UPDATE: March 2021
After careful consideration, we announce that we will not operate our Fellowship in the 2021-2022 academic year.
Again this month, we analyzed the data to assess the viability of running our global Fellowship beginning in January 2022. Despite promising signs in some parts of the world and increasing access to vaccines in the US, the global picture highlights the inequity of this access. While it is possible that our US Fellows may be vaccinated, our Fellows from other countries and the majority of our host communities, will likely not. Because of these inequities, a program launch in January would not provide our Fellows the independence and community immersion that are core to the experience.
We know the value of clear and early decision-making — for our organization and broader community. As we look ahead to the 2022-2023 academic year, we will make decisions and communicate them as expediently as we can.
We remain committed to re-launching the Fellowship as soon as we can do so in accordance with our values. Our current aim and expectation is to run the Fellowship in the 2022-2023 academic year.
In the meantime, our new, Global Citizen Year Academy experience will be offered again for Fall Semester 2021 and Spring Semester 2022. To young leaders worldwide who want the confidence to take the reins on their education, and the conviction to align their lives with the world’s needs, we hope you’ll join us.
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December 2020
Global Citizen Year remains deeply concerned about the global spread of COVID-19. Since January 2019 we have been closely monitoring the spread and impact of the virus on travel restrictions, and many other implications for our community. We are in close consultation with international health and pandemics experts, as well as monitoring guidance from the CDC and the WHO.
We have spent the past days, weeks and months pouring over data and assessing the viability of running our global Fellowship in 2021.
It is with heavy hearts but clear minds that we announce that we are not re-launching our Fellowship in August 2021.
We remain committed to re-launching the Fellowship as soon as it is safe. We have an active internal committee that will reassess the situation in March 2021 to determine whether it may be feasible to re-launch the Fellowship in January 2022.
While we are disappointed to share this news today, we also know the value of clear and early decision-making — for our organization and broader community. In the Fall of 2020 we piloted a new offering: Global Citizen Year Academy, a first-of its kind leadership experience for young people worldwide. Delivered virtually, the Academy equips diverse and determined young leaders from across the U.S. and around the world with powerful skills for a lifetime of social impact.
This Fall’s pilot has demonstrated the power of the Academy to give students the confidence to take the reins on their education, and the conviction to align their lives with the world’s needs. Today, we are thrilled that the Academy was not simply a “pandemic pivot” — but part of our path forward.
The application for the Spring Semester 2021 is now open. For all students aged 17-21 worldwide looking to find their purpose, their power and make an impact, the Academy might be a great fit for you. Learn more here.
