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Summer school

    NextGen Public Changemakers

    Empowering tomorrow’s rising leaders for global impact
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    • Summer Programs For University Students
    • Nextgen Public Changemakers
    duration2 weeks
    languageEnglish
    locationMadrid
    Intake23rd of June – 4th of July, 2025
    FormatIn-person
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    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.

    WANT TO KNOW MORE?
    days to start your best summer
    80days
    :
    05hours
    :
    46minutes

    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.

    • A group of four young professionals is presenting in front of a screen displaying data charts.

      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.

    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.

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    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

    What Your're going to do
    2 Weeks
    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

          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.

          What Your're going to do
          2 Weeks
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          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.

          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 professor, IE University.

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          MEET OUR FACULTY

          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.​

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          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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          University summer program

          What if this summer, you could cut through the noise, discover what truly drives you, and learn how to channel it into something extraordinary?

          At IE University Summer Program, we’re here for the curious, for those ready to build a life that matters but aren’t sure where to start.

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          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.
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          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.
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          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.
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          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.
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          Rethingking 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.
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          DISCOVER THE SUMMER 2025 CALENDAR

          Take a look to see how you can structure your summer with our various combinations.​

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          TUITION

          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

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          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.

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          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.

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          START YOUR APPLICATION

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

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