The JMU Global Academy for Future Leaders is a three (3)-week, in-person summer program hosted at James Madison University (JMU) in Harrisonburg, Virginia, USA. The Academy is designed for students from JMU’s international partner universities, as well as JMU students, who aspire to become future global leaders, innovators, and problem-solvers in an increasingly complex and interconnected world.

Through hands-on experiential learning, interdisciplinary coursework, and engagement with Virginia’s traditions of leadership, innovation, and workforce development, participants develop future-ready skills and employability needed to design solutions and lead effectively at both local and global levels.

The Academy advances the internationalization strategic plan by deepening global partnerships, expanding access to high-impact global learning, strengthening interdisciplinary collaboration, and preparing students to lead across cultures, disciplines, and sectors.

Dates: July 13–31, 2026

• Week 0: Virtual Orientation
• Weeks 1–3: Courses, project work, and optional ESL learning opportunities

Location: James Madison University, Harrisonburg, Virginia, USA

Program Format: In-person with interactive, experiential learning opportunities

Program Fee: USD $3,250

• Included: Campus housing, weekday lunches, course materials, program-related excursions, local transportation, admission tickets, and airport pick-up and drop-off.
• Not Included: International airfare to/from Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD), select;meals, and personal expenses.

Academic Credit / Certificate: Participants may earn academic credit or receive a non-credit certificate upon completion.

Eligibility: Students from JMU’s international partner universities and JMU students.

 Participants in the JMU Global Academy for Future Leaders will:

•  Develop digital literacy, including AI-related knowledge and skills, for academic and professional success,
•  Apply ethical and human-centered approaches to AI-enabled learning and work,
•  Analyze and design solutions for complex global challenges,
•  Strengthen cross-cultural competence and leadership confidence, and
•  Earn a JMU Certificate of Completion – Global Academy for Future Leaders.

For questions about the program or the nomination process, please contact your home institution or reach out to the Office of Global Learning and Partnerships (GLP) at glp@jmu.edu or +1 (540) 568-5209.

Global Academy Program Flyer