2025 The academies Global Leaders Initiative
Join students from across the world for exclusive access to Harvard Students-led virtual programs. Immerse yourself in the world of Business or Artificial Intelligence through The Academies Global Leaders Initiative, our high-impact, two-hour certificate programs — taught live by Harvard undergraduates.
Designed for ambitious high school students outside the U.S., it is part of a Harvard Student Agencies initiative to make world-class education more accessible worldwide. The program includes a Certificate of Excellence — offering a real taste of global fields like entrepreneurship, strategy, and emerging technologies.
Summer Virtual Academies (20 hour) are boot camps designed to immerse high school students in business, pre-med, government, and coding. Each course features engaging lectures taught by Harvard students, interactive activities, a final project presentation, and so much more.
Whether you're launching a startup, exploring the human body, debating global policy, or solving coding challenges, each Academy gives you the tools to think critically, collaborate with peers, and present your ideas with confidence — all in a dynamic, virtual classroom.
2025 Virtual academies
TESTIMONIALS
This experience has been absolutely incredible, and I will always cherish it. The mentors were very kind and funny! The lectures were captivating and assured my passion for pursuing a career in the medical field. The final project was interesting and provided me with valuable insights into the real-life challenges doctors face on a daily basis. Thank you for everything!
Participating was a transformative experience that exceeded my expectations. The program provided an unparalleled platform to showcase my entrepreneurial vision for a cybersecurity company. Presenting my business pitch at the Academy was a surreal moment, surrounded by brilliant minds and industry leaders who provided invaluable feedback. The emphasis on innovation, collaboration, and real-world impact truly sets this program apart. I'm grateful for this opportunity, as it has propelled both my personal and professional growth in the dynamic realm of cybersecurity.
Krisha - Virtual Business: Entrepreneurship Academy Student
Melanie - Virtual Pre-Med: Anatomy Academy Student
OUR PROGRAMS
GLOBAL BUSINESS ESSENTIALS
Explore the foundations of entrepreneurship, strategy, and global markets in this fast-paced introduction to business. From developing an idea to understanding how companies scale across borders, students will gain insight into what it takes to lead in a competitive, interconnected world.
Dates: August 2nd
Dive into the technologies shaping tomorrow. This session unpacks how artificial intelligence is transforming industries and daily life — and how students can prepare to study, work, and lead in an AI-driven future. No coding experience required — just curiosity and ambition.
Dates: August 9th
GLOBAL FUTURES IN AI
Global Leaders Initiative
GOVERNMENT
BUSINESS
Turn your ideas into reality with our Entrepreneurship program and gain the skills needed to rocket up the corporate ladder with our Management program! This course is more than just theory - we provide practical tools and guidance to set yourself up to become the next industry leader.
Learn to make a real impact in this world through governance, law and public policy! Immerse yourself in the world of law through mock trials and debates in our Pre-Law track or get an in depth insight into how diplomacy affects us all through the International Politics Track. Our Government programs are the perfect option for future changemakers!
Learn the language that powers our digital world and open the door to endless possibilities. Our Coding Academy is designed to take you from a novice to a confident programmer, capable of creating your own applications and solving real-world problems!
CODING
Virtual Academies
Start your journey toward becoming a healthcare professional! In these immersive programs, explore real-life medical scenarios and essential skills like diagnosing and patient care. With hands-on activities and expert guidance, you can build the confidence and knowledge necessary to take the first steps in a lucrative medical career!
PRE-MED
Understand the forces that drive the global economy and take control of your financial future. The Finance Academy introduces students to key concepts like investing, markets, personal finance, and economic systems—equipping you with the tools to make smart financial decisions and explore careers in business, banking, and beyond.
FINANCE
Schedule in website
FINANCIAL AID
We are proud to be one of the only pre-college programs in the world that provides need-based financial aid equally to both domestic and international students, which is offered as a tuition discount. Students with demonstrated financial need are encouraged to apply for our need-based financial aid.
Students must submit a separate financial aid application after they submit a general application. This financial aid application will only be available in the portal after a general application is submitted.
For virtual programs, applicants must apply for financial aid within two days of submitting their general application.