2026 Stanford eSET Youth
Global Sustainability Innovation Leadership
(G-SIL)
Sponsored by Stanford Doerr School of Sustainability & Hosted by Stanford School E-SET Lab
2026 Stanford eSET Youth Global Sustainability Innovation Leadership (G-SIL) Program is an immersive academic experience designed for motivated high school students who are passionate about sustainability, technology, and global impact. In collaboration with leading faculty and researchers, students explore real-world challenges in climate, energy, AI, and economic development through a structured research and innovation framework.
RESEARCH & INNOVATION FRAMWORK
Our Youth Program is built around a structured four-step research and innovation framework that guides students from curiosity to evidence-based solutions. Each stage is supported by interdisciplinary coursework across sustainability, AI, economics, and leadership.
01
Discover the Challenge
Students begin by exploring complex global sustainability challenges through systems thinking and interdisciplinary exposure.
At this stage, students learn how global challenges are interconnected across environmental, technological, and economic systems.
03
Learn & Analyze
Students conduct literature reviews, analyze data, compare policies, and evaluate trade-offs using structured analytical frameworks.
This stage emphasizes rigorous thinking, evidence evaluation, and interdisciplinary reasoning.
02
Define the Challenge
Students narrow broad issues into focused, researchable questions. They learn how to define scope, assumptions, constraints, and measurable objectives.
Students move from “big problem awareness” to precise research framing.
04
Propose Solution
Students develop evidence-backed proposals that may take the form of a research paper, policy brief, innovation framework, or strategic solution. or business pitch/proposal
Students learn not only how to generate ideas — but how to design feasible, responsible, and scalable solutions.
FOUNDATION COURSES
APPLICATION TIMELINE
Milestone | Date |
|---|---|
Program begins | July 12, 2026 |
Regular application deadline * | May 15, 2026 |
Early bird application deadline | April 10, 2026 |
Application & rolling admission begins | March 1, 2026 |
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Admitted applicants will receive an official offer letter via email. To secure their place in the program, students must confirm acceptance by replying to the offer email and submitting the program fee within three weeks of the offer date. Failure to complete both steps within the specified timeframe will be considered a decline of the offer, and the spot may be extended to another qualified applicant.
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Applicants who already hold a valid U.S. visa or are currently enrolled in a U.S. high school may be considered after the regular application deadline, subject to space availability.
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International students who do not yet have a valid U.S. visa are strongly encouraged to apply as early as possible, as visa interview appointments at U.S. Embassies or Consulates may involve extended wait times.