Tony Robbins
Global Youth Leadership Summit (GYLS)

The Tony Robbins Global Youth Leadership Summit (GYLS) is a four-day program providing an environment designed to boost participants into leadership roles that will change their lives and that of their communities. The format of GYLS includes small group discussions, hands-on service learning experiences, leadership simulation games and exercises. Dynamic keynote speakers from around the world present topics designed to enable summit participants to identify their own particular leadership strengths. Participants are encouraged to identify personal goals and a commitment to community service. GYLS 2023 gathered hundreds of teens from over 28 countries.

We accept teens between the ages of 14 to 16 years-old for first time participants. Roles include (see below section for more details): Ambassador (14-16, First time participants) and Alumni (15-17, Returning participants).

There is a $750 USD program fee to be paid upon acceptance into the GYLS 2023 program for Ambassadors and Alumni. This fee covers the cost of event admission, all program materials, room and board. An Early Bird discount ($100 off) will be applied for those who submit their online application before March 31, 2023.  There is no fee for volunteer and support roles (Youth Leaders, Youth Captains and Captains). 

All payments are nonrefundable after May 1, 2023.

GYLS 2023 will took place July 7-12 in San Diego, California at University of California San Diego. Details for next year’s GYLS will be announced in early 2024.

There are four simple steps:

Step 1: All participants and volunteers are required to complete an on line application first. Upon submitting your on line application, you should receive a confirmation email with instructions for Step 2 of the application process. If you do not receive this email, your application is considered incomplete and has not been submitted. If you do not receive this email, please contact us at globalyouthleadershipsummit@thetonyrobbinsfoundation.org.

Step 2: Complete interview. Your confirmation email will provide specific instructions on how to complete your interview. For Ambassadors and Captains, interviews are conducted through phone or Zoom. For Alumni, Youth Leaders and Youth Captains, a video interview must be submitted for review.

Step 3: Once all these items have been received and reviewed, you will be contacted within 14 days regarding the status of your application.

Step 4: If/when accepted you will receive instructions to complete payment and registration. Payment and registration must be completed to secure your spot.

Our role for first time teen participants is called the Ambassador role. Ambassadors must be between the ages of 14-16 at the start of GYLS 2023 (July 7) to qualify. See below for more details.

Yes, we require all applicants to reapply every year for the role you wish to be in.

GYLS Letter of Recommendations MUST:

Be from someone outside of your immediate family, outside the Tony Robbins and GYLS environments. This can be a teacher, mentor, school counselor or coach. It should be someone who has never attended the GYLS program.

Be typed on an official letterhead Include contact information and title/position of author

Be dated in current year

The phone interview will be a 10-15 minute conversation with a staff team member from The Tony Robbins Foundation. Interviews can take place over the phone or on line via Zoom. The goal of the interview is to learn more about you, why you want to attend GYLS and what your goals are for the Summit. You do not need to practice – just relax and be yourself!

Our Captain role is a volunteer position. To be eligible, you must be at least 22 years of age and have attended a minimum of one Tony Robbins Live Events among other requirements.

Once you have submitted your on line application and completed your interview, please allow up to 2 weeks or otherwise noted between steps for us to contact you. We receive hundreds of applications and emails daily and do our best update you in the timeliest manner possible.

UPW Youth Leadership is held in conjunction with Tony Robbins Unleash the Power Within (UPW) Live Events. The Tony Robbins Foundation provides partial scholarships to students between the ages of 14-17 years-old to attend and participate in the UPW event with a group of their peers. The application requirements are listed on our UPWYL webpage HERE. Please note: because space is limited, not all applicants will be accepted.

Global Youth Leadership Summit was developed specifically for 14-17 year-old students (see age requirements below). It is a program traditionally held once a year. Last year, GYLS took place virtually. This year, we are excited to announce that GYLS will take place in person once again. The application requirements are listed on the on line application. Applicants are selected to attend GYLS based on the quality of their application, total number of community service hours they have performed and letter of recommendation.