Tony Robbins
Global Youth Leadership Summit (GYLS)

The Tony Robbins Global Youth Leadership Summit (GYLS) is a five-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 2024 gathered over 300 teens from over 32 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).

For GYLS 2025, the program fee is $850 which covers the cost of event admission, all program materials, room and board. Applicants who apply before March 31 at 5 PM ET will lock in an Early Bird discount program fee of $750. There is no fee for volunteers and support roles (Youth Leaders, Youth Captains and Captains).

Tony Robbins Global Youth Leadership Summit (GYLS) 2025 takes place LIVE IN PERSON from Saturday, July 26-Thursday, July 31, 2025 in San Diego, California USA. This year’s program is full.

The application has four simple steps. 

Step 1: All participants and volunteers are required to complete an online application first. Upon submitting your online 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 an 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.

Youth Application Requirements: (Ambassadors, Alumni and Youth Leaders)

1. A letter of recommendation from a guidance counselor, community leader or coach, from someone outside of your immediate family, the Tony Robbins’ environment, and someone who has not previously participated in GYLS. The letter should not be from your parent, guardian, or friend.
2. A photo identification that has the applicant’s birthdate listed. All applicants must be able to provide proof of Identification and age. 
3. Have previously completed at least 20 hours of community service in the past year and able to provide proof.
4. Complete a Zoom video interview (to be scheduled once the online application has been submitted)

Adult Volunteer Application Requirements:  (Youth Captains and Captains)

1. A letter of recommendation from a colleague that can speak on your past experience and qualifications. This letter can be from someone within Tony Robbins’ environment, work place, or community.
2. A photo identification that has the applicant’s birthdate listed. All applicants must be able to provide proof of Identification and age. 
3. Previously attended an Unleash The Power Within event in the past two years (preferably an in-person event)
4. Available for pre-event trainings scheduled the weeks prior to GYLS 2025 and the entire duration of the event for a total of 7 days. Must be available onsite at the event from July 25-31.
5. Completed a Zoom video interview (to be scheduled after online application is reviewed)
6. Passed a Background check, if selected. Instructions will be provided on how to complete once accepted.  
7. Completion of Darkness to Light Certification training course on preventing child abuse. Instructions will be provided on how to complete once accepted.
8. Additional forms as requested upon acceptance to be completed prior to the event.

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 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 will take place over the phone or online 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 yoursel

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 Unleash the Power Within event among other requirements.

Once you have submitted your online 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 to 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. GYLS 2024 gathered over 300 teens from over 32 countries. The application requirements are listed above and on the online application. Applicants are selected to attend GYLS based on the quality of their application and the fulfillment of all requirements including the total number of community service hours they have performed and letter of recommendation.