Hansen Leadership Summer Institute

To all the young aspiring leaders out there, the applications for one of the most anticipated leadership development programs in the United States are now open. You heard it right: the applications for one of the most anticipated “Hansen Leadership Summer Institute (HLI)” for the year 2026 are now open. A prestigious leadership development program,
funded by the Fred J. Hansen Foundation
, aims to bring together young leaders from around the world to build skills and broaden their knowledge in intercultural cooperation, public service, and peace.

The HLI leadership development program at the University of San Diego, California, is accepting applications from both foreign nationals and US citizens. Students currently enrolled in the Undergraduate/graduate degree programs with an interest in international relations, international economics, diplomacy, or related fields are invited to submit applications. There is no specific field restriction;
students or graduates from any academic background with leadership potential can apply.

The program offers a wide range of courses such as public speaking, mediation, conflict resolution, intercultural dialogue, and other related areas. The objective of the HSI 2026 is to empower young future leaders from all around the world to create a more peaceful and cooperative world. All the costs related to the program should be shouldered by the host organization, the coverage includes Accommodation, Airfare support, Visa assistance, etc.

This is your chance to have an immersive leadership experience in the United States; therefore, don’t miss out. The HSI Application does not require an application fee
. To know more details about the program, read the given information below.

• Host Country: United States
• Eligible Countries: Open for All Nationals
• Program: Hansen Summer Institute on Leadership
• Run By: Fred J. Hansen Foundation
• Host Institute: University of San Diego, California
• The duration of the Hansen Summer Institute program is 3 weeks, which will take place at University of San Diego, California, from July 1-22, 2026.

The program offers generous support to the selected participants, which includes:

• Accommodation
• Meals
• Economy class air travel coverage to/from San Diego, USA
• Local transportation

The eligibility criteria for the Foreign and US nationals vary; let’s discuss both of them below:

• Students currently enrolled in the undergraduate/Graduate degree program are invited to apply
• Undergraduate students must have completed two years of their degree
• Students aged 20-25 years old at the time of application can apply
• Proficiency in the English Language
• Committed to attending the entire summer leadership program
• Two letters of recommendation
• Demonstrate leadership experience through community service, public service, or NGO work
• Students from any academic background with leadership potential are invited to submit applications.

• Students pursuing undergraduate/graduate degrees in any field
• Undergraduate students must have completed two years of their degree
• Age requirement: 20-25 years at time of application

The HSI serves as a unique platform that offers incredible opportunities to the young leaders from all around the world to gain leadership and professional skills through field trips, extensive training, workshops, etc, in the United States of America

Applicants who are interested in the Hansen Summer Institute need to submit their application online via the official portal mentioned below. The selection committee will review all the applications in February, and the results will announced in March 2026.

• Foreign Nationals:
  Thursday, January 15th, 2026

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