Villars Fellowship Program
Villars Fellowship Program
Villars Fellowship Program
Who are the Villars Fellows?
Villars Fellows begin their journey between ages 13 and 19, driven by a passion for enabling change toward a resilient, sustainable future. Partnering high schools and education platforms nominate these young, motivated leaders through a rigorous selection process, guided by the mission and values of the Villars Institute.
Year 1
During the first year of the program Fellows delve into the principles and practice of systems leadership through immersive courses and the Villars Symposium. They engage with thought leaders and gain insights from accomplished experts, executives and entrepreneurs. Year 1 serves as a catalyst, setting Fellows on the path towards becoming impactful Systems Leaders.
Systems Leadership Program
The Villars Institute's Certification in Systems Leadership is a world-class program for executives, educators, and students who aspire to lead change in a complex world. It equips participants with the knowledge, skills, and mindset to navigate complexity, foster collaboration, and drive meaningful impact across diverse systems.
Villars Symposium
The Villars Symposium brings together the Institute’s partners and leading experts with the Villars Fellows to begin their life-long development as systems leaders, fostering collaboration and inspiring innovative approaches to global challenges.
Year 2 and Beyond
After their first year, Villars Fellows emerge with a strong foundation in systems thinking and systems leadership. They are equipped to continue their learning journey through the Villars Mentorship Program and a myriad of opportunities offered by the Villars Institute and its global network of partners. The Villars Fellows community becomes a vital hub for building meaningful connections and engaging with like-minded individuals eager to collaborate and grow together.
Global Issues Survey
The Villars Institute’s annual Global Issues Survey sets to examine perceptions of the growing community of young Villars Fellows about under-reported topics shaping their future and the future of our planet.
Villars Mentorship Program
The Villars Mentorship Program empowers the next generation of Systems Leaders to thrive within planetary boundaries by fostering meaningful intergenerational collaboration and learning between Villars Institute experts and Fellows through a one-to-many model.
Villars Review
Villars Fellows write impactful articles sharing a next-generation perspective on how to thrive within planetary boundaries, which are featured on the Villars Institute’s website to inspire a global audience. Fellows are also invited to participate in Villars Institute flagship and partner events as Rapporteurs to share key ideas and insights from the discussions for publication too.
Villars Fellows Community
Villars Fellows are represented by the Villars Youth Council, consisting of ten committed Villars Fellows from diverse regions, each bringing unique perspectives and experience in shaping the future of the Villars Fellows community. They develop projects, initiatives, and events that strengthen the community and provide a platform for Fellows to collaborate across schools and countries. Villars Fellows also stay informed, engaged and connected through the Villars Institute’s digital platform and the Villars Fellows Connect, an online community gathering.
Engagement and Certification
The Villars Fellowship is designed as a lifelong journey. During Year 1, Fellows build the foundations of systems leadership by attending the Villars Symposium, completing the Systems Leadership Program, and contributing to the Global Issues Survey.
From the second year onwards, Fellows maintain an active status by participating in at least one Fellowship activity each year and completing the annual Global Issues Survey, earning digital credentials that recognize their continued engagement.
Villars Fellows Highlights
Global Academic Success
35% of Villars Fellows currently enrolled in university are attending institutions ranked among the top 100 universities worldwide.
Driving Change Through Leadership
Villars Fellows are driving change through bold, impactful initiatives—from electric vehicles and wetland restoration to circular waste-to-product solutions and beyond.
Future-Focused Disciplines
77% of Villars Fellows in university pursue STEM disciplines, with 48% in fields like Engineering, Computer Science, and Physical Sciences, and 29% in Life and Environmental Sciences.
Powered By