The Hansen Summer Institute on Leadership and International Cooperation is an exciting international program funded by a generous grant from the Fred J. Hansen Foundation. Three Hansen Summer Institutes took place in San Diego, California in July of 2007, 2008, and 2009 and provided a unique University-based leadership experience and program in international cooperation. For three weeks, young American men and women joined students from a variety of developing countries and regions of social strife. Between then and now, Hansen alumni have remained in contact via a variety of social networking sites and projects funded by the Hansen Foundation. We are happy to announce the Hansen Summer Institute will host its fourth group of young leaders in July 2013 at the University of San Diego School of Leadership and Education Sciences (SOLES).

A primary goal of the program focuses on creating an international community of young scholars who will use their summer experience as a foundation for creating lasting friendships and acquiring common practical understanding of a more peaceful future. Program elements will involve classroom instruction and hands-on training in the latest techniques of conflict resolution, mediation, and inter-cultural management. Classroom training will complement local excursions to San Diego historical attractions and cultural events including a fourth of July parade, a Padres baseball game, and a harbor cruise. Hansen Summer Institute training aims to provide participants a "leadership toolbox" for resolving conflict and building a better future for their respective countries.