The Big Picture
Global Impact Diploma (GiD) is a transformative educational program designed to prepare globally competitive leaders ready to create meaningful change in an interconnected world. This immersive, four-year experience blends rigorous academics with interdisciplinary, travel-based learning. It empowers students in grades 9-12 to succeed in college and beyond while fostering a mindset of urgent optimism and a deep commitment to global citizenship.
Key Features
- Application is open to hopeful and curious learners in grade 8
- Students explore local, global, and cultural issues, fostering a deep appreciation for diverse perspectives and worldviews.
- Additional annual fee with financial assistance available
- Annual travel opportunities
Zooming In
Through a combination of on-campus Foundations and travel Intensives, students engage deeply with global issues, develop cultural competencies, and build the capacity to create sustainable and impactful solutions.
Foundations take place on Mount Vernon’s Atlanta campus, where students develop the literacies, skills, and attributes essential for success in their travels.
During travel-based Intensives, students immerse themselves in interdisciplinary, hands-on learning in international settings. Whether exploring sustainability practices in Europe or engaging with cultural preservation efforts in South America, these experiences are designed to deepen students’ understanding of global challenges and inspire innovative solutions.
PROGRAM DETAILS
During their first Intensive (Mod 2), students will travel to a Spanish-speaking country during the weeks between Thanksgiving and Winter Break.
While in-country students will continue working with their teachers to explore global issues with people who are actively trying to solve them.
During their second Intensive (Mod 3), students will travel to a European country during the last three weeks of Mod 3.
With a focus on Sustainability, students learn from industry experts who are working on sustainable development and futures thinking in Europe.
Global Impact students who are interested in a longer experience abroad have the opportunity to travel during the summer between their Junior and Senior year.
Global Impact students will travel to a leadership conference where they can participate and present on their experiences over the last three years.
In the Spring of Senior year, students will host an event for students from around the world to discuss the future of global issues.
The cohort will also write and publish a Leadership report.