Harvard College Union Society
Young Global Leaders
Day Camp
at Harvard University
Cohort 1
22 – 27 June 2026
Cohort 2
29 June – 4 July 2026
Cohort 3
6 – 11 July 2026
6
Days of Immersion
30+
Countries Represented
1000+
Alumni
3
Selective Cohorts
Global Reach
A Truly Global Community
Our program brings together students from over 35 countries across 6 continents, creating a truly diverse learning environment at Harvard.
WELCOME TO THE
HCUS Day Camp
"Where academic excellence meets global leadership"
HCUS Young Global Leaders Program at Harvard University is a week-long experience designed to help young leaders make a positive impact in their communities. The program takes place at Harvard University and brings together students from around the world to participate in workshops, discussions, and practical activities.
The program also offers students a unique opportunity to visit Harvard University, providing them with a once-in-a-lifetime chance to explore the prestigious campus. Participants will develop the skills needed to strengthen their leadership abilities and create a positive impact in their schools and communities.
This is a non-residential day program, where participants engage in a structured camp experience each day. Students will learn from Harvard Student Mentors, gaining skills that are essential for leadership today.
The Ivy-Inspired Experience
Program Overview
Critical Thinking & Public Speaking
Develop and practice critical thinking, public speaking, networking and presentation skills through reflection, analysis, and feedback from distinguished mentors.
Real-World Leadership
Gain a comprehensive understanding of leadership principles and the opportunity to apply them in real-world scenarios through case studies and team projects.
Global Perspectives
Engage with students and mentors from diverse backgrounds and cultures, participate in international case studies, and develop a global mindset essential for today's interconnected world.
The Harvard Experience
Experience the Harvard University campus firsthand — explore iconic buildings, picturesque landscapes, and vibrant student life with mentors at the forefront of their fields.
Community Impact Projects
Collaborate with mentors to launch community initiatives addressing local issues, gaining practical skills and a deeper understanding of the real world.
Student Leadership Development
Access tools and resources to develop leadership abilities and skills for making a positive impact on your school and community.
Harvard College Union Society
Camp Overview & Details
Dates
Venue
Cambridge, Massachusetts
Eligibility
School Years 9–13
Program Hours
Application Fee
*The fee does not include airfare tickets, visa expenses and accommodation. Students are requested to arrange their own accommodation.
Application Deadline
Limited seats — apply early to secure your place.
All-Inclusive Experience
Everything Included in Your Program Fee
Academic Programme
Full curriculum & instruction
Airport Transfers
Boston Logan pickup & drop-off
Lunch Included
Lunch provided on program days
Outings
Camp-related trips & activities
Interactive Workshops
Hands-on learning sessions
Official Certificate
From Harvard College Union Society
All Program Material
Resources & study materials
Itinerary
Tentative
Schedule
Foundations of Leadership and Communication
*Please note that the schedule is subject to change and the exact schedule will be shared closer to the program.
Beyond the Classroom
Outings & Excursions
Harvard Campus Tour
Walk through 400 years of history on Harvard's iconic grounds. Visit Harvard Yard, the libraries, and learn about storied traditions.
Museum Visit
Visit one of Boston's premier cultural institutions with a guided tour followed by a reception in the museum's elegant event spaces.
MIT Tour
Discover cutting-edge innovation at MIT. Explore the campus, visit notable landmarks, and learn about groundbreaking research.
About
Harvard College Union Society
The Harvard College Union Society is a community of Harvard students dedicated to free inquiry and civil discourse. We work to bring open arguments on the most important debates of the American milieu back to Harvard University.
Through our group, students and faculty debate political-philosophical topics with boldness in the face of controversy, building trust that discourse is still possible in the 21st-century academy.
We defend the free communication and critique of acceptable, controversial, and half-formed views alike, and encourage mutual criticism. We welcome all views expressed in a spirit of good faith and mutual respect.
Important Information
Terms & Conditions
The fee covers academic fees during the Camp at Harvard University, lunch for 6 days during the program and airport pick-up and drop-off.
The fee does not cover airfare, accommodation, visa charges, or individual expenses, travel on account of personal reasons, and any other expenses not directly related to the Summer Camp.
In the case of a teacher or guardian accompanying a group of students, they are permitted to drop off the students at the campus. However, classroom access during the program will be limited to the registered participants only.
Students are responsible for obtaining any necessary visas or permits required to enter and stay in the United States for the entire duration of the Camp, if applicable. It is essential to ensure all visa requirements are fulfilled well in advance of the program start date.
Distinguished Faculty
Former Program Lecturers
Danielle Allen
Harvard University Professor
Danielle Allen is the James Bryant Conant University Professor at Harvard University and Director of the Allen Lab for Democracy Renovation at Harvard Kennedy School. A leading scholar of political philosophy, ethics, and public policy, she is an award-winning author, democracy advocate, and civic education leader.
James G. Anderson
Harvard University Professor
James G. Anderson is the Philip S. Weld Professor at Harvard University, with appointments in Chemistry, Earth and Planetary Sciences, and Engineering. A member of the National Academy of Sciences, he is a highly decorated scientist recognized for major contributions to environmental science and climate research.
Distinguished
Harvard Student Mentors
Theresa (Tess) Straw
President, Harvard College Union Society
Tess is a sophomore pursuing a joint concentration in Statistics and the History of Science...
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Outcomes
Awards & Recognition
Certificate from Harvard College Union Society
Receive an official certificate recognizing your participation and accomplishments during the program.
Build a Global Network
Connect with like-minded scholars from over 30 countries around the world and forge lifelong bonds.
Portfolio Enhancement
Strengthen your college applications with a distinguished leadership experience at Harvard University.
Scholar Voices
Student Testimonials
From past cohorts at Harvard University
"The Winter Camp was an incredible opportunity to meet and collaborate with students from all around the world. I also gained valuable knowledge that will support me throughout high school and university."
Arthur Ulak
Grade 8, Royal St George's College, Canada
Glimpses
Past Cohorts at Harvard University
Got Questions?
Frequently Asked Questions
The program is open to students in Grades 8–12 (School Years 9–13) from around the world.
• Cohort 1: 21 – 28 June 2026
• Cohort 2: 28 June – 5 July 2026
• Cohort 3: 5 – 12 July 2026
The program runs daily from 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM. This is a non-residential day program.
The fee of USD 1,500 covers academic fees during the Camp at Harvard University, lunch for 6 days during the program, and airport pick-up and drop-off.
The fee does not cover airfare, accommodation, visa charges, or individual expenses, travel on account of personal reasons, and any other expenses not directly related to the Camp.
Yes, students are responsible for arranging their own accommodation for the duration of the program.
The application deadline is 30th April 2026. Limited seats are available, so early application is recommended.
Yes, all participants will receive an official certificate of completion from Harvard College Union Society (HCUS).
A teacher or guardian accompanying a group of students is permitted to drop off the students at the campus. However, classroom access during the program is limited to registered participants only.
Students are responsible for obtaining any necessary visas or permits required to enter and stay in the United States for the duration of the Camp. It is essential to ensure all visa requirements are fulfilled well in advance of the program start date.
Admissions
Application Process
01
Inquiry
Explore the program details and reach out with any questions.
02
Application
Submit your application with academic records and a personal statement.
03
Review
Our admissions committee carefully reviews each application.
04
Acceptance
Receive your acceptance letter and secure your place in the cohort.