Global Citizen Year

To date, Global Citizen Year has supported 2,500 students from 130+ countries through our combined programming since 2010. Our newest program, Take Action Lab, has already hosted over 150 students from 50+ countries in Cape Town, South Africa, where students work side-by-side with local community leaders to protect and advance human rights. Our signature program, Take Action Lab, serves as an incubator for the next generation of changemakers. At our inaugural location in Cape Town, South Africa, students join a global cohort, gaining hands-on skills through apprenticeships with local nonprofit organizations advancing human rights. Notably, 98% improved in relating to diverse individuals, and 87% of students reported that Take Action Lab helped them develop and deepen their understanding of global issues.Expanding on our first successful semesters, we plan to add additional locations and themes for Take Action Lab. Having successfully proven the concept of Take Action Lab, Global Citizen Year is now formalizing strategic partnerships to achieve its ultimate goal: institutions recognizing and integrating meaningful global immersion as a crucial component of higher education and professional pathways. For instance, in 2023, we established a formal partnership with African Leadership University (ALU), one of Africa's most innovative and esteemed higher education institutions. Through this partnership, ALU offers college credit to students participating in Global Citizen Years programs, representing a significant advancement in integrating immersive learning into global higher education.After completing Take Action Lab, our students are inducted into the alumni community where they go on to thrive in college and beyond leading lives that change the world for the better. Global Citizen Year continues to provide opportunities, events, resources, mentorship and leadership development to our growing global alumni network.