Since their inception, UWC short courses have empowered over 7,000 participants to become changemakers, embodying UWC’s mission to foster peace and sustainability. These intensive experiences leave a lasting impact on participants, facilitators, and their communities, shaping future leaders equipped to tackle global challenges.
What participants gain
Transformative Experiences:
- At least 90% of participants each year state they would recommend UWC short courses to others of their age.
Leadership and skills development:
- In 2024, 89% of participants reported significant improvement in communication, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.
Global alumni network:
All graduates become official members of the UWC alumni network, joining 60,000 changemakers worldwide committed to advancing the UWC mission.
Community and societal impact
Grassroots initiatives:
Alumni from UWC short courses have launched numerous impactful grassroots projects that address pressing local issues such as intercultural understanding, policy advocacy, and sustainable development. These initiatives span various regions and themes, with notable examples focused on youth empowerment, social justice, and climate action, reflecting the values and skills developed during their short course experiences. Through these efforts, alumni continue to create meaningful change in their communities and beyond, embodying UWC’s commitment to nurturing leaders who make a positive impact.
Expanding horizons:
Families frequently report seeing their children’s confidence and global perspectives grow through their participation in UWC Short Courses. Parents highlight the courses’ role in developing key life skills such as emotional intelligence, cross-cultural communication; and problem-solving, which are crucial during formative years. These courses empower young people to engage with diverse perspectives, build resilience, and gain a deeper understanding of the world, preparing them to make a positive impact in their communities and beyond.
Impact over the years
Since 2018, UWC Short Courses have been guided by a centralised evaluation framework, which highlights annual achievements and provides actionable insights for improvement. Explore our reports to see how UWC Short Courses have evolved and the impact they’ve had: