Menu
Log in
Log in


Your passport to global affairs


NCWA Scholars: U.S. Programs

Apply now
(The application form will be available soon!)

The Naples Council on World Affairs (NCWA) invites current high-school juniors in Collier and Lee counties to apply for the NCWA Scholars Program—competitive scholarships that place students in rigorous international relations, diplomacy, national security, global health, climate, and leadership programs in the U.S. and abroad each summer.

NCWA Scholars U.S. programs comprise international relations classroom and interactive programming at Harvard, Yale, Georgetown, Tufts, American and Yale universities. Our scholars study with university faculty and practitioners, collaborate with peers from around the world, and return home with practical skills—and a clearer sense of purpose.

How students benefit

  • College-level learning: Small seminars led by expert faculty; case studies on current global issues.

  • Real-world skills: Brief writing, public speaking, negotiation, data literacy, cross-cultural teamwork.

  • Confidence and leadership: Guided practice running meetings, leading teams, and framing solutions.

  • Global perspective: Exposure to diverse viewpoints builds empathy, nuance, and media savvy.

  • Mentorship and community: Connection to NCWA members, alumni, and a growing scholar network.

NCWA Scholars — U.S. Programs 

Georgetown University — Summer Academies (Washington, D.C.)

One-week intensive in International Relations or National Security. Students learn through simulations, collaborative exercises, small-group discussion, briefings from practitioners, and site visits to key D.C. institutions.

American University — Community of Scholars, School of International Service (Washington, D.C.) A two-week, three-credit college course designed for high-school students, paired with briefings at the U.S. Department of State, embassies, the World Bank, IMF, and other international organizations. 

Tufts University — Two-week, pre-college intensive in international relations (Medford, MA) Anchored by the Tufts Fletcher School community, this program blends faculty-led seminars in global affairs with language study and skills that broaden students’ understanding of the world. 

Harvard (Putney Student Travel) — Youth Summit on Climate, Equity & Health (Boston, MA) One week. In partnership with Harvard Chan C-CHANGE, scholars explore how climate intersects with public health, medicine, equity, economics, and policy, selecting an action track and working with peers and experts to design solutions. 

Yale University International Relations Leadership Institute  — A one-week, residential program on Yale’s campus built around Model United Nations (MUN), using MUN as the primary training vehicle for international relations, leadership, and persuasive communication.

Martha Williams
North America
Scholarships Program Chair
mwilliams@wnmn.org

Eligibility and selection

  • Who can apply: Current juniors in Collier or Lee counties with strong academics, curiosity about global issues, and a record of character, service, and leadership potential.

  • Personal circumstances or financial need: Considered; NCWA seeks to remove barriers for qualified students.

  • Process: Detailed written application, teacher recommendations, and a brief interview with a panel of NCWA board members.

What the scholarship will cover

Awards will include tuition, room and board, and travel. NCWA coordinates logistics with families and maintains clear safety protocols. Delegates will need spending money.

Expectations of NCWA Scholars

  • Participate fully in all seminar activities.

  • Submit a post-program reflection essay and video briefing.

  • Share key takeaways with peers, NCWA members and the public (e.g., classroom talk, club visit, press release or media interview, or NCWA event).

Key dates

  • Applications open: October 2025

  • Application deadline: December 15

  • Letters of recommendation deadline: January 10, 2026

  • Interviews: Mid-January

  • Awards announced: February

  • Programs: July and August  



    Apply now

    (THE APPLICATION FORM WILL BE AVAILABLE SOON!)

* * *   

NCWA Scholar Alumni

Cailyn Andrews
Golden Gate High School
Dual enrolled in Florida State College 2023-24
and FGCU 2024-25.
Harvard C-Change Youth Summit
On Climate, Equity & Heath

NCWA Awards Scholarships
To Seven Students to Study in U.S. in 2025

Seven high school juniors have received NCWA scholarships for study at prestigious U.S. universities this summer in subjects relating to international relations and national security. They are among a total of 12 students granted scholarships; five received awards for study abroad.

The 12 scholarships will total more than $70,000 and will pay for tuition and travel for the students. The programs are scheduled during July.

NCWA's school programs are chaired by Board member Mark Walchak. Leaders of the scholarship programs are Judy Baker, international, and Martha Williams, North American.

For complete information about the outstanding accomplishments of all 12 students, click here.

Alexa Parsons
Gulf Coast High School
Jinny & John Johnson Scholarship
To Tufts University
International Relations

Ilormise Sirenord
Lorenzo Walker High School
Dual degree at Florida Southwestern State College
American University
International Relations

Vibhav (VJ) Nimmagadda
Gulf Coast High School
Jean B. and Robert B. Foster Scholarship
to Georgetown University's 
International Relations
Academy

Sebastian Canizares
Fort Myers High School
Maria (Walchak) Grant International Relations Scholarship
to Georgetown University
International Relations

Arya Agarwal
Robert Haffa Scholar
Bishop Verot Catholic High School
Georgetown University
National Security

Arya Rajaran
Gulf Coast High School
Georgetown University
National Security

* * *

Nine Students Received Scholarships for Study in North America in 2024


Emiliana Aguilera

Gulf Coast High School

Georgetown University  


Aanvi Mathur 

Fort Myers High School 

Georgetown University 


Rita Saadeh

Gulf Coast High School

Georgetown University 

Valeria Garcia

Gulf Coast High School

Tufts University  


Aaron Pryear

Gulf Coast High School

Georgetown University  


Luana Santos

Aubrey Rogers High School

McGill University   


Lindsay Garconvil

Fort Myers High School

Georgetown University 

Mariana Ramirez

Gulf Coast High School

American University

Everett Tedrow

Gulf Coast High School

McGill University  

For Instagram postings by these students throughout their summer experience, click here.

* * *

Click here to see videos about the experiences of Savana Varon at American University and Karen Fernandez Rua, Andrew Herman, and Maya Doonan at Georgetown University during the 2023 summer program.

* * *

Our Mission

We educate, inspire and engage our community in international affairs and global issues.

Powered by Wild Apricot Membership Software