Leadership Lab is a series of pre-collegiate enrichment programs for students from 7th – 12th grade. Our first featured program, Global Youth Climate Summit, is a collaboration between the Center for Deliberative Democracy at Stanford University, the Rustic Pathways Foundation and Rustic Pathways.
Featured Program: Global Youth Climate Summit
Build skills for college success, see the world through exciting perspectives, connect with students and Program Leaders from around the world. Become part of a global network of students and experts to work individually, in small teams, and as one global group to learn about and create novel solutions to make meaningful impact on people’s lives. Design innovative solutions to tackle climate change around the world during this high-energy, hands-on multichannel event.
Course Details
Dates: July 12 – July 23, 2021
Times: Monday-Friday, 1:00-3:00pm (ET). There are a mix of live synchronous sessions, small group sessions with flexible start times, and independent work, so students can successfully participate and complete the course no matter their time zone.
Eligibility: 7th – 12th grade students, who plan to attend college or university.
Students will:
- Develop skills needed to lead deliberative discussion and conversation to build consensus
- Identify challenges, highlight opportunities and brainstorm new approaches to the biggest issues facing our world
- Build a prototype impact project
- Earn a 15 hour Community Impact Certificate for their work with international partners
- Receive a Certificate of Completion
Tuition: $1500
Have a group of students enrolling together?
How It Works
What is the format of the program?
A variety of media will be used throughout the course. It is designed to offer flexibility with a mix of live sessions, recorded video, reading content, and small group or individual work. Live sessions will be hosted via Zoom. Online discussions between sessions will be facilitated in the Rustic Pathways chatroom community with program leaders and local partners to help foster an enriching environment.
How many hours a day does it require?
Each day will require a minimum of 1-2 hours of participation, some offline, some live. Your syllabus will indicate which portions of the program are self paced and which portions to attend live. Live sessions will be scheduled to accommodate multiple time zones.
Your Instructor
Alice Siu
Associate Director, Center for Deliberative Democracy | Stanford University
Her research interests in deliberative democracy include what happens inside deliberation, such as examining the effects of socio-economic class in deliberation, the quality of deliberation, and the quality of arguments in deliberation.
We Face Big Issues
The world’s biggest problems are dire. Issues like climate change seem tough and abstract. But the challenge is not insurmountable. We’re going to help you listen to the other side, learn about competing viewpoints and understand these critical issues.
Gain Real Perspective
Rustic’s global network of local experts and program leaders will train and facilitate to help drive a stronger learning experiences for all participants.
We Need Big Skills
Learn innovation, problem solving, creativity, collaboration and communication: the key skills of the future. Get beyond the “paint by numbers approach” and apply learning to real challenges. Be inspired and challenged by learning that matters.
Design Across Borders
Led by an expert international design leader, experience the next level of design thinking concepts
Craft Your High School Life
Understand who you are, design what you want to become, and plan how you will get there
How to Tell Your Story (like a Rockstar)
Learn the art of storytelling and how to apply it in every aspect of your life
Financial Aid
Rustic Pathways and Stanford University share a commitment to providing comprehensive need-based financial aid to make it possible for a diverse cohort of students to be able to attend our Leadership Labs. We encourage you to apply for a scholarship today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Am I a good fit?
Do you want to develop your skills to create meaningful impact? Are you inspired by learning that connects with the real world? This program is designed to develop the skills and capacities for you to do real, fulfilling work. We are seeking students who are:
- Highly motivated or High-achieving students
- English: Fluent or Highly proficient
- 7-12th Grade
- Considering applying or have applied to a US College or University
How do the dates of the session work?
This exclusive program will only be offered during the dates listed above. However, the scheduling of the course will allow students to complete it even if they aren’t able to always attend the live, synchronous elements.
Is there a syllabus?
A detailed syllabus will be provided approximately 4 weeks prior to the program start date.
Is there homework?
In addition to the live sessions, there will be short reading and video assignments, online discussion prompts, and a series of design quests to complete. The activities are optional, but strongly encouraged in order to gain the full benefit of the experience.
Will I get college credit?
This is a pre-collegiate enrichment program, and does not offer college credit. However, students will receive a Certificate of Completion and a Community Impact Certificate we recommend be included in a college application.