 |
Top Row left to right
Kevin Scott, Global L.E.A.D. Program
General Colin Powell, Former US Secretary of State
Terence Smith, of "The NewsHour with Jim Lehrer"
James Baker III, Former US Secretary of State
Garrett Gravesen, Global L.E.A.D. Program
Bottom Row left to right
Warren Christopher, Former US Secretary of State
Madeline Albright, Former US Secretary of State
Henry Kissinger, Former US Secretary of State
Photo taken at "The Report of the Secretaries of State: Bipartisan Advice to the Next Administration, Athens, Georgia"
|
A global program to transform the 21st century through global understanding and service specifically within the elements of Leadership, Education, Adventure, and Diplomacy (L.E.A.D.).
The Global L.E.A.D. Program will create a new global standard for service and learning overseas and empower Generation Y to become more well rounded international leaders of tomorrow. Developed by thought leaders from around the world, the innovative Leadership and Education curriculum will provide the classroom learning through web-based modules. To augment this knowledge, students will participate in Adventure and Diplomacy opportunities with our on the ground partners. This format of “learning” and then “doing” is the best way to truly engage and empower this generation.
Our motto:
Don’t just go…L.E.A.D.
The following values are the cornerstones of the L.E.A.D. experience:
Leadership: The (L) Leadership module will use an innovative online platform and standard curriculum to share Leadership ideas in a Wikipedia type format. This will allow leaders in chosen fields to share their maverick ideas, experiences, and knowledge with L.E.A.D. participants. This process will ensure our program incorporates every aspect of global leadership and creates a dynamic learning environment which is relevant in the new, interconnected world.
Education: The (E) Education module will provide students with an opportunity to reach outside their standard university curriculum to learn about global issues. Each element will have standard learning modules developed by industry leaders in for-profit, non-profit and academia in areas such as Innovation & Entrepreneurship, Sustainable Development, and Corporate Social Responsibility. Updated information from thought leaders will continually accrue via open source technology on each topic so that additional information is readily available and fresh perspectives can be gleamed the world over.
Adventure: The (A) Adventure module is your own personal “bucket list” of activities that stretch your imagination, push your limits and, ultimately, put a smile on your face. One of the goals of the Global L.E.A.D. Program is to ignite the passion and learning within each individual to create a better world for others while also facilitating a more meaningful life for each participant. Instrumental to this process is getting out of your typical comfort zone and challenging your boundaries. Whether your adventure means extreme sports, exploring the great outdoors, or simply trying something new during your time overseas, only you will know. Our program will have Global L.E.A.D. adventure partners on the ground to facilitate your imagination, but ultimately the choice is up to you.
Diplomacy: The (D) Diplomacy (Service) module provides an opportunity to use the knowledge gained through the other elements to empower and lift others less fortunate in a thoughtful and sustainable way. Our program will have Global L.E.A.D. diplomacy partners in each country (non-profits and international NGO’s) that students can work with to make a difference. Our goal is not to re-create the wheel, duplicate resources or create new non-profits; but rather empower those organizations already doing great work by facilitating opportunities for individuals looking to give back in a meaningful manner.
Ultimately, the Global L.E.A.D. Program will augment any abroad experience by providing a certification that will recognize this holistic approach to leadership, education, exposure to new parts of one’s self, and service. This opportunity will empower every university student to learn and lead on a global stage and be better prepared to compete in a global economy.
Why Now: Princeton University is Rewriting the Rules
For Americans - it is this simple.
Princeton University, in the Fall of 2009, is encouraging at least 10% of their incoming freshman class to take a year off and see the world. This announcement alone made headlines in the New York Times and one can bet that once this strategy succeeds at Princeton, every other institution in the United States will follow suit.
This means millions of students will soon be going abroad with no set program, no global standard and no measure of success. We must not fail this generation by assuming they understand the most effective manner to plug in on an international stage and ensure their time spent abroad is successful. A standardized program must be available to provide direction to students in order to facilitate enriching experiences in a seamless manner.
If we do not do anything, these students will continue to go abroad in record numbers and what a travesty it would be if these students go and service is not part of the equation.
They will continue to participate in programs that train their minds,
but don’t transform their hearts.
Our opportunity is right now.
America is on the verge of a crisis and the clock is ticking away. Imagine a world where every time a student boards a plane to go abroad for the very first time, every mom and dad can rest assured that their son or daughter will have the most enriching experience overseas. A world where plugging-in internationally becomes seamless and the rules for success are defined. Imagine a world where service is a part of every overseas experience and is coupled with a global leadership and educational module, as well as personal adventure challenges along the way. This world is possible with the Global L.E.A.D. Program.
|
 |
 |