Clinton Global Initiative University

About

This annual conference is for students, university professionals, and thought leaders who gather to discuss and develop solutions to pressing global challenges. Students are also eligible for financial support. Contact INSITE Director John Surdyk to learn about financial assistance to attend through UW–Madison.

CGI U is a year-round program that helps develop the next generation of leaders and social entrepreneurs by providing accepted undergraduate and graduate students with training and mentorship opportunities, access to a wide range of international experts and changemakers, and networking events with their peers. Students develop their own Commitments to Action, and if selected by the foundation, they receive mentorship, training, and an invitation to attend the annual meeting.

There is no cost for selected students to participate in the CGI U program, but all prospective students must submit an application. The CGI U application process is highly selective, and to be considered, students need to make a commitment to take action on a major issue. This pledge – called a “Commitment to Action” (CTA) – takes the form of a new, specific, and measurable plan to solve an issue identified on a college campus, within a local community, or a pressing national or global challenge.

Once accepted, current students receive access to CGI U’s program offerings, which include:

• The Commitment to Action (CTA) curriculum on how to ideate, design, implement and evaluate a social impact projects
• Mentorship where every accepted student is paired with a CGI U Commitment Mentor. Commitment Mentors are CGI U Alumni, who work with students to refine their social impact projects, prepare for networking opportunities, and engage with the curriculum.
• Access to funding streams, including pitch competitions, direct travel assistance to attend CGI U’s in-person annual meeting, and curated information on fellowships with funding opportunities. 
• Student engagement events, including CGI U’s annual meeting.

Contact INSITE Director John Surdyk to learn about applying and the financial assistance to participate through UW–Madison.