The dates for GLF 2026 are being reviewed. Check back on February 23, 2026 for final details.
Global Leadership Forum (GLF) is UWC-USA’s virtual summer program for students 13-16 years old who want to learn more about UWC and become the transformational leaders the world needs.
Learn to build the skills of peacemaking, conflict resolution, goal setting, and collaboration. Make friends with students from all over the world and explore how to become a local leader dedicated to making the world more just, sustainable, and peaceful.
GLF scholarship applications are due April 1, 2026. Apply Now
If you are applying without a scholarship, your deadline is May 10, 2026.
The 3-week Global Leadership Forum program will give participants the leadership skills necessary to plan and execute a project that addresses a social justice challenge in their home community.
The program is designed for students ages 13-16. Good communication skills in English required for participation as this program consists of lots of verbal communication.
Classes take place virtually Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. There will be two sessions to choose from:
1st Session: 7:30am – 9am MT / 2nd Session: 4pm – 5:30pm MT
9 sessions starting Friday, May 15, 2026. Continuing Monday, Wednesday and Friday until June 3, 2026.
A limited number of scholarships are available. The 2026 program fee is $300. Scholarship applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. To apply for a scholarship, please submit your application by April 1, 2026.
The GLF Curriculum is based on the UWC-USA Constructive Engagement of Conflict curriculum. Each participant will create a project to address a challenge in their local community. With the guidance and support of experienced instructors, they will develop and implement a plan for social change.
Our staff mentor our students to make sure they have a positive and empowering learning experience. They serve as inspiring role models to students who need courageous global citizens and people in their lives to emulate and support them going forward.
Our staff bring years of hands-on experience, guiding students with wisdom and insight.
With strong academic backgrounds, they offer students valuable knowledge and expertise.
Our team is highly trained to foster growth and development in every student they mentor.
They are deeply passionate about inspiring youth to become thoughtful and impactful leaders.
I’m deeply grateful to the team for all their incredible hard work and for giving our son this life-changing experience. He has come back a different person- with a new outlook on the world and has made so many deep, lasting connections.
Parent of a 2018 Participant
Still have a question? Please email [email protected] to learn more about the program.
Many of our instructors are alumni of UWC-USA or the other 17 UWCs around the world. They all have significant experience working in global settings in youth development, peace studies, and experiential education.
Each Monday, Wednesday, Friday virtual session lasts two hours and will focus on activities driven by the GLF curriculum. Sessions will focus on advocacy, design thinking, challenging stereotypes, and other topics relevant to each participant’s project. Over the course of the two hours, participants will work in small groups (over Zoom) or participate in activities and discussions led by instructors.
Between sessions there are some assignments designed to set up discussions or further activities. Participants will also be developing projects to implement in their home communities. While they will receive guidance and support from the instructors, some of this work is completed outside the sessions.
Many UWC students attended GLF before applying to UWC. They found that GLF gave them a better idea of what UWC is all about. The admissions processes for GLF and regular UWC admissions are entirely separate. We feel strongly that the more you learn about UWC and the more global experiences you have the more you’ll know if you’re a fit for UWC. It’s a great opportunity to learn more about UWC, yourself, and become more engaged in your own community.
United World College-USA
P.O. Box 248
Montezuma, NM 87731
