NextGen Public Changemakers
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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.
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.
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
- 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.
- 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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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!