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The Louis August Jonas Foundation

The Louis August Jonas Foundation

The Ethical Leadership Experience (TELE)

ClosedLeadershipGlobal AffairsSummer Program

About the Program

What it is

The Ethical Leadership Experience (TELE), run by The Louis August Jonas Foundation, is a two-week live online program for teens ages 15–18. Participants join an international cohort, explore leadership and social-justice questions, work on a shared project with peers in other countries, and lead a workshop on a topic they care about. LAJF says previous sessions have involved public health, scientific literacy, sustainability, media, and arts and justice.

Eligibility and cost

The official LAJF pages say applicants may apply from anywhere in the world, must be 15–18 at the start, be available for the complete two-week program, and be able to communicate in English. Prior leadership experience is not required. The page headed 2026 applications closed lists a US$399 fee and limited, need-based partial and full scholarships. The 2027 fee and scholarship process are not yet confirmed; an award is not guaranteed. The current 2026 application cycle is closed.

2027 timing and next step

The LAJF programme overview describes July/August sessions, while the application page lists June 29–July 10 and July 20–31 without a year. These are alternative two-week sessions; the yearless dates do not establish a 2027 calendar. The application page invites interested students to sign up for a notification when 2027 applications open. Check the future application for exact session dates, fee, aid terms, and schedule before deciding whether it fits with other commitments.

Official sources

Source check, November 4, 2026: The application page still labels 2026 applications closed and offers a notification list for 2027. Its application section says two waves but lists four, with yearless March–June dates and an 11:59 p.m. ET deadline label. None has been rolled forward to 2027. The programme page and FAQ support the general two-week format and age range, but do not confirm next-cycle dates or funding.

Eligibility

Applicants must be 15–18 years old at the program start, available for the complete two-week online session, and able to communicate in English. Applicants from anywhere in the world may apply; prior leadership experience is not required. Must be 15–18 years old at the start of the program. Current high school students are the intended audience; exact 2027 grade terms are not yet published.

Eligible Countries

Worldwide: All countries Applicants may apply from anywhere in the world.

How to Apply

The official application page marks 2026 applications closed and offers notification sign-up for 2027. It describes wave review, a 15-minute interview for shortlisted applicants and rolling decisions. Its detailed wave dates lack a year and its text says two waves while listing four. No exact 2027 opening, deadline, session, fee or scholarship terms are confirmed.