Summer School•USA · San Diego

Hansen Leadership Institute

Funding

Fully Funded

Program dates

Jul 1, 2026 – Jul 22, 2026

The Hansen Leadership Institute (HLI), formerly the Hansen Summer Institute, is an intensive three-week residential program run by the Fred J. Hansen Foundation and hosted on the University of San Diego campus in California, USA. It gathers young leaders from around the world — including regions affected by conflict — to build skills in leadership, mediation, conflict resolution, and international cooperation. Fellows live together around the clock for the full program and join a global alumni network spanning more than 50 countries.

Benefits & funding

  • Fully funded by the Fred J. Hansen Foundation: covers international airfare, room and board, and all programmatic costs.
  • Participants pay only for their passport fees and personal spending money.
  • Training in the principles and psychology of leadership, public speaking, mediation, cross-cultural communication, and human rights.
  • Visa support: selected fellows receive a letter of acceptance, financial-support documentation, a DS-2019 form, and a SEVIS fee receipt to apply for a U.S. visa.
  • Membership in a worldwide HLI alumni community with ongoing virtual engagement.

Eligibility

  • Aged 20–25 on 1 July 2026.
  • Completed at least one year of college or university; recent graduates (2024–2025) may apply if not currently enrolled.
  • Open to both international and U.S. applicants.
  • English proficiency required (an academic reference evaluates the applicant’s English).
  • Two references required: one academic and one from an NGO or community organization.

Application process

  1. 1
    Apply through the online application portal (hansenleadershipinstitute.awardsplatform.com).
  2. 2
    Submit two references — one academic (English evaluation) and one from an NGO or community organization; references are verified by automatic email.
  3. 3
    Applications are reviewed (international applications from February), with results announced in early March.

Program timeline

  1. International application deadline (11:30 PM Pacific)

    Jan 15, 2026

  2. U.S. application deadline (11:30 PM Pacific)

    Mar 15, 2026

  3. 2026-02 to 2026-03

    International applications reviewed; results announced early March

  4. Program starts

    Jul 1, 2026

  5. Program ends

    Jul 22, 2026