Our Impact

From Our Founder

When I finished high school I was determined to find an experience that would shape my values, identity and sense of purpose before setting foot on a college campus. I’d been a good student, checked the boxes, and gotten into Stanford. But I knew in my gut, something was missing: I’d let school interfere with my real education.

Ever since, I’ve been obsessed with the historic opportunity to create a new -- and better -- cultural template for the transition into adulthood.

There’s a developmental magic in the moment when a young person has the maturity to leave home but hasn’t yet fixed their values or identity. But in today’s world, high-achieving students hustle toward an abstract finish line; they're discouraged from stepping off the treadmill -- let alone adjusting the incline or speed.

Since 2010, Global Citizen Year has helped over 1,500 exceptional young people find their purpose, their people and their power to change the world. We’re changing the who and how of our next generation leaders in order to create a more inclusive, equitable, and sustainable future.

Today we have a world-class team, a stellar track-record, and a dynamic (and growing!) community of alumni, partners and donors worldwide. Together we’re building the world’s launch pad for changemakers -- equipping leaders who reflect society’s diversity and are equipped to change the world, for good.

Will you join us?