Harvard College Union Society
Young Global Leaders
Summer Camp
at Harvard University
Cohort 1
21 – 28 June 2026
Cohort 2
28 June – 5 July 2026
Cohort 3
5 – 12 July 2026
8
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 Summer Camp
"Where academic excellence meets global leadership"
Harvard College Union Society Young Global Leaders Program 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. Participants will learn from Harvard Student Mentors, gaining skills that are important for leadership today. The program also offers opportunities to explore the historical and cultural landmarks of Cambridge and Boston.
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. Students will acquire the skills needed to develop their leadership abilities, enabling them to create a positive impact on both the school and community.
Students will enhance their critical thinking and problem-solving skills through engaging academic sessions, collaborate with talented peers and mentors from HCUS, build leadership and teamwork abilities through hands-on activities, and strengthen their portfolios with a certificate of completion from HCUS.
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.
Harvard College Union Society
Summer Camp Overview & Details
Dates
Venue
Eligibility
Program Hours
Application Fees
Application Deadline
Limited seats — apply early to secure your place.
Application deadline: 30th May 2026
All-Inclusive Experience
Everything Included in Your Program Fee
Academic Programme
Full curriculum & instruction
Airport Transfers
Boston Logan pickup & drop-off
7 Nights Accommodation
8 days & 7 nights stay included
All Meals Included
Breakfast, lunch & dinner daily
Outings & Excursions
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
Arrival & Orientation
Hotel Check-in Available
📍 Cambria Hotel Boston Somerville
Dinner
*Schedule is subject to change.
Beyond the Classroom
Possible Outings
Bowling
Kings offers multiple lanes for large groups with dedicated event spaces.
Harvard Campus Tour
Walk through 400 years of history on Harvard's iconic grounds.
MIT Tour
Discover cutting-edge innovation at MIT.
…and many more!
Accommodation
Cambria Hotel Boston Somerville
The upscale Cambria® Hotel Boston Somerville is situated between Somerville's Union and Porter Squares, just over half a mile from Harvard University and less than 2 miles from Tufts University and MIT.
Nearby attractions include Assembly Row, Bunker Hill Monument, the USS Constitution, and Encore Casino.
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
Fees & Coverage
The fee covers academic fees during the Summer Camp at Harvard University, stay and meals for 7 nights and 8 days and airport pick-up and drop-off. It does not include air tickets and Visa fees.
The fee does not cover airfare, visa charges, or individual expenses like sightseeing, travel on account of personal reasons, and any other expenses not directly related to the Summer Camp.
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 and climate science.
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. She serves as President of the Harvard College Union Society. Beyond academics, Tess competes on Harvard's sailing team and performs as an electric bassist in jazz ensembles.
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
Harvard Campus
Classroom Sessions
Museum Visits
Social Outings
MIT Tour
Ice Skating
Swartz Hall
John Harvard Statue
Group Work
Creative WorkshopHarvard CampusClassroom SessionsMuseum VisitsSocial OutingsMIT TourIce SkatingSwartz HallJohn Harvard StatueGroup WorkCreative WorkshopAdmissions
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.
Have Questions?