Harvard College Union Society
Young Global Leaders Program SUMMER Camp
at
Harvard UNIVERSITY
Get ready to make memories of a lifetime!
Batch 1: 29 June - 6 July 2025 Batch 2: 13 July - 20 July 2025
where academic excellence meets global leadership, cultural exchange, and real-world impact through hands-on projects and dynamic skill-building.
Harvard College Union Society Young Global Leaders Program is a week-long experience designed to help young leaders make a positive impact in their communities. The program takes place at Harvard University and brings together students from around the world to participate in workshops, discussions, and practical activities. Participants will learn from Harvard mentors, gaining skills that are important for leadership today. The program also offers opportunities to explore the historical and cultural landmarks of Cambridge and Boston.
The program also offers students a unique opportunity to visit Harvard University, providing them with a once-in-a-lifetime chance to explore the prestigious campus. Students will acquire the skills needed to develop their leadership abilities, enabling them to create a positive impact on both the school and community.
Bringing ideas to lifeOur philosophy is to "make it real" by collaborating with mentors from Harvard College Union Society to guide students towards holistic development. Students launch community initiatives to address local issues and gain practical skills and a deeper understanding of the real world.
Develop student leadership skills Gain access to necessary tools and resources to develop leadership abilities & skills for making a positive impact on the school and community.
Vibrant and inclusive communityConnect with like-minded individuals and form long-lasting relationships that extend far beyond the program.
Take your mind power to the next levelDevelop and practice critical thinking, public speaking, networking and presentation skills through reflection, analysis, and feedback from the mentors
Get real!Get a comprehensive understanding of leadership principles and the opportunity to apply them in real-world scenarios through case studies and team projects.
Build global perspectivesEngage with students and mentors from Harvard College Union Society from diverse backgrounds and cultures, participate in international case studies, and develop a global mindset essential for today's interconnected world.
Gain the experience of a lifetimeGet the once in a lifetime opportunity to experience the Harvard University campus firsthand and the rare chance to interact with mentors from Harvard College Union Society who are at the forefront of their fields. Also, explore the rich history and architectural splendour of Harvard's campus, with its iconic buildings, picturesque landscapes, and vibrant student life.
The Harvard College Union Society is a community of Harvard students dedicated to free inquiry and civil discourse. We work to bring open arguments on the most important debates of the American milieu back to Harvard University.
Through our group, students and faculty debate political-philosophical topics with boldness in the face of controversy, building trust that discourse is still possible in the 21st-century academy.
We defend the free communication and critique of acceptable, controversial, and half-formed views alike, and encourage mutual criticism. We welcome all views expressed in a spirit of good faith and mutual respect.
Batch 1
29 June - 6 July 2025
Batch 2
13 July - 20 July 2025
Harvard University
Grades 8 - 12
School Years 9 - 13
9:00 am - 4:00 pm
(On Program Days)
in Harvard Classrooms by Student Mentors
Enjoy visits to the Museums, Library, Sports Tours, MIT, favourite eateries and more.
Participate in a guided educational and historical tour of the Harvard Yard.
What is Covered in the Application Fee?
Academic Fee
Airport transfers
7 nights and 8 days stay and meals
Program Refund Details
Limited spots - apply early to avoid disappointment.
We can process a full program refund only till 28 May. After this, no refund will be initiated.
15:00 - 23:59 - Hotel Check-in Available Location: Cambria Hotel Boston Somerville
18:30 - 20:30 - Dinner
9:00 - 10:00 - Welcome and Program Overview Start the week with an introduction to the program’s goals, key activities, and expectations. This session sets the tone for collaboration, with introductions to program leaders and fellow participants.
10:00 - 11:00 - Keynote Speech on Leadership Principles A guest speaker will share insights on the fundamentals of leadership, highlighting the importance of integrity, empathy, and communication.
11:00 - 12:00 - Workshop: Developing Effective Communication Skills Participants will engage in practical activities to build essential communication skills, such as active listening, storytelling, and non-verbal communication.
12:00 - 13:00 - Lunch and Networking Enjoy a meal while building connections with mentors and fellow participants.
13:00 - 14:30 - Panel Discussion: Careers in Leadership Hear from professionals across various fields, sharing experiences on how leadership plays a role in their careers and personal growth.
14:30 - 15:30 - Group Brainstorming on Community Outreach Project Ideas Collaborate in teams to brainstorm innovative ideas for community outreach projects addressing real-world issues.
15:30 - 17:00 - Workshop: Planning and Executing Community Projects Learn how to structure a project by setting clear goals, timelines, and resource plans to ensure sustainability and impact.
17:00 - 18:00 - Dinner Relax and unwind with a meal, continuing conversations from the day in a more casual environment.
18:00 - 20:00 - The evening outing is currently being finalized and details will be provided soon.
9:00 - 10:30 - Workshop: Mastering Public Speaking Explore the techniques needed to speak confidently and persuasively, including voice modulation, posture, and audience engagement.
10:30 - 12:00 - Debate Workshop: Building Strong Arguments Develop skills in constructing arguments and rebuttals while learning strategies for engaging in meaningful debates.
12:00 - 13:00 - Lunch and Networking Enjoy a meal while building connections with mentors and fellow participants.
13:00 - 14:30 - Mock Debate Simulation Participants will engage in a debate on a relevant topic, followed by feedback from mentors to enhance their debating skills.
14:30 - 16:00 - Guest Speaker Panel: The Art of Persuasion Experts from various industries will share how they use persuasion and negotiation skills to influence decisions and drive change.
16:00 - 17:00 - Reflection and Discussion Wrap up the day with a group discussion on the role of public speaking and debating in personal and professional success.
17:00 - 18:00 - Dinner Relax and unwind with a meal, continuing conversations from the day in a more casual environment.
18:00 - 20:00 - The evening outing is currently being finalized and details will be provided soon.
9:00 - 10:30 - Workshop: Leading and Working in Teams Learn techniques to foster collaboration, resolve conflicts, and lead diverse teams effectively.
10:30 - 12:00 - Problem-Solving Activity: Leadership Challenge Participate in a team-based challenge, using problem-solving skills to address a complex scenario.
12:00 - 13:00 - Lunch and Networking Enjoy a meal while building connections with mentors and fellow participants.
13:00 - 14:30 - Workshop: Crafting Media Campaigns for Impact Explore how communication strategies and media campaigns shape public opinion, focusing on the use of both traditional and digital media.
14:30 - 16:00 - Media Campaign Simulation Teams will create and present a media campaign on a selected topic, receiving feedback on messaging and execution.
16:00 - 17:00 - Discussion: Media Ethics in Communication Explore real-world examples of ethical challenges in media, with a focus on responsible communication and transparency.
17:00 - 18:00 - Dinner Relax and unwind with a meal, continuing conversations from the day in a more casual environment.
18:00 - 20:00 - The evening outing is currently being finalized and details will be provided soon.
9:00 - 10:30 - Workshop: Building Grassroots Movements Learn how to design grassroots campaigns by mobilizing volunteers and creating impactful messaging strategies.
10:30 - 12:00 - Group Work: Planning a Grassroots Campaign ITeams will collaborate to design a campaign addressing a local issue, focusing on actionable steps for implementation.
12:00 - 13:00 - Lunch and Networking Enjoy a meal while building connections with mentors and fellow participants.
13:00 - 14:30 - Guest Speaker Panel: Leaders in Community Outreach Hear from activists and grassroots leaders about the challenges and successes they encountered while driving social change.
14:30 - 16:00 - Workshop: Strategies for Advocacy Participants will explore different advocacy methods, including lobbying and digital activism, to amplify their campaigns.
16:00 - 17:00 - Project Development: Community Outreach Plans Finalize and prepare community outreach plans for presentation on the last day.
17:00 - 18:00 - Dinner Relax and unwind with a meal, continuing conversations from the day in a more casual environment.
18:00 - 20:00 - The evening outing is currently being finalized and details will be provided soon.
9:00 - 10:30 - Workshop: Exploring Visionary Leadership Learn about visionary leaders who have inspired change across industries and discuss the traits that define them.
10:30 - 12:00 - Case Study Analysis: Leadership in Action Analyze real-life examples of leaders overcoming challenges, with a focus on lessons applicable to personal leadership journeys.
12:00 - 13:00 - Lunch and Networking Enjoy a meal while building connections with mentors and fellow participants.
13:00 - 15:30 - Final Project Presentations Teams will present their community outreach projects or grassroots campaign plans, followed by feedback from mentors and peers.
15:30 - 17:00 - Leadership Walk and Reflection Participants will engage in a reflective walk, exploring leadership lessons drawn from their experience in the program.
17:00 - 18:00 - Dinner Relax and unwind with a meal, continuing conversations from the day in a more casual environment.
18:00 - 20:00 - The evening outing is currently being finalized and details will be provided soon.
9:00 - 11:00 - Final Presentations: Grassroots Campaigns and Outreach Projects Teams will showcase their final projects, demonstrating their understanding of leadership, communication, and community engagement.
11:00 - 12:00 - Mentor Feedback and Reflections Mentors will provide constructive feedback, helping participants refine their skills for future leadership roles.
12:00 - 13:00 - Lunch and Networking Enjoy a meal while building connections with mentors and fellow participants.
13:00 - 15:30 - Group Reflection Celebrate the program’s completion with a reflection on the week’s learnings.
15:30 - 17:30 - Closing Panel: Shaping the Future of Leadership + Certificate Ceremony Conclude the program with a panel discussion on future leadership challenges and opportunities, followed by the Certificate Ceremony.
18:00 - 20:00 - Farewell Dinner + Ballroom Gala Enjoy a final meal with fellow participants, celebrating the connections made and the knowledge gained throughout the program, with a formal dance.
7:30 - 9:00 - Breakfast
Before 12:00 - Check out of the Hotel Location: Cambria Hotel Boston Somerville
Please note that these are the tentative field trips planned. These may be subject to change based on availability and weather conditions.
1) The fee covers academic fees during the Summer Camp at Harvard University, stay and meals for 7 nights and 8 days and airport pick-up and drop-off. It does not include air tickets and Visa fees for the program.
2) For Batch 1, the hotel check-in date would be 29 June 2025 (3:00 PM) and check-out would
be 6 July 2025 (12:00 PM).
For Batch 2, the hotel check-in date would be 13 July 2025 (3:00 PM) and the hotel
check-out would be 20 July 2025 (12:00 PM).
3) For Batch 1: On 29 June, the fee includes dinner only.
From 30 June to 5 July , all three meals - breakfast, lunch, and dinner - will be covered.
On 6 July , only breakfast will be provided.
For Batch 2: On 13 July , the fee includes dinner only.
From 14 to 19 July , all three meals - breakfast, lunch, and dinner - will be covered.
On 20 July, only breakfast will be provided.
4) The fee does not cover airfare, visa charges, or individual expenses like sightseeing, travel on account of personal reasons, and any other expenses not directly related to the Summer Camp.
5) In the case of a teacher or guardian accompanying a group of students, they are permitted to drop off the students at the campus. However, classroom access during the program will be limited to the registered participants only.
6) Students are responsible for obtaining any necessary visas or permits required to enter and stay in the United States for the entire duration of the Summer Camp, if applicable. It is essential to ensure all visa requirements are fulfilled well in advance of the program start date.
7) In case of any accompanying adult or guardian with the student, an additional USD 2500 (for twin-sharing room) per head or USD 3500 (for single occupancy room) per head has to be paid to cover his or her stay, meals and airport transfer, during the program duration.
8) Additional Days of Stay (beyond the program dates) will have to be organized and managed by the student or parent themselves.
The upscale Cambria®️ Hotel Boston Somerville is situated between Somerville’s Union and Porter Squares, just over half a mile from Harvard University and less than 2 miles from Tufts University and MIT.
It is also across the street from Somernova, home to Boston Bouldering Project, Aeronaut Brewing, Artisan’s Asylum, and Greentown Labs, North America’s largest climate technology incubator. Nearby attractions include Assembly Row, Bunker Hill Monument, the USS Constitution, and Encore Casino.
Visitors can immerse themselves in Somerville’s vibrant neighborhood, where artists, researchers, and entrepreneurs live and work together.
Showcase your achievements to the rest of the world
from past Camps at Harvard University
The Winter Camp was an experience like no other! I had never left the United States before, but this week, I was surrounded by amazing new friends from all over the world. The classes were incredibly engaging and enjoyable, and I can’t wait to apply what I learned in school and MUN! My favorite workshops were Aiden’s and Cruz’s—they were both exciting and had fun, interactive elements.
Everyone was so welcoming and kind! The biggest takeaway from this camp was how much it pushed me to speak up, understand my leadership style, and find ways to make my voice more impactful. My favorite activity was the Harvard Museum visit—I absolutely love botany and rocks, and it was the perfect place to explore both!
I learned so much, not just academically but also about myself. My self-confidence has grown, and I feel much more comfortable speaking in public. My favorite activity was ice skating—it was a new experience and something I hadn’t tried before!
The Winter Camp was an incredible opportunity to meet and collaborate with students from all around the world. I also gained valuable knowledge that will support me throughout high school and university. My favorite activity was attending the Harvard vs. Brown hockey game—it was such a fun way to connect with the Harvard community through sports!
During the camp, I learned so much—from public speaking to policymaking and beyond. I’m incredibly grateful for this experience and for everyone who took the time to teach us these valuable lessons. I especially loved the outings after our lessons—they gave us the perfect opportunity to bond and create lasting memories.
The program was marvelous, offering dynamic and learning environments. I met people from different countries, learned leadership, cooperation, communication, and creative skills. The mentors provided engaging and fundamental speeches that I used for my project and will apply in the future.
I discovered the art of socializing with peers from around the world and eagerly anticipated the hockey game. The program provided insights into public speaking, which is crucial as I aspire to apply to top universities. It's helping me prepare for my dream and fostering my independence.
Harvard University
from past Camps at Harvard University
