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NextGen Public Changemakers

Empowering tomorrow’s rising leaders for global impact
duration2 weeks
languageEnglish
locationMadrid
Intake23th of June – 4th of July, 2025
FormatIn-person

FUTURE LEADERS, GLOBAL IMPACT

Ready to unleash your leadership potential? The program offers a unique two-week journey into the complexities of leadership, policy, geopolitics and global governance.

This learning experience is all about putting leadership theory into action. You’ll build essential skills through hands-on workshops, group projects and thought-provoking discussions, developing the skills and mindset needed to address today’s complex challenges.

WANT TO KNOW MORE?
days to start your best summer
143days
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03hours
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49minutes

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.

  • Two young adults studying and discussing notes together at an outdoor table.

    Week 1:

    • Monday to Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
  • Four young adults enjoying a conversation at an outdoor table with coffee and water bottles.

    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.

WHO IS THIS PROGRAM DESIGNED FOR?

  • This program is right for you if…

    …you’re passionate about global issues and seek to expand your expertise in global leadership, policy and advocacy, all while building your network and gaining hands-on experience shaping solutions that matter.

  • Participant profile

    The NextGen Public Changemakers module is tailored for university students and recent graduates between 18 and 26.

Focus Areas

Go beyond theoretical leadership insights and develop practical, hands-on skills that empower you to make an impact in a world where global cooperation and competition often intersect. These skills will shape you into a NextGen leader who can anticipate change, negotiate effectively, mobilize communities and craft compelling stories to inspire others.

  • 01.

    Adaptive leadership

    Learn to lead with agility in dynamic, global settings, equipping yourself with the ethical and decision-making frameworks necessary for impactful leadership.

  • 02.

    Public speaking and communication

    Boost your influence by communicating clearly and persuasively, whether you’re addressing an audience, leading a team or advocating for change.

  • 03.

    Negotiation and conflict resolution

    Develop your abilities in the negotiation room and master conflict management to address the needs of diverse stakeholders with competing interests.

  • 04.

    Cultural intelligence

    Become a flexible, agile leader who understands diverse cultural contexts and how to adapt fast—a vital skill for leading in today’s globalized world.

  • 05.

    Project management

    Gain hands-on experience in designing, implementing and managing projects that address global issues in an expert-led environment.

  • 06.

    Collaboration

    Learn to work effectively across disciplines and cultures, practically turning diverse perspectives into effective collective action.

Unique Value

Embark on a holistic, hands-on journey that equips you with the essential tools to become a confident, purpose-driven global leader. By combining practical skill-building with real-world challenges, this module sets you apart as a changemaker ready to tackle pressing issues on the world stage.

Learning Outcome

By the end of this module, you’ll gain strategic leadership skills, real-world experience through workshops and a leadership hackathon, and insights into global changemaking careers. You’ll also build a diverse network and refine your leadership style to create innovative, purpose-driven solutions.

Program Structure

What Your're going to do
2 Weeks
Week 1
    Week 2

      Building Leadership Foundations

      • Monday: Foundations of Leadership and Global Impact

        Explore the core principles of leadership and how they drive global change.

      • Tuesday: Foundations of Leadership and Global Impact

        Continue diving into leadership frameworks and their application to real-world challenges.

      • Wednesday: Understanding the World and Advocacy for Change

        Learn about global issues and develop strategies to advocate for meaningful change.

      • Thursday: Crafting the Hackathon Pitch and Developing Ideas

        Collaborate in teams to brainstorm innovative ideas and create compelling pitches.

      • Friday: Ethical Leadership in Practice

        Discuss the importance of ethics in leadership and how it shapes impactful decision-making.

      Applying Leadership Skills

      • Monday: Negotiation and Conflict Resolution

        Master negotiation techniques to handle conflict effectively and build strong collaborations.

      • Tuesday: Leadership in Action through Project Management

        Develop project management skills to bring leadership ideas to life.

      • Wednesday: Communication and Storytelling

        Learn how to inspire and influence through powerful storytelling and clear communication.

      • Thursday: Final Presentations, Reflections, and Networking

        Present your team projects, reflect on your journey, and connect with peers and mentors.

      • Friday: Wrap-Up and Graduation

        Celebrate your achievements, receive feedback, and take the next steps toward your leadership goals.

      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.

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      OUR PROGRAM LEAD FACULTY

      Alberto Cremonesi - Academic Director and adjunt professor, IE University

      • Alberto Cremonesi - Academic Director and adjunt professor, IE University

      • Director, Global University Systems

      • Consultant, Access to Education, UNESCO

      • Founder, Impact Hub Phnom Penh, Cambodia

      DISCOVER THE RIGHT PROGRAM FOR YOU

      With flexible programs, you can mix and match the topics that interest you the most, giving you a taste of your future degree or career. Each program lasts two weeks, except the Entrepreneurship program, which lasts four, and you can combine up to three programs to create a very personal learning journey.​

      • Three young adults are chatting happily on a university campus, holding reusable cups and a bag branded with the university logo.
      • A young man and two women smiling and talking at a cafe table.
      • A group of young people walking in a park, one carrying a bag with a motivational message.
      • A young man and woman are walking and smiling together in a sunny, outdoor setting, with the woman holding a volleyball.
      • A group of young adults studying and discussing together outdoors on a grassy area.
      Three young adults are chatting happily on a university campus, holding reusable cups and a bag branded with the university logo.

      Upskilling for Professional Development

      Turn your strengths and ambitions into real-world growth by exploring self-discovery techniques, learning practical strategies and gaining insights to help you take control of your career.

      • (1st Edition): Monday, May 26 – Friday, June 6.
      • (2nd Edition): Monday, June 23 – Friday, July 4.
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      Customer Experience Innovation

      Learn how the pros design seamless, unforgettable customer experiences that help businesses stand out through deep dives into design thinking and customer-first strategies.

      • Monday, June 9 – Friday, June 20.
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      Breakthrough Tech & AI

      Explore emerging technologies like AI, robotics and quantum computing in our state-of-the-art IE Robotics & AI Lab—and learn how to leverage them for your future.

      • (1st Edition): Monday, June 9 – Friday, June 20.
      • (2nd Edition): Monday, July 7 – Friday, July 18.
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      Rethinking Sustainability

      Gain new perspectives, practical strategies and a personal action plan for creating sustainable change through hands-on VR simulations and group projects.

      • Monday, July 7 – Friday, July 18.
      A group of young adults studying and discussing together outdoors on a grassy area.

      Humanities in Action

      Experience an immersive journey in arts, culture, and contemporary issues in Madrid, broadening your perspectives on politics, diversity, and sustainability while enhancing both personal and professional growth.

      • Monday, June 9 – Friday, June 20.
      • Two women walking and chatting in a modern outdoor shopping area.
      • Two young adults, a male and a female, are looking at a red folder together at an outdoor table surrounded by others.
      • A group of people conversing on a modern outdoor plaza with transparent barriers and urban buildings in the background.
      • Three young adults walking and talking on a tree-lined urban street.
      Two women walking and chatting in a modern outdoor shopping area.

      Fashion Styling & Media

      Master the latest fashion trends and cover must-know basics of styling, photography and visual communication, all while gaining firsthand studio experience to build your professional portfolio and craft a stand-out personal brand.

      • Monday, June 23 – Friday, July 4.
      Two young adults, a male and a female, are looking at a red folder together at an outdoor table surrounded by others.

      Law & Innovation

      Explore the intersection of law, technology and policy through real-world case studies, interactive workshops and a two-day competition, sharpening your skills in negotiation, public speaking and legal analysis.

      • Monday, June 9 – Friday, June 20.
      A group of people conversing on a modern outdoor plaza with transparent barriers and urban buildings in the background.

      NextGen Public Changemakers

      Dive hands-on into topics like global governance, leadership and geopolitics to understand complex policy and global issues and gain a leadership mindset fit for the future.

      • Monday, June 23 – Friday, July 4.
      Three young adults walking and talking on a tree-lined urban street.

      IE Entrepreneurship Summer School

      Develop your startup idea and refine your entrepreneurial skills alongside like-minded peers, with insights from IE Alumni and IE Startup Mentors to support you as you prepare for a final pitch competition.

      • Monday, June 9 – Friday, July 4.

      SUMMER 2025 CALENDAR

      Take a look at how you can structure your summer with our wide range of combinations.

      Abstract for Tuition | IE

      TUITION

      *Early bird

       Before March 30th

      2 WEEK PROGRAM

      • 3,500€* (Early Bird Price 3,150€)
      • *5,900€ Bundle Price (2 weeks + 2 weeks)

      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

      A graphic illustration of a woman interacting with a large, symbolic interface, handling documents and folders.

      1. Online Application

      You will need to complete the online application with the following documents: 

      1. Academic transcripts.  
      2. CV (cv template).
      3. 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.

      A person working on a laptop at a standing desk.

      2. Submit your Application

      Once you complete all sections you may submit your online application to be evaluated by our team.


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      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.

      A man in a yellow cap is checking a large checklist on a blue document.

      START YOUR APPLICATION

      Spaces are limited, so enroll now to guarantee your place!