The Academy Experience

Global Citizen Academy offers an engaging blend of interactive online learning, workshops with leading innovators, real-world projects, and peer collaboration.

Explore the sample schedule below to get a taste of the exploration, community, and growth that’s possible with Global Citizen Academy.

90 minute course meets twice a week on Forum with 19 students per class.

What does it mean to be a social being? Why do people commit crimes? How can we feed the world? What prevents individuals and organizations from solving problems effectively? These are just some of the questions we’ll explore in Global Systems & Society. In this course, you’ll learn to examine social interaction through the lens of complex systems theory, which provides a powerful framework for understanding human behavior and group dynamics. Through engaging sessions, case studies, and discussions, we’ll dig into topics including Equality, Conformity, Emergence, and Justice. You’ll learn to recognize how you are embedded within many different complex social systems, and how you can apply your understanding of these systems to improve interactions and society.

Students have the option of receiving 4 college credits for the Global Systems & Society course. Accrediation is through Minerva Schools at KGI and requires an additional $300 fee.

60 minute course meets once a week on Forum with 19 students per class.

Who are you? What is your purpose? How can you have a positive, responsible, and sustainable impact? These are some of the most important questions for leading effectively and designing a meaningful and fulfilling life. In Leadership As A Practice, we’ll explore these questions in the context of Self, Community, and Impact. Throughout the course, you’ll uncover insights about your identity, worldview, and values. You’ll learn to analyze critical issues in your community and connect them with a broader, global context. And you’ll identify and plan for purposeful ways you can make a positive impact now and in the future. The perfect course for when you (and the world) are in transition, Leadership As A Practice will help you build a foundation for living and leading with purpose.

Julie Lythcott-Haims, Author, fmr. Dean, Stanford University

“You’re going to emerge with a much clearer sense of self. You’re going to arrive on your college campus much better prepared to hit the ground running.”

Seth Godin, Author, Teacher, akimbo.com

“This is your year. Your semester. Your chance to actually learn something and not simply follow the path. This is your chance to do work that matters.”

Priti Krishtel, Co-Executive Director, I-MAK

“Leadership is humility and trusting your own wisdom in consultation with an eclectic ‘kitchen cabinet.’”

• Andrew Youn, CEO, One Acre Fund
• Alexandra Bernadotte, Founder & CEO, Beyond 12
• Bill George, Author & Senior Fellow, Harvard Business School
• Courtney Martin, Author & Co-founder, Solutions Journalism Network & FRESH Speakers Bureau
• Julie Lythcott-Haims, Author & Fmr. Dean, Stanford University
• Jennifer Aaker, General Atlantic Professor, Stanford Graduate School of Business
• Premal Shah, Co-Founder, Kiva.org
• Priti Krishtel, Co-Executive Director, I-MAK
• Dr. Raj Panjabi, CEO, Last Mile Health, and Assistant Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School & the Division of Global Health Equity at Brigham & Women’s Hospital
• Dr. Selena Sermeno, Psychologist, Educator & Facilitator
• Seth Godin, Author, Teacher, Akimbo.com
• Varshini Prakash, Executive Director & Co-founder, Sunrise Movement
• Wendy Kopp, CEO & Co-founder, Teach For All

EXPLORE SPEAKER LIST

60 minute session meeting once a week on Forum with 4-5 students per learning group.

Learning Groups provide an opportunity to form deep connections with a small group of 4-5 peers from around the world. Each Learning Group is matched with a trained mentor who will provide support to you and your peers, helping you stay on track and in your stretch zone. Learning Groups will meet at least once a week for discussion and reflection, to collaborate on projects, and to support each other in achieving your goals.

Independent time available every afternoon, Friday, and weekend.

If selected for Global Citizen Academy, plan to dedicate 10-15 hours per week to your courses and projects. By design, this allows room for independent exploration of issues and projects you're passionate about.

We’ll help you take what you’re learning and apply it in the real world with meaningful volunteer opportunities. Global Citizen Academy is partnering with impactful organizations across the U.S. and the world. We’ll help you reflect on which of these important issues calls to you, and connect you with opportunities to get involved.

Know an organization that would make a great volunteer placement? Send us your suggestions and a contact person if you have one to info@globalcitizneyear.com.

On average 2 hours each Monday - Thursday according to your own schedule.

Reflect & Prep activities will complement and enhance what you learn on the Forum. Activities might include self-reflection, a design-your-life exercise, reading a case study, starting a gratitude journal, or completing a community needs assessment and root cause analysis.

Opt-in clubs, activities and events organized by students.

We invite you to co-create the Global Citizen Academy experience with us. Got an amazing idea for a club, activity, or event? We want to hear it! With so many aspiring young leaders coming together, we’re excited to see what ideas you have for book clubs, movie nights, affinity groups, and more.