The Harvard Project for Asian International Relations is proud to announce our new youth branch, the Harvard Youth Leadership Summit (HYLS). HYLS is run by current Harvard students who are passionate about education and international exchange. Our mission is to offer ambitious and passionate youth a platform to engage in global issues and develop the skills necessary for post-secondary success.

Join us at our virtual summits for the opportunity to build leadership skills, engage with other young leaders, and prepare for life beyond high school. The three day conference will include speaker sessions, college panels, workshops, and HPAIR’s famous Impact Challenge competition. Impact Challenge places students in teams guided by Harvard mentors, where students work collaboratively to craft innovative and creative solutions to a variety of pressing global challenges.

 

Expand the tabs below for more information on our programming events.

 

  • Adapted for virtual use, the impact challenge is a case study and pitching competition whereby students will be divided in teams and presented with a problem statement. They will then be mentored by Harvard students to research and ideate pragmatic and innovative solutions to tackle these real world issues. The impact challenge is an opportunity for students to exercise critical thinking, collaborate effectively, and innovate, all while developing actionable solutions to pressing issues.

  • Harvard mentors will teach the students some of the most iconic Harvard lectures, which are curated by renowned Harvard faculty. These seminars are designed to acquaint students with Harvard's distinctive teaching style, offering them a chance to delve into exceptional content across a range of disciplines. This experience not only broadens their academic horizons but also provides a glimpse into the enriching educational environment for which Harvard is renowned.

  • All participating students will hear from Harvard mentors share their personal journeys from high school to college. These narratives will encompass the full spectrum of experiences – the triumphs, the setbacks, the challenges faced, and the enjoyable moments. Through these stories, students will gain a deeper understanding of higher education in the United States, offering them a realistic and comprehensive view of college life. This session is designed to be both enlightening and inspiring, providing insights that go beyond the academic, into the heart of the collegiate experience.