July Update: Two Successful Weeks of the Global Leadership Youth Program Completed, Join Us For More to Come!

This summer’s Global Leadership Youth Program (GLYP) is up and running! The past two weeks were the first two of the five week-long modules being offered by SDDC this summer. Open to 8th -12th graders, each module includes highly regarded guest speakers, an engaging diplomacy simulation, and small group projects where students can show off their newfound diplomacy skills. 

Global Pride 

The first module titled Global Pride: Advocating for LGBTQ+ Rights ran through the last week of June and focused on the continual fight for the rights and freedoms of LGBTQ+ people across the world. Students learned about how anti-LGBTQ+ legislation and social norms exist in varying forms throughout the world and how different non-governmental organizations and individuals are standing up for a community whose humanity has been denied to them for so long. Students completed an eventful diplomacy situation, taking on the roles of different fictitious countries. They also heard from highly accomplished guest speakers like Nikoleta Gabrovska who spoke about her fight for LGBTQ+ protections in Bulgaria, and Fernando Z. Lopez, the Executive Director for San Diego LGBT Pride.  

Democracy in Danger

The second module, “Of the People?”: Democracy in Danger, fittingly began the Monday after Independence Day. This module focused on the recent rise in authoritarian leaders and political movements throughout the world and the dangers they present to democratic institutions and norms everywhere. Students examined what makes a democracy a democracy and the many ways the democratic process can be interrupted and corrupted. Students underwent a complex and lively diplomacy simulation covering topics like refugee rights and election security. They also heard from expert speakers like Nina Jankowicz who spoke about fighting misinformation and disinformation in Eastern Europe as well as George Hardy who spoke about his time prosecuting high level major fraud cases and upholding the rule of law in the Balkans and elsewhere.  

Looking Ahead

Beginning on July 19th, the first of the final three GLYP modules, covering topics in global climate action, design thinking, and immigration, will begin. Spaces are still available and we encourage you to spread the word to anyone who may be interested in this fascinating and engaging summer program! You can read about the modules and sign up for them here.