Think Globally, Act Locally Through UM's Global Leadership Certificate

Let's be real – the problems we face today need tomorrow's solutions. Welcome to the Franke Global Leadership Initiative, a 12-credit certificate program that goes with any major. We're here to get you ready to tackle the world's tricky challenges when you graduate. We want you to have skills that work anywhere, and we'll mix different subjects to make you super-ready for a cool career. 

Explore the World, Inspire Change with a Certificate in Global Leadership 

Starting from the first year in the Franke GLI, you'll team up with students who study different things, from Anthropology to Wildlife Biology. We'll look at big issues like climate change, politics, and fairness. You'll learn how to lead, and you'll even travel to see how other places handle these problems. Then, you'll come back to school and do a big project that helps your community, using what you've learned. 

Learn to Lead and Solve Global Issues 

In the first two years, you'll take classes that make you think hard about the world's problems. How can we make cities more eco-friendly? Why do we have poverty in a rich world? Can art change how we think about politics? You'll dive into these questions and more in your first classes. 

You'll keep exploring your interests and choose a Global Theme. There are five themes, like Public and Global Health or Technology and Society. Maybe you care about climate change the most and choose Resources and Sustainability. Your theme helps guide you through the rest of the program, even if it's different from what you're majoring in. 

Then, you'll meet students with the same Global Theme as you. You'll learn how to lead in a small group and find your best leadership style. By the time you're a junior, you'll be all set to share your knowledge and travel. 

Learn Beyond the Classroom 

We think real learning happens outside classrooms too. That's why in your third year, you'll go Beyond the Classroom. You might study in another country, do an internship, or try out a research project. We'll help pay for it with a special scholarship, just for GLI students. 

You could study politics in France, explore public health in Uganda, or learn about wildfires in a hands-on way. Your experience will match your goals, whether they're academic or personal. 

Make a Difference in Your Community and the World 

As a senior, you'll do a big project that shows off your ideas. You'll work with a team to solve a problem you care about. You can raise money for refugees, connect students and retirement home residents, or write and publish a children’s book about wildfires. Your project will show how you can lead with empathy and understand the world's challenges. 

Join GLI Today

If you want to explore the world, change your community, and make a real impact, join us in the Franke Global Leadership Initiative. We love different ideas and big dreams. Become a future changer. Apply for the Franke GLI now – applications open every Feb. 1.