The program is currently experiencing an unprecedented surge in applications than in previous years—which has placed an increased workload on the administrative team and application review committee. While each application is thoroughly reviewed, please allow 2–4 weeks to receive a decision. For general questions or clarifications, a response may be expected within 3–5 days. Appreciation is extended for families’ patience and understanding as the team strives to address all inquiries as promptly as possible.

As the program continues to fulfill its mission of developing future global leaders, there has been a consistent increase in applications each year while maintaining a commitment to small cohort sizes that enable meaningful mentorship and collaborative learning. In response to this growth, the application policy has been revised: candidates may now submit one application per calendar year, rather than quarterly submissions as previously allowed. This change ensures fairness and consistency in the admissions process, particularly as the applicant pool expands while program capacity remains constant.

Applications continue to be welcomed in subsequent years. The selection committee membership rotates annually to maintain fresh perspectives, and it is recognized that meaningful personal and professional development often occurs between application cycles. Many qualified candidates are not admitted on their first attempt, and each new submission is evaluated independently, without reference to previous applications.

Each quarter, we are honored to receive a notable number of applications from talented students worldwide. While our admissions committee carefully evaluates every application based on merit, leadership potential, and alignment with program values, the selection process remains rigorous.

Historically, our acceptance rate hovers around 20%, reflecting the program’s commitment to maintaining small, high-caliber cohorts that foster meaningful mentorship and collaboration. Given the increasing number of applications each year, early submission is encouraged to ensure the strongest possible consideration.

All applications are reviewed holistically, meaning there is no single formula for admission. While academic excellence and extracurricular achievements are important, we also look for individuals who demonstrate intellectual curiosity, a passion for leadership, and a drive to make a meaningful impact.

Yes. It is understood that circumstances may make it necessary for a student to step away. If a participant needs to unenroll at any time during the session, this may be done immediately without issue or prejudice. Additionally, if a family has made administrative cost contributions, all contributions will be returned. If a participant wishes to join the same program or another in the future, a new application would be required. Please note that no verification of GYEL completion will be issued if requested by other institutions.

No. A previous application outcome does not impact any subsequent submission. Each new application is reviewed independently, and there is a maximum of one application per year. Additionally, the decision committee is reconstituted annually, ensuring a fresh evaluation for every applicant.

Yes. Upon successful completion of the session, a formal certificate of completion will be issued, and verification letters will be provided to external institutions. Such verifications have previously been issued for various universities around the world, including:

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) – United States, Imperial College London – United Kingdom, University of Oxford – United Kingdom, Harvard University – United States, University of Cambridge – United Kingdom, Stanford University – United States, ETH Zurich – Switzerland, National University of Singapore (NUS) – Singapore, UCL – United Kingdom, California Institute of Technology (Caltech) – United States, Peking University – China, Nanyang Technological University (NTU) – Singapore, Cornell University – United States, The University of Hong Kong – Hong Kong SAR, The University of Sydney – Australia, The University of New South Wales (UNSW Sydney) – Australia, Tsinghua University – China

The program is well-versed in international documentation standards and can provide institution-level certification upon request. Please note that a student must be in good standing without any disciplinary concerns in order for participation and achievements to be verified.

The program does not directly facilitate or sponsor internships. However, many past participants have pursued internships or research opportunities with UN-accredited intergovernmental organizations, UN-accredited NGOs, and offices of Ambassadors and Secretaries-General. While there is no influence or guarantee over these positions, it is recognized that many in the UN system are risk-averse and appreciate applicants with a proven record of professionalism. Accordingly, upon request, the program will forward official professionalism history to relevant institutions. No subjective opinions or recommendations are provided, only verification of conduct during the program. This allows prospective hosts to confirm an individual as a recognized individual with a documented track record in the UN system, as well as in other private or governmental institutions.

At GYEL, the team is deeply passionate about bridging the gap between extraordinary potential and the world’s leading diplomats, change makers, business leaders, scientists, government leaders, and experts in the arts and sciences. The UN stakeholders also recognize an urgent responsibility to support the future Nobel Peace Prize winners, Pulitzer Prize recipients, Turing Award computer scientists, Fields Medal mathematicians, groundbreaking medical researchers, Academy Award filmmakers, and yes, the next Thomas Edison.

Session leaders have backgrounds spanning political science, geopolitics, and leadership. Recognizing that in today’s increasingly complex world, excelling in just one discipline is no longer enough, leaders must become adept across multiple fields, combining insights from different subject matters. Our Coalition Partners to the UN are deeply passionate about leveraging their decades of global networks and resources to provide students with guest lecturers in diverse sectors—from diplomacy to business, technology to the arts. By learning from high-performing mentors in such varied domains, participants gain a rare ability to piece together insights in ways others cannot.

Students have access to support from session leader mentors and advisors through email and office hours. They can ask questions, seek guidance on assignments, receive feedback on their work, and more.

Yes, students will participate in various interactive activities, including debates, group discussions, case studies, and a final project presentation. These activities are designed to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios and enhance practical skills.

Yes. In recent high-level UN sessions—including the Global Challenges Development UN Roundtable and the Strategic Innovation for Impact – UN Forum 2025—AI emerged as a pivotal focus of international policy discussions. Inspired by these developments, UN stakeholders strongly believe in providing this additional AI component to help students stay at the forefront of global progress.

Thanks to the generosity of benefactors and Coalition Partners to the UN, once a student finishes a full single track, that student may attend the full second track with a full scholarship. For example, if a student completes both the GYEL program session and research component, the student may enroll in the AI track for free for both the session and research component, and vice versa. This policy aligns with the broader mission to equip future leaders with a truly interdisciplinary skill set. By making both tracks accessible, the goal is to empower motivated learners from diverse backgrounds to explore leadership, diplomacy, and cutting-edge technology without the burden of added program fees.

Please see the Overview page to determine if a family qualifies for Need-Based Assistance and Educational Grants.

Yes. The program includes components that may qualify for community service credit, and formal service-hour documentation has been provided for various educational and civic awards in the past.

The program is designed for middle school and high school students, typically those in grades 8–12 across the world.

Given that the program has students across the world who attend, it is held virtually.

Yes. In numerous circumstances, members of the program community—including diplomats and Coalition Partners to the UN—may issue letters of recommendation for students who demonstrate strong performance, research contributions, or leadership. These letters are authored without input from the student to maintain authenticity. For security and integrity reasons, recommendation letters are sent directly to the requesting institution and are not released to the student. Please note that simply completing GYEL sessions does not automatically qualify a participant to receive a recommendation letter.

Rolling admissions is a flexible admissions process where applicants can submit their applications at any time within a specified period. Applications are reviewed as they are received, and admission decisions are made on a rolling basis, usually within 2-4 weeks. This approach provides greater flexibility for applicants, allowing them to apply when they feel ready, rather than being restricted to a single deadline. Additionally, rolling admissions often result in faster decision processing, as applications are evaluated continuously rather than all at once.

Many universities and programs adopt rolling admissions, including Brown Pre-College (https://precollege.brown.edu/apply) and the University of Pittsburgh (https://admissions.pitt.edu/first-year-student/). While there is no strict deadline, all applications must be submitted before the final deadline of May 15, 2025.

Although our admissions standards remain consistent throughout the application period, the number of available spots does not. As more applicants are offered admission over time, fewer spots remain open. Therefore, submitting your application earlier can improve your chances of acceptance simply because there is a greater pool of available seats earlier in the cycle.

Great question! Given the complexity of the UN’s structure, it can be challenging to understand how each component operates. The United Nations is an immense global organization with over 130,000 personnel, more than 6,000 UN-registered NGOs, and hundreds of departments, making it the world’s most comprehensive international institution—which is precisely why it is so vital to humanity.

The Global Youth Excellence & Leadership Program (GYEL) is a program within the UN system. Established a decade ago, GYEL was formed through a coalition of intergovernmental organizations, diplomats, ambassadors, permanent observers to the UN, NGOs, and organizations holding special consultative status with the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC). Rather than functioning as an external program, GYEL operates within the UN system and under the auspices of its Coalition Partners to the UN and diplomats and ambassadors registered and credentialed by both the UN and their respective state departments. For a visual representation of our structure, please see our About page. Each Coalition Partner to the UN listed on our About page has signed a formal Institutional Agreement between their UN-affiliated organization or agency (recognized under the United Nations framework) and GYEL. They are not here in a personal or unofficial capacity. They represent their organization and agency in an official role as a designated signatory within the UN system.

GYEL’s primary Coalition Partners to the UN hold official UN credentials and security clearances. These are processed and registered through the United Nations Office and the United States Department of State, or their respective state departments, in adherence to all diplomatic protocols. They include sitting ambassadors, diplomats, and UN ECOSOC-registered special consultants, many of whose core role is to engage in high-level negotiations on behalf of the Permanent Observer, advise Heads of State, senior officials, and counterpart ambassadors on complex diplomatic and strategic matters at venues such as the United Nations, the White House, legislative bodies, and other major diplomatic forums.

Most recently, GYEL served as Deputy Convenor and Principal Partner at a UN plenary session, including the Strategic Innovation for Impact – UN Forum 2025, where it elevated youth voices and fostered cross-sector collaborations in the spirit of multilateral cooperation.

We encourage you to verify all information, including the credentials of diplomats, ambassadors, and UN ECOSOC Coalition Partners to the UN associated with GYEL, by consulting the appropriate authorities at the United Nations Headquarters or through official State Department channels.