Global Youth Leadership Program

Global Youth Leadership Program

The Global Youth Leadership Program at the Marshall Business School at the University of Southern California is a summer program for high-potential Chinese university students. It is taught by leading Marshall faculty about cutting edge topics. Students who participate in the program gain unique skills related to innovation and leadership in a technology-driven business environment.

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

The 2025 summer program at USC Marshall prepares students to become innovators in an AI-driven business environment and gives students an advantage in applying for and gaining admission to elite business schools in the United States.

The AI Era requires business leaders and professionals to possess a unique combination of strategic and innovation skills. These leaders and professionals will need to understand the broad impacts of AI and related technologies on all aspects of their organizations and possess the creativity and innovation skills to capture new opportunities.

In this program, students will learn about the impact of AI on organizations and how to lead as the pace of change accelerates. They will gain hands-on and experiential experiences as they develop their own ideas for new AI-driven products and services. Finally, students will receive advice and coaching on how to set themselves apart in the graduate admissions process at U.S. graduate schools. They will also receive access to an early application process at USC Marshall business school graduate programs.

Students in the program engage in daily learning exercises that are interactive, engaging, and fun to maximize personal growth and enjoy campus life at USC. They are also able to enjoy the distinctive Los Angeles atmosphere that is home to the American entertainment industry and experience the innovative spirit of the tech industry in California.

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS

Understand the transformative impact of AI on organizations and develop the strategic and innovation skills essential for future business leaders.

PROGRAM DETAILS

PROGRAM DATES
July 27 - August 5, 2025
LOCATION
University Park Campus, USC
Los Angeles, USA
APPLICATION DEADLINES
April 30, 2025
CONTACT
For more information, please contact:
Dr. Peter Cardon, Academic Director, cardon@marshall.usc.edu
Program Schedule and Activities

MONDAY – FRIDAY
9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Classes in session
12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. Lunch
1:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. Classes in session

ELIGIBILITY

Current Undergraduate student or recent college graduates.
Demonstrated English proficiency, with minimum scores required
- TOEFL: 90+
- IELTS: Band 6.5+
- If TOEFL or IELTS scores are unavailable, applicants may submit Duolingo (130+), PSAT, SAT, or ACT scores as alternatives

Admission to Marshall’s AI& Business Innovation is selective. Candidates are evaluated based on their academic excellence and a demonstrated interest in AI and business innovation.

Please note that participation in the Marshall’s AI& Business Innovation program does not guarantee admission into USC.

SCHEDULE OVERVIEW

Day 1: Sunday, July 27
Morning	Arrival in L.A.
Afternoon	Check-in at the dormitories
Evening	Welcome Dinner
Day 2: Monday, July 28 INTRODUCTION TO AI AND BUSINESS INNOVATION
Morning	Welcome and Program Overview The Opportunities and Threats of AI for Business Innovation - An overview of AI's trans-formative potential in business
Afternoon	Business Strategy in the AI Era - Exploring how AI reshapes traditional business strategie Leading a Culture of Innovation - Developing leadership approaches to foster innovation in an AI-driven environment
Evening	Campus Tour
Day 3: Tuesday, July 29 CREATIVITY AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP IN THE AI ERA
Morning	AI and Product Development - Leveraging AI in designing innovative products.The Entrepreneurial Mindset in Tech The Entrepreneurial Mindset in Tech - Cultivating entrepreneurial skills in technology-driven ventures
Afternoon	Design Thinking for Innovation - Practical activities to enhance problem-solving and creativity
Day 4: Wednesday, July 30 AI'S ROLE IN BUSINESS FUNCTIONS
Morning	AI and Marketing - Exploring AI's role in transforming marketing strategies
Afternoon	AI and Operations - Optimizing operations through AI technologies
Day 5: Thursday, July 31 AI'S IMPACT ON FINANCE AND MANAGEMENT
Morning	AI and Finance - The impact of AI on financial decision-making and investment strategies
Afternoon	AI and Management - Managing teams and resources effectively with AI tools Human Capital in the AI Era - Adapting workforce strategies to an AI-driven environment Change Management in the AI Era - Leading organizations through AI-enabled transitions
Evening	Tour at the USC School of Cinematic Arts
Day 6: Friday, August 1 BUILDING AI-DRIVEN BUSINESS SOLUTIONS
Morning	Group Product Development Exercise Customer Discovery & Acquisition
Afternoon	Navigating the U.S. Graduate School Admissions Process Panel Discussion with Graduate Admissions Officers Guidance on the specialized masters’ degree application
Day 7: Saturday, August 2
Morning	Tour at USC AI Institutes/Lab Tour
Afternoon	Free Time
Day 8: Sunday, August 3
Whole Day	Free Time
Day 9: Monday, August 4 PREPARING FOR THE PITCH
Morning	Marketing New Products and Services - Strategies to launch AI-driven innovations. Financing Startups and Innovation - Securing funding for entrepreneurial ventures.
Afternoon	Strategies to Build Your Pitch Deck (Workshop & Prep Time) USC Global Pitch Competition Practice Sessions (Faculty Visits)
Day 10: Tuesday, August 5 PITCH COMPETITION AND CLOSING CEREMONY
Morning	USC Global Pitch Competition (Semi Final & Final Rounds)
Afternoon	Graduation Ceremony
Evening	Departure

* Sessions may be moved around slightly.

INTRODUCTION TO EARLY ACTION PROGRAM

The Early Action Program provides a specialized application pathway for qualified undergraduate students from China seeking admission to USC Marshall’s specialized master’s programs.

Through this program, students can:

Participate in a USC Marshall summer program at any stage of their undergraduate studies.
Establish an academic record with the Marshall School of Business.
Receive personalized guidance on the graduate application process.

In their final undergraduate year, eligible students can apply for early admission to Marshall’s specialized master’s programs, gaining greater certainty and flexibility in planning their graduate education.

Global Youth Leadership Program