BAFF Virtual Leadership Academy 2021

BAFF is offering this exciting virtual opportunity as part of its mission to strengthen ties between the Baltic countries and the United States and to invest in the development of young Baltic leaders and entrepreneurs. Students from Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania can apply for this free, scholarship-funded virtual learning and networking opportunity called Exceptional Skills for Baltic Leaders: Design Thinking. Course participants will complete an innovative experiential training program which will engage participants in the mindset, skills, and practices of successful entrepreneurs and industry leaders by learning about the principles of design thinking.

Program description

This program introduces Baltic students to the design thinking process over a week-long virtual learning workshop. After completing three pre-work modules, course participants will interact with Baltic peers, U.S. faculty, and university interns. The course will cover a range of topics, including:

• Defining the six strategies for innovation
• Using the principles of Design Thinking to build innovative solutions
• Understanding and harnessing empathy as leaders and entrepreneurs
• Human-centered design
• Idea generation
• Building and presenting solutions
• Team building work
• Creative activities focused on art, music, meditation, and Qigong
• And much more, including optional team challenge competition with valuable prizes and recognition for best pitch

Participants will increase their self-confidence, improve communication methods, and practice leadership skills. The course will be administered through a virtual platform, and will include activities throughout the week that will maintain a good balance of fun and learning.

What you will receive

• BAFF Certificate of Learning in Design Thinking
• Course Materials
• Materials for further learning
• A network of peers and mentors

Who Can Participate?

Program Eligibility

Applicants to the BAFF Virtual Leadership Academy must:

• Be a 10^th or 11^th grade student enrolled in a Baltic school
• Have written and spoken English language proficiency sufficient to participate fully in the curriculum

Scholarship Selection Criteria

Applicants will be selected based on, but not limited to, the following criteria:

• Commitment to applying new leadership and design thinking skills
• Potential for contributions to school, community, and home country
• Demonstrated self-motivation and responsibility
• Understanding of the BAFF mission

Apply

The current application round is closed.