Gifts to Global Engagement Summit contribute to...
The Global Engagement Summit (GES) is a five-day, student-run social innovation conference held every April at Northwestern University. Bringing together young changemakers from around the world, GES equips student delegates with the skills, mentorship, and resources needed to develop and implement impactful social ventures. Through hands-on workshops, individualized mentoring sessions, and thought-provoking speakers, delegates gain tangible strategies to drive sustainable change in their home communities.
Founded in 2005 by two Northwestern undergraduates, GES has since grown into an international community of over 800 delegates from 60+ countries and a dedicated student staff of 60. Each year, delegates arrive in Chicago with projects addressing some of the world’s most pressing challenges—including education, healthcare, and environmental sustainability—and leave with strengthened networks, refined strategies, and actionable takeaways.
Beyond the annual summit, GES provides year-round support, offering internship experiences, media exposure, and funding opportunities through partnerships with industry leaders. As a fully student-organized initiative, GES remains committed to building the capacity of the next generation of global change leaders and fostering a community of passionate, socially driven innovators.
The benefits and services provided by Northwestern University’s student groups are available to all students without regard to any category protected by the law. The University believes different perspectives, experiences and backgrounds are critical to a dynamic and vibrant University community, and as such all students are welcome and encouraged to join each group. Any student interested in exploring establishing a new affinity group should contact SOA.
On behalf of the Global Engagement Summit (GES) 2026 team, we extend our deepest gratitude for your generous support. Your contributions have made it possible to bring together young changemakers from around the world, providing them with the resources, mentorship, and opportunities needed to drive meaningful social impact.
Thanks to your generosity, we can bring in even more innovative keynote speakers in the social impact space, creating a more inclusive and transformative experience for all of our delegates. Your support strengthens the global network of emerging leaders dedicated to addressing pressing challenges and fostering innovation.
We appreciate your belief in our mission and look forward to sharing the impact of your contributions in the months ahead. Thank you for being a part of this journey.
If you would like to stay updated on GES 2027 and the work of our delegates, please visit our Instagram profile.
We are pleased to share that we have reached our initial fundraising goal for Global Engagement Summit’s (GES) 2027 preparation. Thank you to all who have contributed and supported our mission to empower young changemakers worldwide.
To further enhance the Summit, we are setting a stretch goal of $7,500. Additional funds will help us to enhance programming and secure additional keynote speakers and mentors, ensuring GES remains a transformative and accessible experience.
We invite you to continue supporting GES by contributing to our Catalyzer campaign and sharing our initiative
174 days ago by KellyAnn McGowanWith just 10% left to go, we are incredibly grateful for the generosity and support of our donors who have helped us get this far.
These funds are critical to ensuring that delegates from diverse backgrounds can attend, collaborate, and gain valuable mentorship and resources at GES 2027. We are so close to reaching our goal, and with your continued support, we can get there!
Please consider making a contribution or sharing our campaign with your community. Together, we can fully fund the next summit and create an impactful experience for all involved!
181 days ago by KellyAnn McGowanWe extend our sincere gratitude to those who have already contributed to the early stages of our fundraising efforts. Your generosity is instrumental in making GES a reality, providing young changemakers from around the world with the opportunity to collaborate, develop their projects, and engage with global leaders.
While we have made significant progress, we still have a long way to go to reach our fundraising goal. These funds are essential to covering the costs of workshop facilitator and keynote speaker travel, ensuring that GES remains an impactful experience for all participants. We encourage you to share this campaign with your networks and consider supporting our mission.
Your contribution will help us continue fostering a global community dedicated to innovation, collaboration, and positive social change.
Thank you for your support!
181 days ago by KellyAnn McGowanDonors
View All Donors