Program Description
The Global Citizens Initiative Fellowship brings together high school students from various countries, cultures, communities, and lived experiences around the world, united by a desire to make a positive difference. The yearlong program begins with nine days at the University of St Andrews in St Andrews, Scotland, where Fellows learn from one another, explore some of the biggest challenges facing our world, and design a "Glocal" Service Project that addresses a global issue on a local level and serves a real need in their own community.
Throughout the Fellowship year, the Fellows receive one-on-one guidance from a dedicated coach as they create meaningful change in their communities, continue to grow as leaders, and stay connected to the global network of peers they built in Scotland.
Program
Dates
Jul 25 - Aug 2
2027
Program
Location
St Andrews,
Scotland
Cost of
Participation
$6,750 USD +
Travel Costs*
Eligible
Ages
Grades 9-11
at time of
application
*Financial Aid Is Available
At Bald Mountain Meadow, we believe the opportunity to learn, explore, and experience the world shouldn't depend on financial circumstances. Financial aid is central to our commitment to making these experiences accessible to people from all backgrounds. We want our programs to bring together people with different perspectives, experiences, and ways of seeing the world, and we're committed to removing financial barriers that might otherwise keep them apart.
Currently, 36% of participants in the Global Citizens Initiative program receive financial aid, on average.
Program
Mission & Vision
Founded by Yumi Kuwana in 2014, Global Citizens Initiative's mission is to empower young global citizens from all sectors of society to be lifelong leaders of positive change.
The program envisions a global community where individuals embrace their unique stories and cultures as they design and implement solutions to global issues that transcend social, economic and political boundaries.
Developing Effective and Ethical Global Leaders
Glocal Service Projects (GSPs) give Fellows the experience of leading beyond the classroom: listening to others, navigating challenges, building partnerships, and learning what it takes to turn an idea into lasting impact.
Engage
in Harkness® Discussion and Design Thinking methodologies to build your toolkit for action.
MADE FOR
Design
a service project in your community to address a global issue you care about on a local level.
Join
a vibrant lifelong community of GCI alumni, educators, and mentors that spans the globe.
Experience the Summit
Watch the 2026 Summit Video
The GCI Method©
The GCI Method© combines Discussion-Based Learning, Design Thinking, and Human Connectivity to develop character, critical thinking, communication, collaboration, creativity, and leadership skills for the 21st century.
Discussion-Based Learning
A key element of the GCI Method is a Harkness® approach to the classroom. These student-centered discussion sessions nurture important skills: the ability to listen, think critically, collaborate, and provide constructive criticism. Harkness® encourages collective intelligence and sharing and respecting diverse perspectives and experiences.
Harkness® is a registered trademark of Phillips Exeter Academy.
Design Thinking
The Design Thinking process forms the basis for Fellows to develop their Glocal Service Projects (GSPs). Design Thinking is a human-centric approach to problem-solving. It is an iterative process that deepens students' understanding of how global issues affect their local communities as they develop solutions to these challenges.
Students define the problem they seek to address, research and observe their community, identify key insights gleaned from their research, brainstorm potential solutions, and test those solutions until they arrive at an implementable project.
Human Connection
GCI deeply values face-to-face connection, believing that it leads to more productive dialogue, more profound understanding, and lifelong bonds.
Human connection is at the heart of GCI. It is the foundation of the meaningful relationships and opportunities that students, educators, mentors, and our entire community experience beyond the program.
Our GCI Fellows
are...
Join a global community of students ready to learn from one another, challenge their perspectives, and make a difference close to home and around the world. Apply for the 2027 GCI Fellowship and become a GCI Fellow!
Committed
to developing their ethical and leadership skills.
Passionate
about making a positive difference in their local community through service.
Eager
to both speak up and listen deeply about global issues in a discussion format.
Excited
to build a lifelong, intercultural, and global community.
Curious
about creative ways of learning.
Ready
to tackle challenging social issues by applying academic rigor and dedication.
Program
Eligibility
Applicants must be...
Currently in 9th, 10th, or 11th grade (freshman, sophomore, or junior at the time of application).
Committed to attending the Summit and participating in the Fellowship in its entirety.
Proficient in English to the advanced level needed to participate fully in the program. If English is not the applicant's first language or primary language of school, applicants must submit TOEFL iBT scores over 95 or equivalent.
Hear From the Fellows
Watch the 2025 Summit Interviews Video
Apply to be a Teaching Assistant at the Summit
Applications are now open for Teaching Assistants (TAs) for the upcoming GCI Summit! This opportunity is exclusively available to former GCI Fellows who want to return to the Summit and help guide the next generation of Fellows. Eligible alumni can apply using this application.
Frequently Asked Questions
