Our Impact
From Our CEO
Since 2010, our mission has been to help exceptional young people find their purpose, their people and their power to create positive change in the world.
We’re reimagining the formative transition into adulthood by ensuring the next generation is prepared to build a more inclusive, equitable, and sustainable future.
In our first ten years, our immersive Fellowship served over 1000 extraordinary young people to become active and engaged global citizens.
At the onset of the pandemic, we paused our Fellowship and pivoted to launch The Academy — an accessible, virtual offering that served nearly 1500 young people during an unprecedented era.
Today, we are proud to introduce a new immersion experience abroad, the Take Action Lab. Designed by a global team with young people’s voices at the forefront, this innovative new program brings together the very best of the Fellowship and Academy.
Starting in 2023, Take Action Lab students will gain lifelong skills during an immersive semester in South Africa. With a diverse cohort of like-minded peers from around the world, students will apprentice at human rights organizations and learn how to tackle global issues from the ground up.
Throughout this journey, we remain immensely grateful to our team, our allies and supporters, and to our students. Together we’re launching a critical mass of young people ready to change the world, for good.
With gratitude and determination,
BY THE NUMBERS
2010
Founded
1500
New Leaders
68
Countries
$25M
Scholarships
51%
of Global Citizen Year students are from low income backgrounds
compared to
16%
of gap year participants nationally
46%
of Global Citizen Year students are students of color
compared to
16%
of gap year participants nationally
80%
of all Global Citizen Year students receive need-based financial aid
and
30%
of all Global Citizen Year students receive full financial aid
A Transformative Experience
Learn how
Global Citizen
Year alumni...
23% 
85%
Emotionally prepared for college
21%
76%
Have clear goals for college
Maximize College
Alumni have the insights and agency to make the most of college
say their Global Citizen Year has been instrumental in shaping their college experience
say their Global Citizen Year increased their self-confidence
say their Global Citizen Year helped them develop the agency to make the most of college
Global Citizen Year changed the way I see my education. It isn't a pipeline. It's a complicated network of roads, highways, and choices all of which could take me down different courses. My Global Citizen Year is my GPS."
J.I. Cruz, Senegal '15, American University '19
91%
of Fellows placed in Brazil, Ecuador or Senegal return proficient in a second language
Apply Cross-cultural Skills
Alumni use curiosity and empathy to work effectively across lines of difference
are able to see the world from someone else’s perspective
are able to work cooperatively with diverse groups
have tolerance for others with different beliefs
My Global Citizen Year is the defining, pivotal point of my life, and has impacted every choice I've made since. I am a different human being on a cellular level. The way I interact with the world is different. I used to be closed off to everything because of uncertainty and fear. Now I aim higher and dream bigger.””
Allie McKinney, Senegal '14, University of North Carolina '18
Become Engaged Citizens
Alumni demonstrate the courage to stand up for their beliefs
believe it is ‘very important’ or ‘essential’ to challenge inequity in all its forms
have challeged others on issues of discrimination during the past year
recognize the biases that affect their own thinking
Today, I have the confidence that I need to learn and grow in any situation. Because of Global Citizen Year, I’m more open to taking risks, embracing failures, and chasing uncertainty.”
Mouna Algahaithi, Senegal 2014, University of Wisconsin Madison 2019
Education Specialist, PBS
Lead with Purpose
Alumni are aligning their work with their convictions
believe their Global Citizen Year made them more aware of their strengths and weaknesses as a leader
believe their Global Citizen Year helped them develop a clearer sense of purpose
believe their Global Citizen Year influenced the career path they chose to pursue
In Ecuador I discovered an interest at the intersection of energy and sustainability, and this has informed everything I’ve done since. My Global Citizen Year gave me the space to discern what I’m passionate about, and the courage to pursue it.”
Jordan Lee, Ecuador 2013, Yale University 2017
Research Analyst, McKinsey & Company
A Lifetime of Impact
Alumni are leading lives that change the world
Our alumni are thriving in colleges and careers in over 60 countries. They’re being honored with prestigious awards and recognition and are working for influential organizations and companies. Global Citizen Year alumni are already having an outsized impact on society; and they’re just getting started!
Download our Alumni Outcomes Report
Marking a decade of impact, our Alumni Outcomes Report shows how our programs are equipping students with a sense of purpose, a global perspective, and the agency to take ownership of their education.
Download NowTHE FUTURE IS UP TO YOU
Join our amazing community of donors to launch the leaders the world needs now.
Global Citizen Year is a 501c3, non-profit, and all contributions are fully tax-deductible.