NCWA Scholars: U.S. Programs

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.

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 from the scholarship experience with NCWA audiences—especially members and fellow students.

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  

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NCWA Scholar Alumni