Contact us at [email protected] for any additional questions or concerns.
General Logistics
When and where will the Conference be held?
This year's Conference will be held on the weekend of September 14th - 15th, 2024 and will be held partially virtually on Zoom, and partially in-person at Harvard. While the exact schedule is still being finalized, Conference programming will run throughout the entire weekend. Participants will receive a link to access workshops, lectures, and presentations. The Conference schedule will run on Eastern Daylight Time (EDT).
Who is eligible?
All students currently enrolled in a secondary institution are eligible to apply. We encourage international students and students from diverse backgrounds to apply.
How do I participate?
All interested parties will need to submit an application, on which you will need to indicate whether you will be participating virtually, or in-person, as well as whether you wish to participate in our student competitions. The application will require you to purchase a ticket. All applicants who are not accepted will be refunded in full. Please visit the "Apply" page for more details. The application consists of a short personal statement, as well as a brief set of questions.
What is the application acceptance rate?
The virtual acceptance rate is around 50%, while the in-person acceptance rate can be more competitive.
Do I have to pay for the Conference?
The application fee for 2024 Conference will vary depending on the application cycle and the method of participation. However, we have a need-based financial aid program. We will require applicants to indicate their need on their application form.
How can I connect with other high school students who are also attending the Conference?
The organizing team will be creating an official Whatsapp group chat available for all students before the conference. In addition, we encourage you to connect and collaborate with your peers via email, text, Zoom, Google Hangouts, and other platforms. Youth Leaders in your region will also host events throughout the academic year.
This year's Conference will be held on the weekend of September 14th - 15th, 2024 and will be held partially virtually on Zoom, and partially in-person at Harvard. While the exact schedule is still being finalized, Conference programming will run throughout the entire weekend. Participants will receive a link to access workshops, lectures, and presentations. The Conference schedule will run on Eastern Daylight Time (EDT).
Who is eligible?
All students currently enrolled in a secondary institution are eligible to apply. We encourage international students and students from diverse backgrounds to apply.
How do I participate?
All interested parties will need to submit an application, on which you will need to indicate whether you will be participating virtually, or in-person, as well as whether you wish to participate in our student competitions. The application will require you to purchase a ticket. All applicants who are not accepted will be refunded in full. Please visit the "Apply" page for more details. The application consists of a short personal statement, as well as a brief set of questions.
What is the application acceptance rate?
The virtual acceptance rate is around 50%, while the in-person acceptance rate can be more competitive.
Do I have to pay for the Conference?
The application fee for 2024 Conference will vary depending on the application cycle and the method of participation. However, we have a need-based financial aid program. We will require applicants to indicate their need on their application form.
How can I connect with other high school students who are also attending the Conference?
The organizing team will be creating an official Whatsapp group chat available for all students before the conference. In addition, we encourage you to connect and collaborate with your peers via email, text, Zoom, Google Hangouts, and other platforms. Youth Leaders in your region will also host events throughout the academic year.
Student Competitions
Community Pitch Competition
What is the Pitch Competition?
The goal of the 2024 Conference Project is for you to research social issues that affect health and wellbeing in your local community, and then to design and pitch solutions that have the potential to create tangible social impact. Participants will work on these projects during the months preceding the Conference, with the support of a Harvard mentor.
Submissions to the Community Pitch Competition must have two components:
1. 3-Minute Pitch Video
2. 3-5 Page "Grant Proposal"
Please visit the "Community Pitch and Case Study Competitions" Page under the "About" tab for more details.
How do I participate in the Pitch Competition?
All students who submit a conference application before the deadline and indicate their interest will be invited to participate in the Community Pitch Competition. After conference application results have been released, Pitch Competition participants will receive an email that contains the Pitch Competition Application form.
Can I work in a group for the Pitch Competition?
We encourage students to work individually to formulate their own unique project ideas. Groups can have up to 3 students.
Can I use a project I've previously started or worked on for this Pitch Competition?
Yes, if you have already developed or implemented a project prior to the Conference, you may submit this project to the Pitch Competition. However, please keep in mind that you will still need to address all the criteria in the guidelines and complete (1) a pitch video and (2) a written grant proposal. Participants will not be judged on the status of their projects and whether or not it has been implemented. You must showcase your active progress and development of the project during the summer as the main focus for the pitch competition.
Can I present a project from an existing organization I am involved with, even if I am not the founder?
Yes, you can present a project from an organization you are involved with, even if you are not the founder. Just ensure that your presentation highlights the ongoing progress and developments that you engage with and initiate during the competition timeframe. Also make sure that the organization you are referring to allows associated projects to be presented elsewhere.
How do I submit my materials?
Video Pitches and Written Grant Proposals will be due in early September (specific dates to come). Submit your materials by sharing them through Google Drive with [email protected]. Please use the file name format: lastname_firstname_videopitch_public/private** and lastname_firstname_grantproposal.
**Please indicate “public” in the video pitch filename if you are okay with your video pitch being displayed publicly on our website. Please indicate “private” in the filename if you wish for your video to be kept private and viewed only by our Board.
How will entries be judged?
Entries will be judged based on the criteria outlined in the Community Project Pitch Competition guidelines. Please see the "Pitch and Case Study Competitions" Page under the "About" tab for more details.
When will Harvard undergraduate mentors be assigned and what are their roles?
Mentors are usually assigned by early July. They will guide you through your projects but will not grade your submissions.
Will there be awards or prizes?
Yes, the top entries will be honored during a virtual awards ceremony at the closing of the conference.
Will I be required to present live at the Conference?
Top entries may be asked to present live at the Conference.
How else can I showcase my project output?
All written grant proposals will be compiled and published in our annual Global Health and Leadership Conference Book. Video pitches may be displayed on the Global Health and Leadership Conference website.
Case Study Competition
What is the Case Study Competition?
The 2024 Case Study Competition theme will be released soon. It will be hosted online from 6:00-9:00pm EDT on Saturday Sept 14, 2024. Participating high school students will work together in small teams and draft policy briefs (3-5 pages, double spaced) in response to prompts that will be released at 6:00pm EDT, the start of the competition. This case study competition is fast-paced and takes place during a short time frame. It hopes to build the teamwork and decision-making skills needed during emergency situations.
Please see the "Pitch and Case Study Competitions" Page under the "About" tab for more details.
How do I participate in the Case Study Competition?
All students who applied before Sept 1, 2024 are eligible to participate in the Case Study Competition. You will receive an email after this date with a google form to sign-up.
Who are my teammates for the Case Study Competition?
Teammates will be randomly assigned prior to the Competition. You will receive the names and contact info of your teammates approximately one week before the Conference dates.
How do I coordinate with my teammates for the Case Study Competition?
You will receive the names and contact info of your teammates approximately one week before the Conference dates. You may use that time to coordinate group logistics (e.g., which platforms you will use to communicate during the 3-hour competition). We encourage you to collaborate via Zoom or Google Hangouts.
How can I prepare for the Case Study Competition?
Approximately 1 week before the conference, participants will receive a resource packet with relevant articles, instructions for writing the policy brief, and judging criteria. Participants can take this time to familiarize themselves with the topic and the materials.
How will entries be judged?
Entries will be judged on the basis of their depth, clarity, and creativity. Successful teams will identify and address all the factors & root issues of the problem.
Will there be awards or prizes?
Yes. All submissions will be reviewed by the Conference Board on the Saturday night after the conclusion of the Competition. Top entries will be honored during a virtual awards ceremony at the closing of the conference.
Will I present live at the Conference?
Top entries of the Case Study Competition will be expected to give a brief presentation of their case study solution on Sunday, September 15 during the Conference.
Conference Youth Leaders
What are the responsibilities of a Youth Leader?
Youth Leaders are expected to spearhead initiatives, engage with peers, and contribute to global health dialogues. They may also host workshops, lead case study competitions, and meet with speakers during the conference.
Who is eligible?
All high school students, including rising seniors, can become a Youth Leader. You do not need to be an undergraduate student to apply.
How can I apply?
To apply, submit your resume and a statement of interest (approximately 100 words) explaining your motivations and goals in global health and leadership to our email. We will be accepting applications on a rolling basis.
How do I confirm my acceptance as a Youth Leader?
If selected, you will receive an email with a link to a confirmation form. Please fill out this form promptly to secure your spot.
Can Youth Leaders participate in the Pitch Competition?
Yes, Youth Leaders are encouraged to participate in the Pitch Competition as part of their role, presenting community initiatives and running global health projects.
How do I register for the Conference as a Youth Leader?
Use the general application link provided in the acceptance email.
Can I apply to be a Youth Leader after the initial round of selections?
Yes, you can still apply. Submit your resume and statement of interest as soon as possible if you missed the initial selection round.
What if I have a scheduling conflict?
If you have a scheduling conflict, such as standardized tests, you can participate virtually. The GHLC team is flexible and will accommodate your participation remotely.
When are introductory meetings for Youth Leaders?
The introductory meetings will be scheduled based on participants' availability. Meeting details will be sent via email, and for those who cannot attend, recordings will be provided.
Youth Leaders are expected to spearhead initiatives, engage with peers, and contribute to global health dialogues. They may also host workshops, lead case study competitions, and meet with speakers during the conference.
Who is eligible?
All high school students, including rising seniors, can become a Youth Leader. You do not need to be an undergraduate student to apply.
How can I apply?
To apply, submit your resume and a statement of interest (approximately 100 words) explaining your motivations and goals in global health and leadership to our email. We will be accepting applications on a rolling basis.
How do I confirm my acceptance as a Youth Leader?
If selected, you will receive an email with a link to a confirmation form. Please fill out this form promptly to secure your spot.
Can Youth Leaders participate in the Pitch Competition?
Yes, Youth Leaders are encouraged to participate in the Pitch Competition as part of their role, presenting community initiatives and running global health projects.
How do I register for the Conference as a Youth Leader?
Use the general application link provided in the acceptance email.
Can I apply to be a Youth Leader after the initial round of selections?
Yes, you can still apply. Submit your resume and statement of interest as soon as possible if you missed the initial selection round.
What if I have a scheduling conflict?
If you have a scheduling conflict, such as standardized tests, you can participate virtually. The GHLC team is flexible and will accommodate your participation remotely.
When are introductory meetings for Youth Leaders?
The introductory meetings will be scheduled based on participants' availability. Meeting details will be sent via email, and for those who cannot attend, recordings will be provided.