The 2021 Summer Global Leadership Seminar, entitled Global Governance, Citizen Activism, and Constitution Building, is a weeklong seminar for high school students interested in domestic affairs, international relations and global politics. This intensive academic experience will give student participants an opportunity to analyze, study and investigate the form and function of various governments throughout the world. Students will explore topics in government action and accountability from a local, national, and international perspective. Guest speakers and lecturers will provide students with historical, philosophical, and contemporary views of authority, sovereignty and accountability. Through lectures and presentations, expert guest speakers representing university professors, local political leaders, activists, and changemakers will seek to provide nuance and understanding to local governments, and the interactions between political leaders and both the domestic and international community.

Throughout the weeklong program, staff will engage students in activities that will allow students to explore the underpinnings of national governments. Fundamental to this exploration will be an analysis of the proposed rewriting of the Chilean constitution, and a related learning activity. Using the knowledge and experience derived from our Chilean case-study, students will be asked to write, amend and ultimately vote on the formation of a constitutional framework for a model-nation on the seminar’s fifth and final day.  In addition, students will have the opportunity to synthesize all that they have learned over the course of the week through culminating final presentations.

Through these activities, lectures, and debates, students will grow a deeper understanding of the role of governments in local and national society, as well as a greater understanding of the constitutional underpinnings of modern society. Using this knowledge, students will be equipped with a better understanding of local, national, and global politics. Additionally, students are provided with opportunities to cross collaborate with like minded peers, discuss and debate diverse viewpoints and opinions, and hone critical research and public speaking skills. Student participants who attend all of the sessions and participate in the seminar receive an official Certificate of Completion issued by the World Affairs Council of Philadelphia upon completion of the program.

*Due to ongoing COVID-19 situation, this program will run in a virtual format. If health protocols allow, some students may be allowed to join in a hybrid format - more information, including an agenda for the weeklong program to be distributed in the coming weeks.

*Please note that you must complete the online application in one sitting. You cannot save and return to the application form at a later time. All information submitted during the application process is secure and will remain 100% confidential.