2021 Summer Institute in Global Leadership

Learn about global issues, build skills for life and leadership, and collaborate with students from across the world during our week-long Model UN programs!

Program Details

The United Nations Association of Greater Boston’s Summer Institute in Global Leadership offers week-long Model UN programs for students from all over the world to work together and address global issues. Each week focuses on a specific topic — including Human Rights, Global Health, Climate Change, Ocean Conservation, Women in Leadership, and Advanced Public Speaking.

Throughout each week, students will:

  • Learn about the topic at hand from our stellar college interns and staff
  • Participate in public speaking and negotiation activities
  • Meet expert guest speakers
  • Engage in team-building activities
  • Step into the role of a diplomat during Model UN simulations

When: Week-long programs in June, July, and August. Students are encouraged to attend multiple weeks! (Scroll down to the “Registration” section for specific dates!)

Will this program be held in person or virtually?: We’re just as excited as you are to convene in-person once it is safe to do so! While it’s hard to predict what circumstances will be in the summer, we guarantee that we will offer all programs virtually no matter what. If circumstances allow for in-person programming, we may add an in-person option during three of the program weeks. (Scroll down to the “Registration” section for details on which weeks.) If this happens, parents who have already registered will have the option to switch their registration to the in-person program or remain registered for the virtual session. In-person programs will be $745, while virtual programs will remain $545. We will announce any decision to add an in-person option by Memorial Day.

Cost of program: $545 per student per week for virtual programs. If in-person options are able to be added (see details above), in-person programs will be $745 per student per week.

Questions: Contact us! Please call 617-482-4587 or email [email protected]

What is Model UN?

In Model UN, participants learn about a global issue and are assigned to a specific country. In a simulation that mirrors a UN committee session, students (or delegates, as we refer to them!) give speeches, engage in formal debate, collaborate and negotiate ideas, draft solutions (referred to in Model UN as “resolutions”), and vote. Using parliamentary procedure to structure debate (just like the real UN!), students have the opportunity to build skills for life and leadership while learning about a complex global issue.

Note: Most of our Summer Institute in Global Leadership programs are open to students of all Model UN levels! The only program that requires prior Model UN experience is the Advanced Public Speaking week.

How does virtual Model UN work? Several days before the start of the program, registered students will receive a specially designed website that includes all the resources, materials, and links needed for the program. Students will convene via Zoom.

To learn how virtual Model UN works, click here!

Registration is Now Open for 2021!

Registration is now open for our 2021 programs! Click each of the links below to register!

* We’re just as excited as you are to convene in-person once it is safe to do so! While it’s hard to predict what circumstances will be in the summer, we can guarantee that we will hold a virtual program no matter what. If circumstances allow for in-person programming, we may add an in-person option to the program weeks with a *. If this happens, parents who have already registered will have the option to switch their registration to the in-person program. In-person programs will be $745, while virtual programs will remain $545. We will announce any decision to add an in-person option by Memorial Day.

Get $50 Back When You Refer a Friend!

Refer a friend and you and your friend will get $50 back! (It’s a win-win!) To refer a friend, click here.

Important notes about the refer-a-friend refund:

  • In order to be eligible for a $50 refer-a-friend refund, both parties must register for the program on or before May 14, 2021 by 5:00pm Eastern Standard Time
    Refer-a-friend refunds will be received no sooner than May 19, 2021
    Only 1 refer-a-friend refund per person (even if you refer multiple people)
    Refer-a-friend refunds are non-transferrable and are credited to the card used for registration

Refund Policy

UNAGB offers the following refund policy for the Summer Institute in Global Leadership:

  • If you request a refund 61+ days before the first day of the program, you are eligible for a full refund
  • If you request a refund between 31-60 days before the first day of the program, you are eligible for a 50% refund
  • If you request a refund 30 days or less before the first day of the program, you are not eligible for a refund

Financial Support

The United Nations Association of Greater Boston (UNAGB) offers financial assistance to students who otherwise would be unable to attend the Summer Institute by providing half and full scholarships. Scholarships are funded through grants, donations, and in-kind support from UNAGB.

Please Note: Scholarships are limited. Only apply for a scholarship if you are able to attend the entire program. If you accept a scholarship and do not attend the program in full, you will not be eligible for future UNAGB scholarships.

What to expect: There are four parts to the application for financial support. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

  • Step 1: Questionnaire — to be completed by the student and/or parent/guardian
  • Step 2: Essay question — to be completed by the student
  • Step 3: Letter of recommendation reminder — to be written by a teacher
  • Step 4: Electronic Signature — to be completed by the student

Deadlines: There are two application rounds. Applicants are encouraged to apply early.

  • Round One: Applications submitted on or before February 28 by 11:59pm EST will be notified of our decision by March 19.
  • Round Two: Applications submitted between March 1 and May 15 by 11:59pm EST will be notified of our decision by May 28.

Applications for financial support will not be accepted after the May 15 deadline. Please note, all components of the application must be submitted by the deadline, including the letter of recommendation, in order to be considered.

Apply for financial support: Click here

For questions, please email [email protected]