Global Visionaries 2024-25 Program Application


Thank you for your interest in Global Visionaries! Empowering leadership through youth-led awareness and community engagement.

 

Instructions:

The application takes about an hour to complete, and will require both students and their parent(s) or guardian(s) to be present.

The application cannot be saved, so please complete the entire application in one sitting, and make sure that you hit the submit button at the end and save/print your confirmation number.

*If you do not have access to a computer, please contact us at programs@global-visionaries.org.

Prepare for the application by having the following information available beforehand:

  • All current contact information for applicant and guardians.

  • Family financial information.

 


Application Deadlines:

 

 

The Early Bird Application deadline is October 14, 2024.

Early Bird Discount: $150

The Final Application Deadline is October 27, 2024.

Questions?


Please do not hesitate to contact our Programs Staff at (206) 322-9448 or programs@global-visionaries.org with any questions.

Thank you!

Program Options

Cultural Immersion Program:

  • Travel to Guatemala for a 14 day cultural & Spanish language immersion

  • Live with a homestay family and work alongside teens from Guatemala on service projects

  • 15 hours of in-person 1-on-1 Spanish lessons

  • Cultural excursions and in-country social justice workshops

  • Earn 32 hours of service credits in Guatemala + additional service hours at local service days

  • Structured fundraising support

Participate in the cultural immersion program AND add the
Spanish Language & Leadership Expansion!
    • Connect with a cohort of globally-minded youth from around Seattle
    • Attend social justice workshops centered on local and global issues
    • 18 hours of 1-on-1 online Spanish lessons with a Guatemalan Spanish teacher
    • Earn 12-24 additional service hours at local service days
    • Receive priority acceptance and cohort choice 



Cultural Immersion Program


Cultural Immersion Program Application Steps:


  1. Complete the application by the application deadline.

  2. Complete the student applicant interview by the application deadline.

  3. Submit your deposit by the application deadline. These deposits will go toward your program fees if accepted to the program and will be returned to you within 30 business days if you are not accepted to the program. 

  4. If requesting financial aid, please submit your most current IRS tax forms (1040 or other).

  5. Recommended: Attend a Virtual Information Night to learn more about the program, fundraising, and ask any questions. RSVP for an upcoming Info Night here.


Be prepared to answer the following essay questions:

  • Why do you want to participate in Global Visionaries? 

  • Define leadership in your own words.

  • What does global citizenship mean to you?

  • If you could change one thing in the world or in your life, what would it be? Why? How would you change it?

  • What matters most to you?  

  • How do you spend your time?

Complete your Student Interview:


Please schedule an interview at your school with one of the teachers listed below as soon as possible. Waiting until the last minute will put your chance of getting an interview at risk. After your interview, the teacher will return an interview form to us.


Ballard High School: 


Eileen Yardley, Spanish Teacher,  emyardley@seattleschools.org


(Only for students that attend her class)


Kara Butsch Nolte, Spanish Teacher, kjbutsch@seattleschools.org


Chief Sealth High School: TBD


Cleveland High School: TBD


Franklin High School:


Olivia Geffner, Social Studies Department Chair,  oageffner@seattleschools.org


Stefanie Skiljan, Spanish Teacher,  slskiljan@seattleschools.org 


Danielle Blume, ELA Teacher,  dablume@seattleschools.org


Garfield High School:


Elizabeth Perez, Spanish Teacher,  epperez@seattleschools.org 


Ingraham High School:


Noah Zeichner,   nczeichner@seattleschools.org


Sarah Kerr,   skkerr@seattleschools.org


Lincoln High School: TBD


Mercer Island High School: TBD


Nathan Hale High School:


Rebecca Padilla, rmpadilla@seattleschools.org


Diana Di Tolla, ddditolla@seattleschools.org


Roosevelt High School:


Erika Ahlstrom,  erahlstrom@seattleschools.org


Jeanne McGuire, Spanish Teacher,  jmmcguire@seattleschools.org


Morgan Flake,  mlflake@seattleschools.org


Shorewood High School:


Amanda Stoker,  amanda.stoker@shorelineschools.org


West Seattle High School: TDB


If you do not attend one of these schools, there is not a teacher ’ s name listed in your school, or the teacher is unable to complete your interview, please click here to schedule your interview with a GV staff member.

 

Deposit:

$75 for those requesting financial aid

$250 for those not requesting financial aid

 

You will have the option to upload a digital copy of your financial information in the application. You can also e-mail or mail application materials (Tax Forms, Deposits, etc.) to the corresponding addresses:

 

Email: You may send scanned copies of application materials via email to programs@global-visionaries.org. Please include the word “Application” and the applicant's name in the email subject line.

 

Mail: "Global Visionaries Program Application (Applicant’s Name Here)"

2524 16th Ave S

Seattle, WA 98144

 

Pay via Debit/Credit Card or eCheck: A payment link will be made available once you have submitted this application. You can also pay through our website.

All application materials must be received by the application deadline.

Cultural Immersion Program Cost

 

Program Fees: $4,745 + Estimated Airfare: $1,150

Program cost ranges from: $295 - $5,895

 

The table below estimates financial aid amount and program cost based on household income.

24-25 Cultural Immersion Brackets

Language & Leadership + Cultural Immersion Program


Bundle Program Application Steps:


    1. Complete the application by the application deadline.

    2. Complete the student applicant interview by the application deadline.

    3. Submit your deposit by the application deadline. These deposits will go toward your program fees if accepted to the program and will be returned to you within 30 business days if you are not accepted to the program. 

    4. If requesting financial aid, please submit your most current IRS tax forms (1040 or other).

    5. Recommended: Attend a Virtual Information Night to learn more about the program, fundraising, and ask any questions. RSVP for an upcoming Info Night here.


    Be prepared to answer the following essay questions:

    • Why do you want to participate in Global Visionaries? 

    • Define leadership in your own words.

    • What does global citizenship mean to you?

    • If you could change one thing in the world or in your life, what would it be? Why? How would you change it?

    • What matters most to you?  

    • How do you spend your time?

    Complete your Student Interview:


    Please schedule an interview at your school with one of the teachers listed below as soon as possible. Waiting until the last minute will put your chance of getting an interview at risk. After your interview, the teacher will return an interview form to us.


    Ballard High School: 


    Kara Butsch Nolte, Spanish Teacher, kjbutsch@seattleschools.org

    Eileen Yardley, Spanish Teacher,  emyardley@seattleschools.org


    (Only for students that attend her class)


    Chief Sealth High School: TBD


    Cleveland High School: TBD


    Franklin High School:


    Olivia Geffner, Social Studies Department Chair,  oageffner@seattleschools.org


    Stefanie Skiljan, Spanish Teacher,  slskiljan@seattleschools.org 


    Danielle Blume, ELA Teacher,  dablume@seattleschools.org


    Garfield High School:


    Elizabeth Perez, Spanish Teacher,  epperez@seattleschools.org 


    Ingraham High School:


    Noah Zeichner,   nczeichner@seattleschools.org


    Sarah Kerr,   skkerr@seattleschools.org


    Lincoln High School: TBD


    Mercer Island High School: TBD


    Nathan Hale High School:


    Rebecca Padilla, rmpadilla@seattleschools.org


    Diana Di Tolla, ddditolla@seattleschools.org


    Roosevelt High School:


    Erika Ahlstrom,  erahlstrom@seattleschools.org


    Jeanne McGuire, Spanish Teacher,  jmmcguire@seattleschools.org


    Morgan Flake,  mlflake@seattleschools.org


    Shorewood High School:


    Amanda Stoker,  amanda.stoker@shorelineschools.org


    West Seattle High School: TDB


    If you do not attend one of these schools, there is not a teacher ’ s name listed in your school, or the teacher is unable to complete your interview, please click here to schedule your interview with a GV staff member.

     

    Deposit:

    $75 for those requesting financial aid

    $250 for those not requesting financial aid

     

    You will have the option to upload a digital copy of your financial information in the application. You can also e-mail or mail application materials (Tax Forms, Deposits, etc.) to the corresponding addresses:

     

    Email: You may send scanned copies of application materials via email to programs@global-visionaries.org. Please include the word “Application” and the applicant's name in the email subject line.

     

    Mail: "Global Visionaries Program Application (Applicant’s Name Here)"

    2524 16th Ave S

    Seattle, WA, 98144

     

    Pay via Debit/Credit Card or eCheck: A payment link will be made available once you have submitted this application. You can also pay through our website.

    All application materials must be received by the application deadline.

Language & Leadership + Cultural Immersion Program Cost

 

Program Fees: $5,295+ Estimated Airfare: $1,150

Total Program Cost: $6,445

 

The table below estimates financial aid amount and program cost based on household income.

24-25 Language Leadership & Cultural Immersion Program

Participant Information


Please type all the names as they are written or will be written on your passport. 




MM/DD/YYYY













We believe that our community and program are strongest when youth from diverse backgrounds are represented. GV is an equal opportunity organization and is committed to fostering and supporting an inclusive and diverse community.

Please select the gender you identify as



Like we have names we go by, we also have pronouns others use to refer to us.  Please select the pronouns you use and want others to use to refer to you.

Please select all that apply


1st Parent/Guardian Contact Information 
This parent/guardian will be the primary contact for GV















2nd Parent/Guardian Contact Information 
This parent/guardian will be the secondary contact for GV. Please note: If you are a single parent/guardian, please enter your information again. 















3rd Parent/Guardian Contact Information 















4th Parent/Guardian Contact Information 















Immersion Program

Please select your immersion cohort preferences:


Spring Program: April 13 - April 26, 2025 (+/- 2 days)* This spans the week of Seattle Public Schools' Spring Break and the week after. Students may miss days of school.

Early Summer Program: June 29 - July 12, 2025 (+/- 2 days)*


Late Summer Program: July 15 - July 28, 2025 (+/- 2 days)*


*Please note that these dates are subject to change by up to days earlier or 2 days later (plus or minus 2 days) as we get closer to travel. Please plan accordingly.

If you are flexible about which program you would like to apply to, it will increase your chances of acceptance into the program. 

Please select your program choice below by ranking your first, second, and third choice. If you are not available for more than 1 or 2 dates, you can select "N/A - not available to travel any other dates" for the remaining choices.




Language & Leadership + Cultural Immersion Program

Please select your immersion cohort preferences:


Spring Program: April 13 - April 26, 2025 (+/- 2 days)* This spans the week of Seattle Public Schools' Spring Break and the week after. Students may miss days of school.

Early Summer Program: June 29 - July 12, 2025 (+/- 2 days)*


Late Summer Program: July 15 - July 28, 2025 (+/- 2 days)*


*Please note that these dates are subject to change by up to days earlier or 2 days later (plus or minus 2 days) as we get closer to travel. Please plan accordingly.

If you are flexible about which program you would like to apply to, it will increase your chances of acceptance into the program. 

Please select your program choice below by ranking your first, second, and third choice. If you are not available for more than 1 or 2 dates, you can select "N/A - not available to travel any other dates" for the remaining choices.




Program Fee Information

One of GV's goals is to make our program available to all who are interested, regardless of financial resources. As an organization, we fundraise and collaborate with funders to ensure that 50% of our participants receive some sort of financial aid. GV is committed to being both a geographically and socially diverse program, and our commitment to providing financial aid helps us achieve this goal.

All applicants are strongly encouraged to attend an Information Night to learn more about the fundraising aspect of our program, learn from past parents and participants about their experience participating in the program, and receive answers to any financial questions you may have.

GV has a limited amount of financial aid available and while we will do everything we can to meet the needs of our applicants, we cannot guarantee a specific amount of financial aid. 

GV is committed to working with every family to make this program affordable, regardless of their financial background or difficulties. Please contact our program staff to discuss your situation even if you feel that you do not qualify for financial aid. 

Sliding Scale Scholarship



Sliding Scale Scholarship

Please fill in the following section if you are interested in being considered for GV's Sliding Scale Scholarship.  

Please remember that in addition to completing the questions below, you must also submit a copy of your family's 1040 Tax Form from last year.

*Please black out any social security numbers to preserve your privacy. We will destroy the forms at the end of the application process.

Please Upload, E-mail, or Mail your Tax Forms before your application deadline. 

E-mail: 

You may send scanned copies of your tax forms via email to programs@global-visionaries.org. Please include the word “Application” and the applicant's name in the email subject line.

Mail:

"Global Visionaries Program Application (Applicant’s Name Here)"
2524 16th Ave S
Seattle, WA 98144




If you will be applying for financial aid and have your household's financial documents ready for submission, you may upload them below. 

U.S. Citizenship

If you are not a U.S. Citizen you can still apply to GV! Since part of our program is traveling to Guatemala, participants are required to have appropriate paperwork in order to travel (*U.S. Passport OR a valid green card, valid non-U.S. passport, and in some cases, a travel visa). We ask that you indicate you citizenship status for this reason, which will be kept strictly confidential. Please let us know if you have any questions or concerns. 


Participants who do not have a U.S. passport can still travel to Guatemala as long as they have both a valid green card and a valid passport from the country in which they were born. 

Guatemala requires visas for travelers from some non-U.S. countries.  For more information on visa requirements, visit the Guatemala Ministry of Foreign Affairs website, HERE. *If the country you hold a passport from is listed in either Category "B" or "C," you will need to apply for a visa.

GV is committed to working with any student who needs a visa and will support them through the application process; please don't let this additional requirement discourage you from applying. We will reach out with more details if you are accepted to the program. 

If you are unsure if you are eligible to apply for the program we would be happy to talk with you. Please give us a call at (206) 322-9448, or send us an e-mail at programs@global-visionaries.org 

Immersion Program Commitment Form

In order to apply to the program, you must sign this form as proof that you understand all Program components.

This signed document will be a permanent record of your involvement with Global Visionaries (GV), which in turn, will give you the merit and recognition you deserve for high school graduation, college applications, and for employment purposes. You are only permitted to refer to your experience in the GV program if you complete the program.

Mandatory Program Expectations for 2024-25 Cohorts :

Global, Environmental, and Social Justice Education

  • Program Orientation
  • Pre-Departure Meeting (Before the Immersion)
  • 2 days of Community Building Workshops (Before the Immersion)
  • Post-Program Re-Entry & Storytelling Workshop (After the Immersion)

Service

  • Guatemalan Work Team (32 hours)
  • Optional opportunities to engage in local service projects 

Leadership

  • Proactive Attitude - desire and enthusiastic willingness to work hard to achieve all GV goals
  • Commitment to actively participate in promoting Social and Environmental Justice, and raising your awareness of related issues

Guatemalan Cultural Immersion Experience 

  • Home stay with all meals included
  • Language School (3 hrs. x 5 days)
  • Cultural Excursions (Mayan Ruins, Antigua, Women's Artisan Co-op)
  • Salsa Dance Lessons

Philanthropic Fundraising

As part of their program fees, all students raise funds to contribute towards their Program Fees. A portion of these funds are sent to Guatemala and are used for the projects we undertake, including school construction and reforestation, and our Guatemalan Youth Program.  Each student is expected to fundraise at least 30% of their program fees. Students can fundraise individually or work collectively with their cohort to fundraise as a group for the total needed. Fundraising training and tools will be provided by GV.

GV Staff and Advanced Leadership Program students provide guidance and support, but the student must show dedication and initiative to raise funds. We believe the fundraising process provides students with valuable life skills and ownership of their program experience. 

Signature Page

I understand the rules, goals, and expectations of Global Visionaries (GV). I agree to attend all program events.  I will participate to the best of my ability.  I understand that GV reserves the right to refuse any applicant or participant at its sole discretion at any point in the program.  I understand that I will no longer be able to participate and I will lose my deposit and any fees paid up to that point if I show a pattern of lack of leadership development (ie: absence from program activities, fundraisers, classes, and/or service projects).

GV, the student participant, and their parents/guardians understand that electronic signatures and initials where indicated are fully binding, as if signed on an original document.



Parent Permission and Recommendations:


Parents/Guardians: I recommend my child for this Global Visionaries program.


BY TYPING YOUR NAME BELOW AND ELECTRONICALLY PROVIDING YOUR SIGNATURE TO GLOBAL VISIONARIES, THE PARENTS AND/OR GUARDIANS INTEND TO CREATE A BINDING DOCUMENT AS IF IT IS AN ORIGINAL DOCUMENT CONTAINING HANDWRITTEN SIGNATURES.



Additional Information







Applicant Essay

Please answer each question. Your responses will be judged based on content, not grammar. Please do your personal best. Around 6 sentences is the average answer length for most questions. 1 or 2 paragraphs will be more than sufficient.





Important Dates:

 Acceptance Dates:

Upon acceptance you will be notified concerning the status of your application, including any financial aid awarded.

All Cohorts: October 28, 2024.


Orientations:

We will host Orientation Nights following acceptance. It is mandatory for applicants and their parents/guardians to attend. Please see dates below.

Cultural Immersion Program:

Spring: October 30, 2024

Early Summer: November 5, 2024

Late Summer: November 7, 2024

Please click the submit button below and or your application will not be saved!

Contact Information