View LEAD Global Report (2009-2011)

What is a LEAD Summer Global Institute?

LEAD Summer Global Institutes were developed in partnership with The Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy Foundation. Through a generous donation of approximately $100,000, LEAD Global was originally designed as a program for the female students attending The Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls – South Africa.

The LEAD Summer Global Institute has evolved to enable students from the United States and countries throughout the world to reside and attend classes for 10 days together on-campus at the University of Cape Town. Summer Global Institutes expose diverse, high-achieving high school freshmen and sophomores to the fields of engineering, health science and business focusing on the challenges and opportunities inherent in a global economy.

Collaborating with international peers and exploring global career opportunities empowers students to confidently make better informed decisions when choosing their university and career.

How can I benefit from a LEAD Summer Global Institute?

The goal is to expose students early in their academic development to the innumerable career opportunities in engineering, health science and business, and to equip them with knowledge and expertise from the University of Cape Town, U.S. multi-national corporations and South African businesses. This experience empowers students to confidently make better informed decisions when choosing their university and career.

What are the objectives of a LEAD Summer Global Institute?

  • Engage students in an intense, hands-on curriculum incorporating case studies, business plans and team projects.
  • Provide students with first-hand knowledge from U.S. multi-national and South African business professionals through mentoring and corporate site visits.
  • Cultivate an appreciation for and understanding of others’ cultures through collaboration with students from diverse countries and heritages.
  • Develop students’ presentation and public speaking skills.
  • Impart principles of responsible leadership.
  • Engage students in cultural and social activities.
  • Prepare students for college.