New Georgetown Program at Qf Turns COVID Summer Into High School Student Enrichment Opportunity

Local high school students struggling with the consequences of the pandemic crisis were offered a unique opportunity to enroll in a new enrichment program at Georgetown University in Qatar, a QF partner institution. The tuition-free Global Leadership Summer (GLS) program runs virtually June 14 - June 25, 2020, and will help over 70 enrolled local students in grades 9-12 develop the knowledge, confidence, and practical leadership skills required to achieve their goals and to take on leadership roles in their communities.

The dean of GU-Q, Dr. Ahmad Dallal, said:  “Every summer, GU-Q welcomes students from across Qatar for our traditional intensive summer program called GPS. But this year, we wanted to expand our reach by extending the expertise and resources of the university to a wider range of students. That’s what led to the launch of GLS, and the decision to make it free of charge in order to remove any barriers to students during a time of economic uncertainty for so many.” 

Enrollment in the new program, which is run by GU-Q students and staff, reached its maximum number of enrollment in only two days. Jibin Koshy, GU-Q Educational Enrichment Manager and the program’s director, said “The unprecedented response to GLS really confirmed our concerns for frustrated students who are home, unable to travel, socialize, or pursue an internship or other in-person personal development in preparation for college, and for life. This is exactly the need we hoped to fill.”

The program features two cohorts of 35 students each taking part in a daily three hour session. The interactive classes on social media engagement, critical thinking and communication skills provide professional development, while sessions on social justice, social responsibility, and human rights encourage a commitment to community development. 

According to Jibin, “It’s crucial for young people to move away from the idea that leadership is only associated with a position of power in an organization. Instead, our objective is to mentor young minds to understand oneself, their role in the community, and the intricacies within the world order enabling them to take actions and inspire change."

Students enrolled in GLS are also eligible for enrollment in GPS, and in the other enrichment programs GU-Q offers throughout the year for local high school students. Information about both programs is available on the GU-Q website.