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Apply summer 2025↗
In 8 weeks, conduct in-depth research on a sustainable urban development, technological, or environmental justice issue through case studies, solvathons, and workshops led by CEOs, members of the US Depts. of Education and Housing and Urban Development, and leading researchers. Get matched with mentors, internships, and funding opportunities.
From testing the effectiveness of cool roofs and reflective pavements in reducing UHIs in suburban neighborhoods using machine learning algorithms to conducting a study on subarb-to-subarb the DFWarea, we provide a platform for you to go through the entire research process — from literature review to publication. Participate in a virtual symposium with local policymakers and community members.
awards*
papers
ISEF finalist
* at the state, national, or international levels.
In groups or independently, apply your research to address real-world sustainability challenges using design thinking to develop prototypes, creating detailed project plans, and establishing clear metrics for success. Participate in pitch sessions to refine proposals and collaborate with Visionary's chapters to launch their business, nonprofit, or other initiative. Throughout the process, gain practical skills in project management, budgeting, and impact assessment, culminating in a final presentation.
startups*
patents**
partnerships
* Those that achieve operational sustainability, secure external funding, generate consistent revenue, and create measurable impact within a year of launch.
** includes patent-pending or patent applications.
You now have the opportunity to use your research findings to actively contribute to your local chapter's current project. Whether you choose to continue with Visionary, join the Sustainability Club, submit your work for publications and competitions, or develop your startup, you can pat yourself on the back for a productive summer!
Timeline
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Applications for summer 2025 will close on May 1st, 2025 at 11:59pm.
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The 2025 summer program will begin June 2nd and end July 25th.
Expect about 4-5 hours of work per week. Flexible hours.
Eligibility
Self-directed high school students, from anywhere in the world.
This program is held virtually and entirely free. Computer required.
You can apply to all 3 programs with 1 application.
Career opportunities
Mentorship matching
Research opportunity
Meet politicians
Internship matching
Work with Visionary chapters
Influence environmental policy
Publications
Career opportunities
Mentorship matching
Research opportunity
Meet politicians
Internship matching
Work with Visionary chapters
Influence environmental policy
Publications
Grants
Partnerships
Patents
Startups
Workshops
Project funding + implementation
Win awards
Use project for competitions
Grants
Partnerships
Patents
Startups
Workshops
Project funding + implementation
Win awards
Use project for competitions
Weeks 1-4
Research
1. Orientation
2. Select topic
3. Review literature
4. Match mentors
5. Hypothesize
6. Design study
7. Collect data
8. Analyze data
9. Results
10. Draft paper
11. Revise + edit
12. Publish paper
Weeks 5-7
Innovate
1. Opportunities
2. Building the team
3. Market research
4. Competitive audit
5. Solution + UVP
6. Customer + costs
7. Marketing + sales
8. Business plan
9. Development
10. Validation
11. Fundraising
12. Scaling
Week 8
Educate
1. Workshop feat. Darell Bagley
2. Workshop feat. Zeyneb Kaya
3. Workshop feat. Teri Mapengo
4. Workshop feat. Rishee Jain, P.h.D.
5. Competitions
6. GSSP Final Symposium
7. Networking + matching
8. Volunteer with Visionary!
Featuring 4 special speakers
2024 speakers
Learn about how these professionals apply sustainability from an architectural, academic, managerial, and engineering perspective.
Influence local policy
At the end-of-program symposium, you'll have the opportunity to present your project to local policymakers, entrepreneurs, and professors.
Find your community
We give you the opportunity to meet other leaders around the world. Alumni often say the most rewarding piece of the fellowship is the weekly, small group discussions, where they found their best friends!
Compete to win
You not only have the opportunity to use your deliverables (research paper, startup, presentations, etc.) for competitions, but compete among your peers throughout the program in weekly leaderboards (and an undisclosed prize at the end of the program). We've seen alumni become ISEF finalists and win top awards at business competitions.
Our chapters partner with schools to educate youth on their sustainability projects and integrating the 3 GSSP student programs (Education, Research, and Incubator) into experential learning models. These partnerships aim to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and resources needed to address real-world sustainability challenges.
Adopt sustainability modules and lesson plans into existing science and social studies, geography, and civics curricula. Includes accessible lessons, hands-on projects, skills alignment, and personalized learning modules to adapt content to students' learning paces and local environmental contexts. CCSS, NGSS, TEKS, AP®, and IB aligned.
What is the GSSP?
The Global Sustainability Scholars Program is an immersive, 8-week virtual fellowship that allows high school students to conduct in-depth research on a sustainable urban development, technological innovation, or environmental justice issue of their choice. It includes workshops, research, and an entrepreneurial incubator, culminating in a virtual symposium where students present their findings and project proposals.
Who can apply?
The program is open to high school students from anywhere in the world who are passionate about sustainability and interested in making a difference in their communities.
What are the components of GSSP?
The program consists of 3 phases:
Research: Students conduct thorough research, from literature review to publication.
Innovate: Students develop prototypes, create detailed project plans, and participate in pitch sessions to refine their proposals.
Education: Students engage in workshops, solvathons, and case studies led by experts.
What are the benefits of participating?
Participants gain valuable research experience, develop a network of professional contacts, and acquire skills in project development and entrepreneurship. They also have the opportunity to contribute to Visionary's local chapters and potentially publish their research.
Is the GSSP entirely virtual?
Yes, the entire program is conducted virtually to ensure accessibility for all participants, regardless of their location.
How are students matched with mentors and internship opportunities?
Students are paired with mentors based on their research interests and career goals. Internship matching is done through a personalized process involving virtual meet-and-greets with local organizations and companies.
What kind of projects can students work on?
Any of their choosing! Projects can range from urban sustainability initiatives, such as developing greenbelts, to technological innovations aimed at reducing carbon footprints or enhancing environmental justice. All projects will go trough a vigorous validation process by mentors to ensure feasibility and novelty.
How will students present their research?
Students will present their findings and project proposals at the end of the program during a virtual symposium attended by local policymakers, community members, and industry experts.
Is the fellowship free?
Yes! It costs nothing to participate in the fellowship or any other Visionary program. However, you will need a computer, as this program is held virtually.
When will applications open and close?
Applications for summer 2025 will open on April 1st at 12:00am close on May 1st, 2025 at 11:59pm.
How long can I expect to work? Can I participate in tandem with other programs?
Expect about 4-5 hours of work per week for 8 weeks. Flexible hours. However, he program requires a significant time commitment, so students should ensure they can dedicate the necessary time and effort to fully participate in all scheduled activities.
What is the acceptance rate?
Depending on the number of applicants, our programs typically have a 12-16% acceptance rate.
What are the application requirements?
The application consists of basic demographic information, your high school transcript, standardized test scores (optional), and a few written response questions to gauge your potential as a sustainability innovator.
What are the application requirements?
The application consists of basic demographic information, your high school transcript, standardized test scores (optional), and a few written response questions to gauge your potential as a sustainability innovator.