The Hansen Leadership Institute (HLI) is a fully funded, 3-week summer fellowship held at the University of San Diego in California. It brings together young leaders from around the world—particularly regions experiencing conflict—to build skills in leadership, mediation, conflict resolution, and international cooperation.

Core Focus: Intensive workshops, public speaking and communication training, hands-on peacebuilding exercises, and discussions on human rights and gender in leadership.

Funding: Fully covers round-trip international airfare, visa fees, room and board, training materials, and program trips.

📍 Location: University of San Diego in California

📅 Program Period: June 29th - July 20th, 2027

⏰ Application Deadline:

• For international applicants: January 15th, 2027.
• For U.S. applicants: March 15, 2027.

✅ Eligibility

• Age: Applicants must be 20-25 years old on July 1, 2027 -- that is, you must be at least 20 and not yet 26 years old on July 1, 2027.
• Applicants must have already completed at least 1 year of college or university.
• If an applicant has graduated from college or university and is not enrolled in graduate school, the applicant must be a recent graduate -- having graduated in 2025 or 2026 -- to be eligible to apply.