Global Leaders Scholarship

The Global Leaders Scholarship Fund (GLSF) honors the legacy of Salt Lake City's 68th United Nations Civil Society Conference hosted in 2019. The conference highlighted youth-led efforts in promoting one of the United Nations Sustainable Development goals (i.e., climate action, reduced inequalities, and no poverty). 

The Global Leaders Scholarship Fund works to empower Utah's young people from different backgrounds to participate in critical global conversations with peers from around the world by covering all travel expenses for a recipient to visit an international or national conference with a cohort. 

The application for the 2024 Global Leaders Scholarship Fund is now open! Applications are due on January 1st, 2024. 

 

Applicant Qualifications

To qualify for a Global Leaders Scholarship (GLSF), you must meet ALL the following criteria:

  • Be 18-32 years of age during the 2023 – 2024 academic school year.
  • Live in Utah at the time of travel.
  • Able to fly within the United States or internationally.
  • Attend a college or university or be in the process of applying to a college or university in the state of Utah. (Some exceptions to this requirement may be considered on a case-by-case basis.)
  • Establish a financial need to attend the event. (Must demonstrate household income is less than 200% of the FPL.)
  • Ability to complete a final report after the trip and share your experience with others

*Individuals that are recipients of DACA or are undocumented are welcome to apply for this scholarship, as long as they meet the other established requirements.

Financial Aid Requirements

The Global Leaders Scholarship is needs-based.  If you are selected as a scholarship recipient, you will be asked to provide proof of income by providing the previous year's income tax statements, FAFSA applications, or paystubs.

If you are younger than 24 years of age and are still declared as a dependent by a parent/guardian, their income will also be considered.

The chart below will help you determine if you qualify under this definition of financial need. Recipients' income must fall below 200% of the Federal Poverty Line to receive the scholarship.

Screenshot 2022 11 09 124949

 

Global Leaders Scholarship Fund Application

Welcome, Scholarship Applicants!

The Global Leaders Scholarships invest in promising individuals who want to make the world a better place through positive change. Chosen scholars of the Global Leaders Scholarship will travel in cohorts to international or national events representing Utah and addressing the global challenges that impact our local and global communities.

We invite individuals who meet our eligibility requirements to submit a scholarship application that will be reviewed by the Global Leaders Selection Committee. If awarded a Global Leaders Scholarship, you become a Scholar who will then work with Utah Global Diplomacy to identify and make arrangements to attend a global leadership event. 

A paper copy of the application will be available in the coming days on this website. For questions about the Global Leaders Scholarship Fund, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Application Components

The application process will include:

  • Application Form submitted online, by email, or in-person
  • Two Letters of Recommendation
  • Financial Verification
  • Verification of enrollment in Utah college or university

Scholarship Application Timeframe

Applications are due by January 1, 2024. After submitting the application, the scholarship committee will review the application and conduct interviews throughout the month of January. You should receive a notification about whether or not you were selected by February. 

Scholarship Fund Amounts

Global Leaders Scholarships cover all expenses associated with traveling to events, including ground transportation, round trip economy airfare, accommodations, meeting/conference supplies, daily food expenses (established by the government per-diem rate), required travel documentation, travel insurance, and other costs identified.

Application Tips

Tips for standing out as an applicant include demonstrating leadership or leadership potential, a connection to the broader community through volunteerism and service, and a passion for improving one's community. 

The selection committee also values insights from applicants that can illustrate how receiving this scholarship will positively impact their long-term personal and/or career goals.

Equal Opportunity Statement

All qualified youth are encouraged to apply, regardless of gender, creed, ethnic origin, race, or sexual orientation. Additionally, Utah Global Diplomacy and the selection committee will not give preference based on a youth’s choice of career, college or university, or location as long as the youth lives in the state of Utah.

Scholarship Waving 2

Hear from Our Scholars

Want to get a better idea of what our scholars do on GLSF trips? Watch the video below to find out!

The 68th United Nations Civil Society Conference Legacy

To continue the legacy of the United Nations 68th Civil Society Conference, Finance Chair Chris Redgrave and Salt Lake City Mayor Jackie Biskupski allocated funds in support of youth as global leaders and established the Global Leaders Scholarship Fund. Today, Utah Global Diplomacy is honored to oversee the Global Leaders Scholarship Fund as an official program that promotes respect and understanding between the people of Utah and other nations.

Click here to read the complete history of how the 68th United Nations Civil Society Conference came to Utah.

2022 Cohort

2021 Cohort

 

Want to support this program directly?

Consider making a direct donation to our program endowment with the Community Foundation of Utah

Donate Now