Deadline: April 11, 2016 | Apply here
*Send your application until March 21, 2016 and get a discount!
[Oops, the opportunity has already expired. Sign up to AlphaGamma weekly newsletters to stay ahead of the game]
Eligibility: International students and young professionals
Prize: Tuition waver, accommodation and meals for the whole duration of the program
Dates: July 8-15, 2016
Location: Aspire Academy, Poiana Brasov, Romania

Aspire is the only leadership and entrepreneurship summer program in Romania offering courses taught exclusively in English by leading professors from prestigious universities such as Harvard University, Stanford University, INSEAD – The Business school of the world, and UC Berkeley, and presentations held by successful local CEOs and entrepreneurs.

Aspire Academy: for future leaders and entrepreneurs

Aspire’s Academy mission is to discover, develop, connect young leaders and motivate them to reach their true potential, live meaningful lives and give back to society. The selection process is rigorous and it is built on excellence and remarkable achievements. They adhere to the highest standards of recruitment and focus on four key areas: leadership track, intellectual and emotional maturity, driven personality and community engagement.

Aspire Academy fosters a dynamic community of high achievers and their own network of alumni spreads not only in Romania, but also in the United Kingdom, United States, The Netherlands, Sweden, Italy, Macedonia, Algeria, and other countries around the globe. Their vision is to develop a community of ethical, successful and influential leaders across a wide variety of disciplines, with diverse backgrounds, across Europe and beyond.

Members of the Aspire community benefit from incredible networking and career opportunities while learning from distinguished faculty and successful entrepreneurs. Classes at the summer program are especially designed to encourage participants to follow their passions and create an energetic, proactive community with common interests and values. Two of the speakers that will be holding the lectures on leadership, entrepreneurship and personal development this year are: Prof. Steve Jarding and Prof. Luciana Herman.

Steven Jarding – Lecturer in Public Policy at the Harvard Kennedy School of Government
Prof. Jarding is recognized as an expert in campaign management and political strategies. He has served as a senior strategist and campaign manager for various US representatives. In 1996, Roll Call magazine named him one of the “50 most influential political people in Washington”. Steven also teaches annually at the IESE Business School in Madrid, Spain, and has consulted and managed political campaigns in Europe, Asia, and South America.

Luciana Herman – Lecturer in Public Policy, Stanford University, PhD in the Art of Writing
Luciana Herman is a Lecturer in Public Policy at Stanford University. Previously, she has taught writing and political rhetoric courses at Harvard University and the University of California, Berkeley. In addition to policy writing and public speaking, her academic interests include American political rhetoric, racial formation and immigration policy. Following work on Capitol Hill in the area of water policy, Dr. Herman earned her PhD in English at the University of California, Berkeley.

Aspire Academy Programs 

Aspire is more than just an academy. It is a life-changing experience for future leaders and entrepreneurs. Aspire Academy offers 5 different Aspire programs that are designed to fit the needs of distinct age groups:

1. Aspire High School | Apply here

   Dedicated to high school students. The program helps students define their academic and professional journey, connect with mentors, and receive top-notch preparation for study-abroad opportunities. Please read more about this program here.

2. Aspire Academy | Apply here

   Dedicated to undergraduate and postgraduate students. The program develops the world’s future leaders, using a blend of leadership, entrepreneurship and personal development case studies closely following the Harvard Business School curricula. Please read more about this program here.

3. Aspire Professional | Apply here

   Dedicated to young working professionals. It aims to improve their leadership abilities through analytical thinking and communication workshops led by top Ivy League professors. Please read more about this program here.

4. Aspire Graduate Program

   Exclusively for Aspire alumni. A program focused on leadership, professional development and networking. Please read more about this program here.

5. Aspire Winter Series

   Dedicated to young people with an entrepreneurial spirit. The program aims at providing young entrepreneurs with the knowledge they need to have a successful start in the world of business. Please read more about this program here.

Thanks to their generous sponsors, the selection process will be entirely needs-blind and the Aspire Academy will offer partial and full scholarships for those in need of financial support to attend their programs.

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