded in 1980 and inspired by the late Congressman’s love for humanity, his own experiences growing up in Houston's Fifth Ward, and his appreciation for the kibbutzim movement, the Mickey Leland Kibbutzim Internship Foundation supports his vision of developing student leaders who will become citizens of the world during their time in the Holy Land and use their experience to increase understanding and enrich their own communities.
When Mickey Leland first visited a kibbutz during a trip to Israel, he had a vision that students from the neighborhoods of the 18th Congressional District would reap untold benefits if given the chance to work, travel, and live in Israel -- that it could be a life-changing opportunity to learn from and alongside one another while absorbing lessons only the Holy Land can offer.
Since 1980, more than 400 Leland Interns have experienced Israel during a crucial period of learning and personal growth. Focused on providing opportunities for students who live or attend school within Texas' 18th Congressional District, which Mickey proudly represented in Congress and now represented by Congressman Christian Menefee, the internship that Mickey conceived with his friend, J. Kent Friedman, was among his proudest achievements.