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 certified Systems Leadership Program introduces systems thinking skills to learners of all ages through interactive collaboration. It helps build the knowledge and skills needed to tackle complex challenges and create sustainable solutions.
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.
Principles of Engagement
Villars Fellows are expected to be active, engaged, and deeply committed to the Fellowship's mission. They must:
Attend the Fellowship Onboarding Session – to establish a strong foundation for their journey.
Complete the First Course of the Systems Leadership Program – to establish a strong foundation for their journey.
Participate in the Villars Symposium – to engage with peers and thought leaders.
Complete the Global Issues Survey – to contribute to the Villars Institute community's collective understanding of pressing challenges.
Demonstrate an Entrepreneurial, Action-Oriented Spirit – by leading impactful projects within their schools and extending their influence beyond.
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.
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