Solving Global Challenges (SGC)

Solving Global Challenges (SGC) is designed to equip students with innovative and cross-disciplinary strategies to address the most pressing global issues of the 21st century. Guided by the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals, the program covers a broad range of critical topics, including global health, gender equality, poverty alleviation, to environmental sustainability. SGC provides students with the tools to translate technical knowledge into effective solutions. By integrating diverse academic disciplines—from STEM and social sciences to the humanities and arts—students develop and refine their skills in critical analysis, problem-solving, and creativity as they work towards sustainable solutions to the complex issues that will shape our future.

The application process involves reviewing eligibility and required components, reviewing a sample application, contacting recommenders (parent/guardian, teacher, and/or school official), starting and completing the online application, submitting the application, and paying the non-refundable application fee ($75 for Early Action, $90 for Regular Decision) or applying for a fee waiver. Required components include an activities list, one 400-word essay and one 200-word response, two “fast take” responses (280 characters each), official school transcript, and one recommender who will complete the YYGS Recommendation Form. Optional components are English fluency test scores (TOEFL or DuoLingo) and a need-based financial aid application.