APPLICATIONS FOR THE 2026 IDEA SCHOLARSHIP ARE OPEN JANUARY 12 - FEBRUARY 8, 2026
2026 IDEA Scholarship
Our goal at GLA is to foster greater access across all our programs. As part of this commitment, we are offering one full scholarship for this summer—covering full tuition, flights and passport application fees—to one student who would otherwise be unable to participate. This marks our fifth year offering this scholarship, and we are excited to support another student with this life-changing opportunity!
Start Your Application Here
2025 IDEA Scholarship Recipient
Pre-Program Video Interview
Post-Program Video Interview
Scholarship FAQ
Yes, this scholarship is open to any student who meets all of the eligibility requirements. These include:
- Demonstrated financial need (an annual household income of less than $100,000.00 USD)
- Completion of all components of the application (including the 1,000+ word essay). No AI submissions will be accepted
- Confirmed eligibility to participate in a Global Leadership Adventures program
- The goal of our scholarship is to provide greater access to GLA programs this year
Yes, if the student does not yet have a passport, GLA will cover the costs to acquire a passport and/or visa, if required for the citizenship of the student and the country they are traveling to.
Scholarship recipients will be able to book a flight from their home destination to the program destination via our flight booking partner StudentUniverse, and GLA will cover the costs of this flight.
Award winners can select from 3 internship options in Costa Rica, Peru or a 14 day Spanish language program. We ask applicants to rank their choices from 1 to 4, with 1 being their top choice.
Yes, you must apply your scholarship award, should you be selected, towards tuition and airfare for a Summer 2026 GLA travel program. This scholarship award has no cash value and cannot be transferred.
No. You must write a short essay to be considered for the IDEA scholarship, and it must be a minimum of 1,000 words long.
Eligible students must apply by no later than Friday February 6, 2026.
Finalists will be informed if they are among the final candidates being considered for the IDEA Scholarship by no later than Monday, March 6, 2026.
The two winning scholarship recipients will be selected and informed Monday, March 16, 2026.
- CliftonStrengths Assessment & Debrief
- Updated Personal Mission Statement
- Resume or LinkedIn Resume
- Letter of Recommendation completed by your Internship Supervisor & Internship Director
- Certificate of Completion
- Certificate of Service Hours
- Professional Headshots for Resume or CV
- Portfolio of Evidence/Internship Log Book (if needed)
- Recommendations via Common App
Additional questions on scholarships or financial aid? Please call the Global Leadership Adventures Admissions team during office hours at 858-771-0645.