Future Leaders Summer Program

The program tackles four critical issues of global importance. During the interactive game play, you will learn about the latest scientific research and discoveries that have promoted innovation and influenced global policy decisions in one of the four focus areas: climate crisis, artificial intelligence, digital influence and energy innovation.

Climate Crisis
Explore how nations work together to confront global warming, protect ecosystems and build sustainable futures through policy, innovation and collaboration. Learn how leadership and science intersect to drive real change on a global scale.

Artificial Intelligence
Experience how AI is transforming economies and governance while raising critical questions about ethics, equity and global competition. Examine the promise of breakthroughs in healthcare and sustainability, and challenges of privacy, bias and inequality.

Digital Influence
Investigate the growing power of digital influence in shaping global events, public opinion and policy decisions. Confront questions of who controls information in the modern age and how that control impacts democracy and security. Develop the understanding needed to navigate misinformation, build trust and lead responsibly in a connected world.

Energy Innovation
Explore how renewable technologies and emerging energy systems are redefining the balance of power among nations. From solar and wind to nuclear and green hydrogen, discover how innovation fuels both competition and cooperation in the race for a sustainable future.

Team Projects and Final Presentations

Throughout the program, participants collaborate in small teams, each focusing on one of the FLSP’s major global themes.

Working together, teams research and develop innovative ideas to address real-world challenges in their chosen areas. Faculty mentors and program staff provide guidance as students refine their projects and prepare to share their insights.

Each team will:

• Explore one of the program’s key themes
• Develop a practical idea or solution to a global issue
• Work collaboratively to design a final presentation

The program concludes with Final Presentation Day—a celebration of creativity, teamwork and achievement.

On this day, each team presents their work to the whole FLSP community. Parents, friends and guests are invited to attend and celebrate the students’ accomplishments. Participants should dress professionally for this special event, marking their successful completion of the program.

Using the Peace conferencing simulation platform developed by award-winning teacher Kristen Druker, Samantha Cash will be leading the program this summer. Samantha holds a Master of Arts in Education and a Master of Arts in Learning Technologies, equipping her with the skills to effectively communicate with high school students. She has lived abroad as her professional volleyball career spanned 17 different countries, including Austria and Switzerland, where she mentored young athletes. Currently, she is the women’s varsity volleyball coach at Canyon Crest Academy in San Diego.

Guest speakers and renowned scholars from UC San Diego will provide lectures as part of the curriculum. Past lecturers include:

• Susan Shirk, director emeritus of 21st Century China Center at UC San Diego’s School of Global Policy and Strategy and former Deputy Assistant Secretary of State responsible for U.S. policy toward China, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Mongolia in 1997-2000
• Achyuta Adhvaryu, Tata Chancellor’s Professor of Economics; Director, 21st Century India Center
• Meera Mahadevan, Assistant Professor, Environmental and Energy Economics, Development, and Political Economy
• Benjamin Smarr, Assistant Professor, Time Series Analysis in Biological Systems
• Ralph Keeling, a Professor of Geochemistry in the Geosciences Research Division of Scripps Institution of Oceanography at UC San Diego
• David Danks, a Professor of Data Science, Philosophy, & Policy at UC San Diego

Eligibility

This program is only open to domestic and international students entering 10th through 12th grade by Fall 2026. Demonstrated proficiency in English is required for international students.

Apply now

To successfully submit this form, you must upload a completed Signature and Parental Approval Form and Teacher or Counselor Recommendation Form. You will also need to upload your official or unofficial high school transcript(s).

To pay the $75 application fee, please use the online payment form and enter the applicant's name along with FLSP2026 in the "Invoice number or Description" field.

Admission decisions are made on a rolling basis and will continue until the program is full. The admissions rounds below are intended to help applicants estimate when they might receive a decision; however, you may apply at any time while space remains. Early submission is encouraged, but applications will still be considered after the final round, depending on availability.

Round 1 applicants are eligible for a 15% reduction in program tuition if admitted. Financial constraints should not prevent competitive candidates from participating. Limited full- and partial-scholarship opportunities are available for applicants in Rounds 1 and 2 only.

Note: Students are required to pay a nonrefundable $500 deposit to secure their seat if accepted into the program. This deposit will be applied to the total program cost.

Scholarships

FLSP offers a limited number of full and partial scholarship opportunities to make attending more accessible. Whether you need help covering tuition, room and board, or both, scholarship support could make all the difference in helping you join this immersive global policy experience.

Scholarship application details will be sent to admitted students in Rounds 1 and 2. Notification decisions will be made before the deposit deadline.

Cancellation Fees and Refunds

All cancellation requests must be made in writing to gps-flsp@ucsd.edu. Application fees or deposits are nonrefundable. Any tuition paid to the university will be refunded, not including fees and deposits, if processed before the program withdrawal date of May 13, 2026. The university will not refund tuition or room and board for students dismissed from the program or unable to enter the country due to an improper visa.

Arrival: Sunday, July 12

FLSP administrative and resident advising (RA) staff will check students in at the on-campus housing hospitality desk. Students will receive room assignments, keys and meal cards. Prior to students’ arrival, RAs will inspect the living areas.

• 4 p.m. Student Drop-off / Dormitory Check-in
• 6 p.m. Group Dinner at Campus Dining Hall
• 7:30 p.m. Group Introductions and Surveys
• 8:30 p.m. Report to the Dormitory
• 11 p.m. Lights Out (no exceptions)

Final Day Events: Friday, July 31

FLSP’s final day events will begin at 1 p.m. on Friday, July 31, for students, families and friends. A final celebration, with dinner for the students, faculty and staff, will follow the ceremony.

• 1 p.m. Welcome and Introduction
• 1:30 p.m. Team Presentations
• 4 p.m. Certificate Presentation and Photos
• 4:15 p.m. Closing Remarks
• 4:30 p.m. Refreshments

Departure: Saturday, Aug. 1

FLSP administrative and resident advising (RA) staff will check out students at the on-campus housing hospitality desk.

• 10 a.m. Free time / Prepare for check-out
• Noon Final Meal at Campus Dining Hall
• 1 p.m. Student Pick-up

"At FLSP, I was able to improve my cross cultural communication and leadership skills as I worked with international team members."
–Parsa, junior, Oceanside

"If you are interested in international relations, negotiations and/or public speaking you will find this program very engaging."
–Sreelaasya, junior, Fremont

"I really like San Diego, but what stood out about FLSP was that the program provided a more in depth look at global issues along with working together with a great group of people."
–Allen, junior, San Francisco

We’re ready to provide any help you need. Please reach out to Greg Mallinger with any questions or: