Georgetown University Global Competitiveness Leadership Program 2027 (GCL 2027) | Scholarships Available for Emerging Leaders from Latin America & the Caribbean

Applications are now officially open for the prestigious Global Competitiveness Leadership Program (GCL) 2027 at Georgetown University in Washington, D.C.

This highly competitive and transformative leadership development program is designed for emerging leaders across Latin America and the Caribbean who are already creating meaningful change within their communities and organizations. Through a powerful combination of virtual learning, mentorship, leadership development, and in-person academic engagement at Georgetown University, participants will gain the tools, networks, and strategic vision needed to expand their social impact across the region.

The Global Competitiveness Leadership (GCL) Program is hosted by Georgetown University’s Latin America Leadership Program (LALP) and is recognized as one of the region’s most influential leadership experiences for young changemakers.

The 2027 cohort will run from January 11 to March 19, 2027, combining online sessions with an intensive in-person experience in Washington, D.C.

Application Deadline

Applications for the GCL 2027 Program are open from:

• Opening Date: June 15, 2026
• Deadline: August 14, 2026 (11:59 PM EDT)

Selected applicants will receive admission notifications by November 2, 2026.

About the Global Competitiveness Leadership Program (GCL)

The Global Competitiveness Leadership Program is an academic and experiential leadership initiative focused on developing the next generation of influential leaders capable of promoting competitiveness, innovation, sustainable development, and social transformation throughout Latin America and the Caribbean.

The program supports leaders who are already working on projects with long-term social impact and seeks to amplify their effectiveness through advanced leadership training, collaboration, and regional networking opportunities.

Participants become part of a strong network of changemakers, innovators, and professionals committed to driving positive transformation within their countries and communities.

Program Structure and Duration

The GCL 2027 Program is a 10-week hybrid experience that combines virtual engagement with immersive in-person learning at Georgetown University.

Program Dates

January 11 – March 19, 2027

Virtual Component

January 11 – February 12, 2027

Participants will complete four weeks of virtual programming, generally scheduled on:

• Mondays
• Wednesdays
• Selected Fridays

Sessions are typically conducted between 9:00 AM and 1:15 PM EST.

The virtual component also includes one asynchronous week that allows participants to prepare for travel and continue developing their projects with mentorship support.

In-Person Component in Washington, D.C.

February 16 – March 19, 2027

Participants will travel to Washington, D.C. for five weeks of intensive in-person programming at Georgetown University.

The in-person sessions are conducted:

• Monday through Friday
• 9:30 AM – 4:15 PM EST

The on-campus experience includes leadership workshops, collaborative projects, mentoring opportunities, academic sessions, networking events, and strategic discussions with regional leaders and experts.

Scholarship and Financial Support

The total value of the GCL Program is approximately USD $25,000.

To make the program more accessible, Georgetown University’s Latin America Leadership Program offers scholarships to admitted participants.

During the application process, candidates can request financial assistance by:

• Indicating that they wish to apply for a scholarship
• Specifying the scholarship amount requested
• Explaining their financial need

Important Scholarship Information

Even participants receiving the maximum scholarship award will still be required to contribute USD $3,500 toward participation costs.

What the Program Fee Covers

The program fee includes:

• Ten weeks of virtual and in-person instruction
• Academic materials and learning resources
• Continuous mentorship and support throughout the program
• Shared accommodation during the Washington, D.C. residency
• Local transportation for official program activities
• Basic emergency medical insurance during the in-person component
• Official certificate of participation from Georgetown University’s Latin America Leadership Program

Expenses Not Covered

Participants are responsible for covering:

• International airfare
• Meals
• Personal expenses
• Incidentals
• Any costs not specifically included in the program fee

Accommodation Information

All admitted participants are required to stay in the accommodation arranged by the program.

Housing is provided in shared apartments, usually with:

• Two participants per room
• Up to four participants per apartment

Please note that family members or guests are not permitted in the program housing.

Eligibility Requirements

To apply for the GCL 2027 Program, applicants must meet the following requirements:

Age Requirement

Applicants must be between 26 and 35 years old by the application deadline.

Nationality and Residency

Eligible applicants must be citizens and residents of approved countries in Latin America and the Caribbean.

Applicants from Spain and Portugal may also apply if their projects positively impact the Latin American region.

Educational Qualification

Candidates must hold a university degree from an accredited institution and demonstrate a strong academic record.

English Language Requirement

Applicants must demonstrate excellent English proficiency in:

• Reading
• Writing
• Speaking

Professional or Volunteer Experience

Applicants must have at least one year of professional or volunteer experience related to social impact, leadership, or community development initiatives.

Leadership and Impact Requirement

Candidates must currently be leading a project that demonstrates positive, sustainable, and long-term impact within their community or region.

Commitment to Community Development

Participants must commit to returning to their countries or communities after the program to apply the knowledge and skills gained through GCL.

Applicants will be required to sign a formal agreement confirming this commitment.

Failure to comply with this agreement may require reimbursement of scholarship funds received.

Why You Should Apply for GCL 2027

The Global Competitiveness Leadership Program offers much more than academic training. It provides participants with:

• Advanced leadership development
• Access to influential regional and global networks
• Mentorship from experienced professionals
• Exposure to international perspectives and policy discussions
• Opportunities to strengthen social impact projects
• Practical tools for sustainable development and innovation
• Collaboration with high-performing changemakers from across the region

Participants leave the program with stronger leadership capacity, expanded regional influence, and a deeper understanding of how to create scalable impact.

Final Thoughts

The Georgetown University Global Competitiveness Leadership Program 2027 is a life-changing opportunity for emerging leaders who are passionate about creating lasting social impact across Latin America and the Caribbean.

If you are already leading meaningful change in your community and want to strengthen your leadership skills, expand your regional influence, and connect with a powerful network of changemakers, this program could be the next major step in your journey.

With scholarships available and access to one of the world’s leading academic institutions, GCL 2027 offers a rare platform for visionary leaders committed to transforming their communities and shaping the future of the region.

Learn more and apply

Interested candidates must submit their application and all required supporting documents through the official Georgetown University application portal before the deadline.

Click HERE to learn more and apply for the Georgetown University Global Competitiveness Leadership Program 2027.

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