| 10min Read
Published on November 18, 2022
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Harvard YLC leadership Conference – Dubai
Curated at the Leadership Institute At Harvard College, YLC helps students gain the confidence, leadership skills, and global perspective you need to lead change within your local and global community.
Back with an in-person conference after 3 years!
Harvard YLC leadership Conference – Dubai
Curated at the Leadership Institute At Harvard College, YLC helps students gain the confidence, leadership skills, and global perspective you need to lead change within your local and global community.
Back with an in-person conference after 3 years!
Apply now
Download Brochure
28th Dec 2022
1st Jan 2023
8:00 am to 4:00 pm
Grade 8 -12
Age 13 -17
Deadline
28th November 2022
5,000 Dirham
Priority Deadline
31st October 2022
28th Dec 2022
1st Jan 2023
8:00 am to
4:00 pm
Grade 8 -12
Age 13 -17
Deadline
28th November 2022
5,000 Dirham
Priority Deadline
31st October 2022
Program will run offline at Durham School Dubai . Priority deadline applicants get preference in their admission.
About Durham Dubai
Durham Dubai is a branch school of Durham UK, one of the oldest schools in the UK with a 600-year history of academic excellence. As such, we are able to draw upon the skills and experience of our colleagues in the UK and in our other international schools in Qatar and Kenya. Durham is a truly international organisation its roots may be in the UK, but its outlook is global. Durham School Dubai is conveniently located in Dubai Investments Park (DIP), a 32 million square meters development with commercial, residential and educational zones!
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Learn core leadership skills & navigate your college, career and life.
Create a social change project & unlock your leadership potential.
Get one year of free mentorship from Expert Mentors.
Earn a completion certificate from Expert Mentors.
Unleash the leader in you!
Conducted by Harvard Mentors trained by the Leadership Institute at Harvard College, Harvard Youth Lead the Change transforms high school students like you into the confident problem-solvers, collaborators and communicators, who will solve global issues and lead the change of tomorrow.
Over the 5 day course, students work in a mentor-led group to understand a global issue – whether it is climate change, mental health, or poverty – and develop a social change project to address it. On finishing the program, there is an opportunity to receive mentorship for an entire year, to implement their project.
What makes the workshop unique is that our mentors are not lecturers, but current students of Harvard University who have garnered invaluable experience and training at a young age, and know what it takes to implement social change. But perhaps more importantly, they understand the nuances and challenges of growing up in the 21st century. Hence, they break down intimidating age-based authority structures and become relatable advisors and friends to you, through a plethora of hands-on activities!
The workshop is in extremely high demand and has traveled across the world to places like Japan, Myanmar, Colorado, Dubai, and Puerto Rico.
Gain LeadershipSkills that Lead Change
Innovative handson
curriculum
A Certificate
of Accomplishment
1 Year Free Mentorship
from Harvard College
Develop a Social
Change Project
01
Introducing
Leadership
Focus on what constitutes leadership, Introduction to social change projects and change based reflections.
Empathy, Self-Awareness, Trust, Discernment and Positive Attitude
02
The Leader in
Each of Us
Look into what kind of a leader you are, map out your personality and understand smart goals.
Creativity, Innovation, Design Thinking, Organisation, Conflict Resolution and Planning
03
Leading Alongside
Others
Learn about different situational leadership styles, negotiation and problem mapping.
Negotiation, Communication, Cohesion, Clarity, Adapting and Courage
learn to
04
Leading by
Listening
Analyse various leadership videos and TED talks to understand the nuances of leadership.
Community Building, Project Planning, Task Management, Team Dynamic Analysis
05
Leading with Your Voice
Develop your public speaking skills by deep diving into elevator pitches, debating and defending your opinions.
Confidence, Presentation Skills, Task Management and Teamwork
06
Preparation and Introspection
Reflect with a special focus on letter writing to self, understanding narratives and working on your final social change projects.
Self-Reflection, Confidence and Encouragement
01
Introducing Leadership
02
The Leader in Each of Us
03
Leading Alongside Others
04
Leading by Listening
05
Leading by Listening Leading with Your Voice
06
Preparation and Introspection
Who Should Participate?
- You are a student who wants to inculcate leadership qualities
- You are not confident in sharing your thoughts and speaking in public
- You want to solve a social problem but don’t have problem solving skills
- You want to learn how to build your network and thus sharpening your networking skills
- You want to become a leader but do not know where and how to start
- You are fearful and have mental blocks and are lacking the initiative to lead
- You do not have a community of like-minded people who are going through the same issues or share the same passion
Meet your Harvard Mentors
YLC is led by Harvard undergraduate students who are leaders in their own communities. Differentiating this program are the student teachers and their youthful perspective on leadership development. Reliable and relatable, the teachers serve as advisors and friends to the students, breaking down intimidating age-based authority structures. With tremendous enthusiasm for both teaching and learning, the teaching team constantly learns from the students, adapts to their interests and needs, and builds lasting relationships that continue after the program through formal and informal mentorship opportunities.
Ayah Al-Zubi
Class of 2023
Concentration: Sociology
Ayah has taught a sports justice course featuring professional athletes and given a Tedx Talk on diversity and youth leadership.
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Ayah Al-Zubi is a second-year in Leverett house born in Jordan and from Cincinnati, Ohio. Ayah plans on studying the intersection of psychology, sociology, and education. She empowers youth to transcend their potential and take on challenges. With sports being one of her most important motivators, Ayah utilizes the sports platform to bring on this empowerment. This passion for sports has allowed her to start her own organization, Impowera, that builds youth sports curriculum in which she launched basketball camps in the MENA in 2019.
Andrew de Souza
Class of 2022
Concentration: Environmental Engineering
Andrew plays on the Rugby team, is part of a volunteer tour and service organization, and is a member of the South Asian Men’s Collective.
Read More
Andrew is a sophomore in Cabot House from Oakville, Ontario, Canada. Academically Andrew is concentrating in Environmental Engineering and has a passion for clean energy — this year he started HUCEG, a group that educates the student body about the clean energy industry. He hopes to have an impact by helping younger students through such an influential time in their lives, and by teaching them the values that are truly important. In his spare time, Andrew enjoys watching movies with friends, trying new cuisines, and going on hikes.
Aysha Emmerson
Class of 2022
Concentration: Special Concentration in Resilience Studies and Social Anthropology
At Harvard, Aysha writes for The Crimson Editorial Board, works as a Peer Advising Fellow.
Read More
A fervent believer in the power of words, Aysha Emmerson seeks to use hers to spread kindness, create positive change, and inspire others. At Harvard, she writes for The Crimson Editorial Board, works as a Peer Advising Fellow, and is a proud member of Women’s Club Soccer. She has helped teach a university course about excellence in negotiation, including how to better understand different personality types, and is excited to bring related lessons of collaboration, communication, and relationship-building to YLC.
Albie Giandomenico
Class of 2022
Concentration: Economics and Astrophysics
Albie is the Co-Captain of the club ice hockey team, former President of club lacrosse, and the rugby team.
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Albie is a rising senior in Cabot House concentrating in Economics with a secondary in Astrophysics. He grew up in Walpole, Massachusetts and before college embraced many leadership roles, especially as Class President for six straight years. He also spreads his interests to other extracurriculars including being in the undergraduate art club and acting in a small play. Albie just completed his year as chair of YLC and looks forward to continuing his involvement while maintaining the organization’s effectiveness and expanding the outreach.
Emmy
Class of 2024
Concentration: Computer Science and Neuroscience
Emmy is involved in the Undergraduate Council, the Institute of Politics CIVICS and Policy Program.
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Emmy is a first-year in Elm Yard concentrating in Economics with a secondary in Philosophy. On campus, Emmy is involved in the Undergraduate Council, the Institute of Politics CIVICS and Policy Program, the Arete Fellowship, and the Crimson, among others. She hopes to continue exercising critical and purposeful leadership during her YLC experience and looks forward to assisting high school students in challenging conventional understandings of leadership and empowering young leaders to cultivate a strong sense of self and community.
Ethan Kee
Class of 2023
Concentration: Psychology and History of Art and Architecture
Ethan works as a designer for The Crimson and participates on two club sports teams in addition to YLC.
Read More
Ethan is a sophomore interested in studying Psychology and History of Art and Architecture. Now in college, Ethan works as a designer for The Crimson and participates on two club sports teams in addition to now joining the YLC. Ethan is excited to help guide and inspire the next wave of innovators and world changers and he hopes to encourage these future leaders to reach new and outstanding heights. In his free time, he enjoys discovering new music, whipping up recipes in the kitchen, and travelling with friends.
Ishaan Prasad
Class of 2022
Concentration: Computer Science (MBB) and Linguistics
Ishaan is a research student at Harvard Business School, a case team leader for the Harvard College Consulting Group.
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Ishaan is a junior in Lowell House interested in exploring the intersection between Computer Science and Linguistics. Having participated in YLC as both a camper and a junior counselor, Ishaan is excited to now help lead the program as a counselor and former director. At the College, Ishaan is a research student at Harvard Business School, a case team leader for the Harvard College Consulting Group, and a student ambassador with the Crimson Key Society.
Jean-Luc Henraux
Class of 2022
Concentration: Applied Math (Econ Focus)
Jean-Luc is a member of the club rugby team and of various service organizations.
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Jean-Luc is a junior in Lowell House who intends to study Applied Mathematics and Philosophy. Hailing from Los Angeles, California, he developed a passion for social activism through his involvement in his high school’s Speech and Debate team. He believes that cultivating a desire to lead and an ability to communicate confidently and clearly is a strong catalyst for social change. At Harvard, Jean-Luc has found purpose, community, and fun as a member of the club rugby team and of various service organizations.
Katrina Hon
Class of 2022
Concentration: Neuroscience (MBB) and Psychology
Katrina is involved in the Harvard Undergraduate Research Association, Harvard VISION Global Health Society, and Harvard Red Cross.
Read More
Katrina is a junior in Winthrop House concentrating in Neuroscience on the Mind, Brain, and Behavior track with a secondary in Psychology. She is originally from Middlebury, Connecticut, and is so excited to be a part of YLC this year. Katrina is very passionate about empowering youth to make social change through encouraging leadership and communication. At school, she is involved in the Harvard Undergraduate Research Association, Harvard VISION Global Health Society, and Harvard Red Cross. In her free time, she enjoys listening to music, traveling, and trying new foods.
Kimani Panthier
Class of 2024
Concentration: Government
Kimani aspires to be a public servant and someday run for a local, state, or national political office.
Read More
Kimani is a first-year living in Oak Yard concentrating in Government. Born and raised in Hempstead, NY, Kimani is the son of two hard-working immigrants. Kimani also strongly prioritizes community service and volunteerism and has developed a passion to serve and lead others! In the future, Kimani aspires to be a public servant and someday run for a local, state, or national political office. At Harvard, Kimani is a first-year representative on the Undergraduate Council, member of the IOP’s Fellows & Study Groups program, and active participant in several other student organizations.
Malaika Zaidi
Class of 2024
Concentration: History of Science
Malaika is interested in pursuing a career in the medical field, as she is passionate about tackling the disparities present in the healthcare system.
Read More
Malaika is a first-year student from the suburbs of Chicago, Illinois. She is currently on campus living in Currier House. Malaika is interested in pursuing a career in the medical field, as she is passionate about tackling the disparities present in the healthcare system. She is thrilled to be a YLC counselor and looks forward to fostering a strong sense of community, helping young individuals find their voice, and inspiring others to speak up for social change. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with friends and family, exploring new places, and listening to music!
Michael Raji
Class of 2022
Concentration: Government
Michael is involved with Harvard Radcliffe Research Institute, Crimson Key Society, and Harvard Club Tennis.
Read More
Michael is a junior in Currier House concentrating in Government with a secondary in Global Health and Health Policy. He is originally from a suburb outside Houston, Texas where he started an afterschool program to help kids get ahead in math. On campus, Michael is involved with Harvard Radcliffe Research Institute, Crimson Key Society, and Harvard Club Tennis. In his free time, Michael spends time playing pickup basketball, expanding his netflix collection, and reading.
Phil
Class of 2021
Concentration: Computer Science and Neuroscience
Phill is a volunteer at a local after school program and plays on the club rugby team.
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Phil is a senior in Cabot House studying Computer Science and Neuroscience. He grew up in London, England and went to Eton College, where he was involved in several leadership roles: House Captain, Head of Theatre, School Prefect, and Cadet Sergeant in the Combined Cadet Force (similar to ROTC in America). Although relatively new to YLC, he is looking forward to expanding the program and adding his unique experiences.
Rayo Daniel
Class of 2024
Concentration: Psychology
Rayo is the lead singer in a band called Gifted Hands, a talented group composed entirely of youth musicians.
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Rayo is a first year student at the college studying Psychology with a particular focus on criminal behavior. She is originally from Minneapolis, Minnesota and is very passionate about youth voice and social justice as a whole. Rayo hopes to combine her outgoing personality, her passion for leadership, and her interest in crime to be a force for change in the criminal justice system.
Ethan Johnstone
Class of 2023
Concentration: Government and History
Ethan is an intern at the Harvard Law Review, the Treasure of the Institute of Politics, and a proud member of Crimson Key Society.
Read More
Ethan Johnstone was born and raised in Southern California and is passionate about Law and Politics. At Harvard, Ethan is a rising sophomore in Dunster House studying Government and History. Outside of class, he spends his time as an intern at the Harvard Law Review, the Treasure of the Institute of Politics, a representative in the Undergraduate Council, a club tennis athlete, and a proud member of Crimson Key Society. Ethan is a new recruit to YLC, and he is so excited to share the leadership lessons he has learned along the way.
Rohan Sheth
Class of 2023
Concentration: Applied Math (Econ focus)
Rohan is a member of the Financial Analysts’ Club, the Men’s Club Soccer Team, the South Asian Association, and the South Asian Men’s Collective.
Read More
Rohan is a sophomore from Boston, MA, living in Pforzheimer House studying Applied Math with Economics. Rohan also enjoys teaching, and he works as a Course Assistant for a Multivariable Calculus course at Harvard. In his free time, he enjoys running, skiing, and traveling, especially to India to visit family. He can’t wait to see the exciting ideas that the next generation of leaders has!
Mentor’s Bio
Words from those Who Took the Course (And Loved it)
Sahithi
Grade 10, Future kid's School,
Hyderabad
YLC is a great opportunity to learn from diverse communities, improve communication and leadership skills, and gain invaluable mentorship for success.
[show_more more="Read More" less="Read Less" color="#ce0028"]Everyone should Attend YLC, as it's an incredible place with amazing people to develop as a leader and better oneself.
[/show_more]Freya
Grade 8, Oberoi International School,
Mumbai
YLC was an amazing experience. I Learned alot about leadership, made friends worldwide. The conference was well-organized and inspiring.
[show_more more="Read More" less="Read Less" color="#ce0028"]I highly recommend it to anyone looking to broaden their perspective on leadership and make meaningful connections.
[/show_more]
Veer Vohra
Grade 11, Dubai College
This workshop has taught me that in order to do something big in life, one need not start with a huge impact. You can start with something small and yet go on to make a big impact.
[show_more more="Read More" less="Read Less" color="#ce0028"][/show_more]
Shizah Kashmir
Grade 12, Gems Wellington Academy, Silicon Oasis
The YLC conference is very action-provoking. It has taught me that if I’m passionate about something I must push harder and try and be an achiever even at an early age.
[show_more more="Read More" less="Read Less" color="#ce0028"]That way, YLC has made me feel empowered.
[/show_more]Raeed Zainuddin
Grade 8, Sun Beams High School,
Bangladesh
I have become so much more confident in presentation and doing something on the stage. I feel I can appeal to a crowd just by talking to them which I didn't feel before.
[show_more more="Read More" less="Read Less" color="#ce0028"]I would 110% recommend everyone to this conference because you can meet so many people, so many personalities from so many places. The main reason why I would recommend it is because of the counselors, they were great.
[/show_more]
Tanya Tilokani
Grade 12, Cambridge International School, Dubai, UAE
All the mentors were well trained and they used creative techniques to teach us. The use of psychology or the storytelling method were subtle ways of teaching leadership.
[show_more more="Read More" less="Read Less" color="#ce0028"]Moreover, the conference was very unique mainly because you were talking to us like we were adults capable of making a change in our own way.
[/show_more]Varun Chitturi
Grade 9, Oakridge International School, Hyderabad
The overall experience at the conference was phenomenal. We learned about public speaking, negotiation, and other qualities that are vital for a leader.
[show_more more="Read More" less="Read Less" color="#ce0028"]With all that I learned here, I really think I can take my social change project forward and make a huge impact on so many people. The mentors from Harvard were amazing as well and you could talk to them like they are your best friends.
[/show_more]Real-life Social Impact made by our Change makers!
Our students get the unique opportunity to implement actual change in their communities during and beyond the duration of our program. From crowdfunding for underprivileged school children to launching campaigns against sexual violence, check out a few of our change makers’ projects here!https://www.thebigredgroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Project-Veerangana-pitch.mp4
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Social Change Projects
YLC in the News!
You have Questions? We have Answers!
Can’t find an answer? Email us at info@thebigredgroup.com
Program
General
Fee
Application & Selection
Program
What is the Harvard YLC program about?
The program follows a curriculum that was curated by Harvard Business School and Harvard Education School professors, and is taught by Harvard students.The program aims at empowering students and unlocking their leadership capabilities as they develop tangible solutions to global problems. Over the 7 day course, the students work in a group to understand a global issue and develop a social change project to address it.
Who is this program for?
This is for students who want to learn about core leadership skills such as collaboration, public speaking, negotiation, time management, and self-knowledge.
Will the Harvard YLC program help getting into Haravard University?
No, this workshop will not guarantee a seat at Harvard University. It will surely help build your profile for the application process.
Who are the instructors/mentors?
The instructors/mentors are current undergraduate students from Harvard University. They undergo rigorous training before coming on board as instructors/mentors.
What will I receive after I attend the program?
All students who attend the workshop and present their social change project will receive the following:
- Certificate from The Leadership Institute of Harvard College
- 1 year mentorship from Harvard mentors
Do I get a certificate at the end of the program?
Yes. You will be provided with a certificate of participation by the Leadership Institute at Harvard College. This certificate can be used for your portfolio.
What is the 1 year mentorship service and what all can I avail through this?
Students who successfully complete the program will get a one year mentorship opportunity from the Harvard mentors. Students can ask questions about their projects or future activities in addition to applying to schools in the United States. All mentors are willing to help out as much as they are asked to.
What will happen on the presentation day?
On the last day of the program, students present their social change project in teams to an audience of 200 people. We invite students’ parents, school principals, counselors, the press, and a chief guest to be a part of this day. In an online setting, we live stream the same on Facebook and Youtube.
What is the social change project that I will need to work on?
Students in groups will work on a social change project that will provide real tangible solutions to global problems. The project could be in any area of interest from mental health to animal welfare.
General
After Making The Payment, When Will I Get Access To Course Material & Zoom Link?
Course material will be shared within 7 days of the workshop date and Zoom link will be shared 24 hours prior to the workshop via email.
What will be the mode of the program?
The program is conducted either offline in a school or online through Zoom. The mode for every conference is mentioned in the program detail.
Will I Get A Recording Of The Workshop If I Miss Any Lecture/Module?
Unfortunately, we will be unable to share the recordings of the lectures, therefore we request all participants to attend all sessions.
Is this a legitimate program by Harvard?
Yes, this is a legitimate program by The Leadership Institute at Harvard College. To know more, please visit the Harvard YLC website.
Will there be time to speak to the instructor/mentor one on one when I’m at the program?
You can have one-on-one discussions with the instructor/mentor about your project or concerns while attending the program. In addition to being available during breaks, our instructor/mentors will also be available before and after the program starts and ends.
How is your program structured?
Expect the program to be highly interactive and engaging. There are many group discussions, case studies, and samples to critique. Module based activities will keep the pace going and so boredom won’t set in. We ensure a two way interaction by providing enough time for questions, comments, and discussion. Breaks will be scheduled frequently so you can stretch, walk, talk, and grab a bite.
Will I get to network with anyone else?
You will get multiple networking opportunities with your fellow participants and the instructor/mentor. We put participants in smaller randomised groups, so that you can break the ice and share your passion with like minded peers. Additionally, students will be broken into teams and will work closely on a social change project. They will have to set up meetings with each other outside of the program.
And finally, at the beginning and end of each day our instructor/mentor will hold an Q&A session where you can discuss and problem-solve any program or non-program related queries. This session provides an informal networking opportunity for you.
What’s the time commitment?
SThe class itself is 3 hours with a 15 minute break. Apart from these 3 hours, you will be required to spend time on your social change project with team members.
Is the experience of the online program different from the offline?
With the help of the Harvard mentors and professors, the online program has been structured and designed in a way that gives the participants an experience similar to that of the offline setting. We ensure a two way interaction through various engaging and fun activities. In this setting, students get an advantage of interacting with peers from all over the world and also get more mentors. YLC alumni from the online setting have had very positive experiences and some have mentioned that this has been by far the best conference. Please check out our testimonials from the online program.
I Have Some More Queries, Who Can I Get In Touch With?
Please call us at 931-045-0013 or email us at info@thebigredgroup.com for further information.
Fee
What is your workshop cancellation or refund policy?
Workshop fees need to be paid in full upon receipt of acceptance email.
Due to limited seating, you may request to cancel your seat for a full refund, upto 2 weeks before the start date of the workshop. This gives us the opportunity to fill the seat. You may cancel by phone or email us at info@thebigredgroup.com. You can choose to reschedule to a new date, hold the paid credit for a future workshop or get a full refund.
Any cancellation post the above time frame will not be accepted.
What are my payment options?
Workshop fees are to be paid in full upon receipt of the acceptance email.
We accept various forms of payment including: Check, Money Order, Visa, American Express, MasterCard, Direct Deposit, and Wire Transfer.
What happens if I don’t show up for the program?
If you fail to inform us that you cannot attend the program, you will be charged the entire course fee. No certification will be provided.
Can we apply for a scholarship and how?
Yes, we do offer need or merit based scholarships to applicants. To apply for a scholarship, you need to email us at info@thebigredgroup.com along with your resume and mention the same in the comments section of the application form.
Application & Selection
What is the selection criteria?
In order to have a consortium of like minded people, this program is selection based,and the selection rate is 10%. We are looking for students from all backgrounds and experiences. Whether you’re an active leader in your school already or are looking to become a more confident student, you’re a great candidate to apply. Students are selected based on the quality of answers on the application form. We encourage you to share personal experiences and stories.
What is the application process?
You need to fill the application form on the program page and fill the three questions. Upon submission of the form, you will receive an acceptance email in 5-7 business days.
This is a high in demand program, and we usually receive 2000 applications for 150 seats from around the world. For this reason, we are unable to send out rejection emails to applicants.
What If I Miss My Payment Deadline? Can I Still Make A Delayed Payment And Attend The Course?
If you have missed the payment deadline, you can request an extension by calling us or emailing us at info@thebigredgroup.com. Depending on the availability of seats, we will offer an extension.
How many participants will be present in the program?
There are 100 to 150 participants in a program from around the world.
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