Shape the future, drive meaningful change
The world is at a turning point—global governance, social justice, and sustainability are facing unprecedented challenges. But within this disruption lies an opportunity: the chance to rethink, reshape, and lead in a new era of change.
The NextGen Public Changemakers program equips you with the tools to analyze power structures, challenge dominant narratives, and navigate uncertainty, helping you clarify your path in public and social impact. Through this immersive preparatory course, you will develop core skills essential for driving meaningful change, no matter your background or experience.
Guided by renowned faculty and experts in international affairs, policy-making, and social innovation, you’ll engage in critical discussions, hands-on learning, and self-reflection, all while connecting with a diverse, like-minded community of future changemakers from different career paths. If you're ready to not just react to global shifts but actively shape them, this is where your journey begins.
Course Overview – Typical Day in the NextGen Public Changemakers program
We’ve structured each day to build your leadership toolkit, fostering collaboration, critical thinking and adaptability in the face of real-world challenges. Here’s a glimpse into your day-to-day as a future global leader.
Week 1:
- Monday to Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Week 2:
- Monday to Thursday, 9:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
- Friday: The last day is dedicated to final presentations and later, a fun graduation ceremony.
Your First Look at the Program
WHO IS THIS PROGRAM DESIGNED FOR?
This program is right for you if…
…you are eager to challenge the status quo, navigate global uncertainty, and lead change in a world where traditional governance and collaboration are being redefined. If you aspire to be a changemaker who doesn’t just react to global shifts but actively shapes them, this is where your journey begins.
Participant profile
The NextGen Public Changemakers module is for university students and recent graduates (18-26) ready to drive impact. No matter your background, you’ll join a community of peers who share your passion for change.
Focus Areas
Gain the essential skills to navigate global challenges, influence policy, and lead with impact. This program focuses on six key areas that will empower you to think strategically, communicate effectively, and drive meaningful change in diverse international settings.
- 01.
Systemic Thinking & Strategic Foresight
Analyze complex systems, anticipate global trends, and make high-impact, informed decisions.
- 02.
Geopolitical Acumen & Cross-Cultural Competence
Understand global power dynamics and cultural nuances to lead effectively across diverse international settings.
- 03.
Policy Innovation & Public Problem-Solving
Apply analytical and data-driven approaches to evaluate, design, and advocate for policies addressing critical global challenges.
- 04.
Communication & Advocacy
Strengthen public speaking, storytelling, and persuasion skills to mobilize audiences and drive impactful change.
- 05.
Ethical & Responsible Decision-Making
Navigate complex, multi-stakeholder environments with integrity, transparency, and principled leadership.
- 06.
Negotiation & Conflict Mediation
Develop skills in negotiation and dispute resolution to foster collaboration and implement sustainable solutions.
Unique Value
This hands-on experience equips you with the skills, mindset, and confidence to become a purpose-driven global leader ready to make an impact. Learn from top faculty and industry experts, tackle real-world challenges, and engage in field trips and a leadership trail.
Learning Outcome
By the end of this program, you will analyze global trends, navigate complex systems, and influence policy through strategic foresight and data-driven decision-making. Strengthening your advocacy, communication, and leadership abilities, you will be prepared to drive meaningful and sustainable change in public service and beyond.
Program Structure
- Week 1
- Week 2
- Final Project
Building Leadership Foundations
Monday: Foundations of Leadership and Global Impact
Explore the core principles of leadership and how they drive global change.
Tuesday: Ethical Leadership in Practice + Visit to UNWTO
Explore fairness, bias, and social justice through interactive sessions with IE faculty. The day includes a visit to the UNWTO and a masterclass on Young Leadership & Ethics with Executive Director Natalia Bayona.
Wednesday: Public ChangeMakers Lab
Through hands-on methods, develop innovative solutions for public issues, applying strategic and scalable approaches used by policymakers and social changemakers.
Thursday: Systems Thinking for Sustainable Change
Through the lens of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), explore the complexity of global issues and understand the interactions between policies, institutions, and social movements to design holistic and sustainable solutions.
Friday: Grit & Resilience: A Leadership Journey On The Trial
Build resilience, teamwork, and adaptability. This outdoor hike provides an opportunity to navigate challenges, manage setbacks, and foster leadership within diverse, high performing teams.
Applying Leadership Skills
MONDAY: Final Presentations, Reflections, and Networking
Present your team projects, reflect on your journey, and connect with peers and mentors.
TUESDAY: Diplomacy, Persuasion & Conflict Resolution
Develop the ability to navigate difficult conversations, broker agreements, and advance public impact goals.
WEDNESDAY: Communicating for the public sector
Learn how to inspire and influence through powerful storytelling and clear communication.
Thursday: Rethinking Multilateralism and Transnational Relations
Explore shifting power dynamics, emerging global actors, and the future of international cooperation. Through case studies and discussions, develop strategies to lead in a transforming world.
Friday: Wrap-Up and Graduation
Reflect on key takeaways with faculty and industry experts, explore career paths in public leadership, and celebrate your journey at graduation.
NextGen Public Changemaker
NextGen Public Changemaker
The Public Changemaker Lab is a group-based project where students address real-world public sector challenges. They explore societal issues, analyze root causes, and develop strategic advocacy solutions.
The program builds skills in systems thinking, critical analysis, and communication. Students choose a public policy or social impact issue, create an action plan, and present it to experts.
The program helps students design effective advocacy initiatives for meaningful change.
- Week 1
- Week 2
- Final Project
Collaboration with Impact Hub
Collaboration with Impact Hub
As part of the NextGen Public Changemakers Summer Program at IE University, students will have the opportunity to learn from the success stories of Impact Hub, a global network driving social and environmental change. With locations in over 100 cities, Impact Hub brings together changemakers, startups, and organizations dedicated to creating innovative solutions for the world’s most pressing challenges.
Through inspiring case studies and discussions with impact-driven entrepreneurs and leaders, students will gain valuable insights into what it takes to drive meaningful change. This experience will provide a firsthand look at real-world social innovation, equipping students with the knowledge and inspiration to shape their own path as future changemakers.
- Beatriz Bagaces SerranoManager - Global Recruitment
Any doubts?
Please contact our program specialist for personalized advice on your specific case.
Discover the program's agenda
Dive into a curriculum that immerses you in hands-on learning. Through a mix of interactive classes, collaborative group work, presentations and our innovative media lab, you’ll develop essential skills for success.
OUR PROGRAM LEAD FACULTY
OUR PROGRAM LEAD FACULTY
Alberto Cremonesi - Academic Director and professor, IE University.
Alberto has over 20 years of global experience in sustainability strategy design and implementation, social impact, impact measurement, ESG and innovation management.
A highly creative individual with excellent interpersonal and communication skills and a bias towards action, Alberto is an entrepreneur at heart.
MEET OUR FACULTY
DISCOVER THE RIGHT PROGRAM FOR YOU
IE University Summer Program is a combination of flexible programs that allow you to mix and match the topics that interest you most, giving you a taste of your future degree or career. Each program lasts two weeks—except for the four-week Entrepreneurship program—and you can combine up to three programs to create a personalized learning journey.
DISCOVER THE SUMMER 2025 CALENDAR
Take a look to see how you can structure your summer with our various combinations.
TUITION
2 WEEK PROGRAM
- 3,500€
- *5,900€ Bundle Price (2 weeks + 2 weeks)
CREDIT RECOGNITION
CREDIT RECOGNITION
Earning academic credit at your home institution for joining IE University’s Summer Program is designed to be as straightforward as possible. Many institutions routinely award credit for summer courses, but we highly recommend that you check with your University’s International or Study Abroad Office regarding any specific requirements you might need to fulfill.
If you join IE University’s Summer Program for at least four weeks (= two two-week modules or with the four-week Entrepreneurship Summer School), you’ll complete an academic workload equivalence of 6 ECTS credits (or 3 US credits). If you spend more time with us, you can earn even more credit equivalence, also spread over consecutive summers. To qualify for credit recognition, you need to fulfill all the course requirements and submit one final essay within two weeks of finishing your last course.
To make the credit transfer process easier, IE University provides all the necessary documentation and evidence required by your home university’s Study Abroad Office or academic department. Additionally, we actively work to pre-agree credit recognition with key partner universities to ensure a faster and smoother process for you.
THE ADMISSIONS PROCESS
1. Online Application
You will need to complete the online application with the following documents:
- Academic transcripts.
- CV (cv template).
- Video Assessment: in this section you will complete two live video questions on general knowledge topics.
*You must complete all sections of the application in order to submit it.
2. Submit your Application
Once you complete all sections you may submit your online application to be evaluated by our team.
3. Admissions Final Decision
Within 2 weeks of submitting, the Summer School Team will contact you with the final resolution of your Admissions process. Should it be positive, you will be guided through the next steps for your enrollment.
START YOUR APPLICATION
Spaces are limited, so enroll now to guarantee your place!