Iacocca Global Future Leaders Lab: Silicon Valley
Presented by Lehigh University
A Three Day Immersive for Future Innovators and Changemakers
📍 San Francisco & Silicon Valley, California
📅 June 21 – June 24, 2026
🎓 For high school students ages 15–17
💲 Program Fee: $1,950 (includes housing & meals)
About the Program
The Iacocca Global Future Leaders Lab is a high-impact, three-day leadership intensive designed for motivated high school students who are ready to lead, innovate, and create meaningful change.
Powered by the Iacocca Institute at Lehigh University and set in the heart of Silicon Valley—the world’s leading hub of innovation—this immersive experience gives students first-hand exposure to the mindsets, ecosystems, and strategies shaping the future of technology, business, and society.
Across three transformational days, students dive into entrepreneurial leadership, global challenges, and real-world innovation, guided by faculty, founders, and industry leaders. Participants build confidence, sharpen their leadership identity, and collaborate across disciplines — from engineering and business to health, humanities, and social sciences.
Program Pillars
🌍 Global Leadership Development
Build the mindset and skills to lead in a complex, interconnected world.
🚀 Entrepreneurial & Innovation Mindset
Learn how innovators think: experimentation, iteration, and creative problem-solving.
⭐ Personal Brand & Leadership Identity
Define who you are as a leader — your values, strengths, and unique leadership narrative.
Program Outcomes
Participants leave the lab with:
Standout college application assets — including a leadership certificate, a tangible project, and recommendation-ready mentors.
Early exposure to university-level learning and real innovation ecosystems.
Clarity on academic and career interests across business, engineering, health, social impact, and more.
Professional communication skills, including pitching, storytelling, and persuasive presentation.
Future-ready insights into AI, sustainability, systems thinking, and entrepreneurship.
Required Application Materials
Letter of RecommendationProvide the name and school email address of one teacher or school counselor who has agreed to write your letter of recommendation.
Unofficial School Transcript
Download a copy of your unofficial school transcript and upload it as instructed.
Extracurricular Résumé
Provide a résumé detailing your extracurricular activities saved in pdf format (read this article for resume tips) and upload it as instructed.
Your “Why” Video (90 seconds)
Provide a link to your video - you can share it in a Google folder, via Vimeo, unlisted on YouTube, etc. Make sure that you have the share settings set to available to anyone with link!
🎥 How to Make a Strong “Why” Video
This video needs to answer three things clearly, confidently, and concisely:
1. Who you are
This should be personal but focused. Include:
- Your name
- Grade + school
- A few defining traits (e.g., “STEM-focused,” “community-driven,” “entrepreneur-minded”)
- What motivates you generally
2. Why you want to participate
This is the heart of the video. Explain:
- What excites you about the Iacocca Global Future Leaders: Silicon Valley
- What specific skills/experiences you hope to gain
- How it connects to your future goals
The more specific your reasoning, the better!
3. Why we should select you
This must show:
- What unique value you bring
- Your leadership potential
- Your curiosity and commitment
- Examples of initiative, problem-solving, or impact
Think: How will you contribute to the 2026 cohort?
Application Process & Timeline
Use the “Apply Now” button to complete a program application. The priority admissions deadline for the Iacocca Global Future Leaders Lab: Silicon Valley is February 1, 2026. For priority consideration, students must have their application completed and submitted by February 1. After February 1, applications will continue to be accepted on a rolling basis until all spaces are filled, at which point qualified applicants will be placed on a waitlist and notified should a spot become available.
Letters or recommendations from teachers or school counselors must be submitted by February 15, 2026. Your recommender will receive an email from us directly once you’ve provided their name and email address in your application.
All applicants whose applications are complete (including recommendation letters) by February 15, 2026 will be notified of their status the week of March 2, 2026. Priority admissions applicants have until March 13, 2026 to accept the offered space.
Students accepted under the rolling acceptance process have one week after notification to confirm their spot in the program.
What Sets the Iacocca Global Future Leaders Lab Apart?
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do Iacocca Global Future Leaders live, eat, and learn?Participants are provided housing in downtown San Francisco under the supervision of Lehigh University residential staff. Rooms are double occupancy, with two rooms per unit (4 beds per suit). Each suite is single-sex and has a shared bathroom. All rooms are in co-ed dorms.
Participants will enjoy food from the housing provider’s dining services and area restaurants catered by Lehigh. Dietary restrictions (medical and religious) and preferences (where possible) will be accommodated and should be communicated clearly to program staff.
Lehigh’s West Coast Hub, located in downtown San Francisco, is within a 40 minute walk or a 15 minute public transportation ride to the program housing. The group will travel together at all times during the program. Participants should bring comfortable shoes and attire for walking. Accommodations will be made for participants with limited mobility.
Do Iacocca Global Future Leaders have to stay in program housing?
Yes. Iacocca Global Future Leaders Lab is a mandatory residential program with no “days-only” option. Program participants must remain with the program throughout its duration, including evenings, and cannot be temporarily excused for family events, athletic competitions, or other optional activities. Participants may leave the program and return only in cases of medical or family emergency.
Can parents visit their participants during the program?
For the safety and security of all program participants, parents, friends and family members cannot visit program participants during their stay except at designated times.
Exceptions can be made in cases of illness or family emergency by contacting the program director.
Does Iacocca Global Future Leaders: Silicon Valley offer scholarships?
There is a small amount of need-based financial assistance available to help defray the program cost for qualified applicants. Financial assistance is only available to priority admissions applicants, so make sure to complete your application by February 1, 2026.
If you would like to be considered for assistance, select “yes” when asked about interest in financial assistance on the application form, and provide the financial information requested. Admissions decisions are made independently from requests for assistance and, in virtually all cases, any funding provided will only partially defray the program cost.
Meet Your Instructors
Learn from experienced faculty and industry leaders who are passionate about entrepreneurship and global leadership.
Dr. Samantha Dewalt
Managing Director, LehighWest
Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership, Pepperdine University
18+ years leading strategic innovation in entrepreneurial environments
Featured in Harvard Business Review, Fortune, Fast Company
Dr. Dewalt is passionate about inspiring others to reach their greatest potential through education and authentic leadership. She builds the next entrepreneurs that transform businesses, organizations and new ventures for today and tomorrow.
Dr. Willy Das
Sr. Research Scientist, LehighWest
Ph.D. in Business Policy and Strategy, Indian Institute of Management
Teaches entrepreneurship, business strategy and bridges theory with practical application
Featured in Harvard Business Review, Fortune, FastCompany, Startup Magazine
Dr. Das is an entrepreneurship educator and researcher who turns academic insight into practical tools for founders and leaders. She works with startups and policymakers to improve decision-making and resilience, helping emerging entrepreneurs think creatively and build mission-driven ventures.
Dr. Carrie Duncan
Program Director, Lee Iacocca Institute for Global Leadership
Ph.D. in Religious Studies, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Teaches Global Studies, Ancient Religion, Intercultural Effectiveness, and Systems Leadership
Dr. Duncan is a trained archaeologist and cultural strategist, who developed her love of experiential global education while excavating Roman ruins buried in the sands of the eastern Mediterranean. As part of Global Lehigh, she designs and delivers immersive programming in entrepreneurship and global leadership for high school, collegiate, and early-career professional learners, both on Lehigh’s campus and beyond.