Clinton Global Initiative University (CGI U)
What is CGI University?
The Clinton Global Initiative University (CGI U) is looking for undergraduates or graduates, who are addressing pressing challenges in United Nation Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Students selected for CGI U's programmes will receive access to personalized mentorship, social impact programming, funding opportunities through CGI U partners, and student engagement events, including the CGI U 2024 annual meeting hosted by President Bill Clinton and Chelsea Clinton. The CGI U 2024 student application is exclusively open to members of the CGI U community.
CGI U actively engages with corporations, foundations, NGOs, and others to co-design and co-develop robust and relevant programming that enhances student entrepreneurial skills, provides space for community-based learning and networking, and prepares student projects for long-term success.
CGI University is a community of students who are taking action together on pressing challenges facing their campuses, communities, and the world.
CGI U works closely with partners to provide a wide range of meaningful engagement opportunities for emerging leaders.
Founded by President Bill Clinton in 2007, CGI University is a community of students who are taking action together on pressing challenges facing their campuses, communities, and the world. Through the Clinton Global Initiative’s power of convening and Commitment to Action model, more than 12,500 students have made an impact in over 160 countries and all 50 states — with the support of more than $4.8 million in funding from CGI University’s corporate and university partners. Now in its 16th year, CGI University’s year-round program engages students, alumni, colleges and universities, and influential voices in creating new ways to effect change on the topics that matter most to emerging leaders.
APPROACH
Over the course of the program, rising leaders participate in trainings, modules, and tailored events that help formulate their ideas and provide the necessary resources, feedback, and tools to transform their ideas into action.
1. LEARNING
CGI U offers one-of-a-kind training, resources, and personalized mentorship on how to ideate, design, implement, and evaluate a social impact project.
2. LEADERSHIP
Through a year-round curriculum that includes student networking and engagement events, CGI U provides unique opportunities to connect aspiring leaders with leading experts in business, technology, social impact and each other.
3. ACTION
CGI U participants are selected on the strength of their Commitment to Action. CGI U helps them formulate their ideas and provides the necessary resources, feedback, tools, and potential funding streams to turn their ideas into action.
COMMITMENT TO ACTION: Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
Each applicant/ team has to select the United Nation Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) that best aligns with your commitment. This will help CGI U staff pair you with a Commitment Mentor and connect you with students working on similar issues.
For details about the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), please visit https://sdgs.un.org/goals.
Accepted Students Receive Access To:
- CGI U’s social impact curriculum
- Interactive trainings and group mentorship
Identification and growth of entrepreneurship and workforce development skills - Development of early-stage social impact ideas into scalable projects and businesses
- Peer collaboration with a global exchange of ideas, comprised of diverse students from over 80 countries and across all types of higher education institutions
- Invitations to virtual events with best-in-class speakers
Important Dates (for 2024 cohort) :
- Application opens: 16 January 2024
- Application closes: 15 March 2024 (Extended to 5 April 2024)
- Students accepted: April 2024
- CGI U program commences: May 2024
- CGI U program graduation: November 2024