We are excited to share a new signature global education opportunity for Moravian Academy students: the Villars Institute Fellowship Program. The Villars Fellowship Program, based in the Swiss Alps, is a lifelong learning journey designed to empower a new generation of systems leaders for a healthier planet, through intergenerational and interdisciplinary collaboration. Villars Fellows are students from partner schools around the world who are driven by a passion for enabling change toward a resilient, sustainable future.

Moravian Academy has been selected as a distinguished Villars Institute partner school. This exciting new opportunity allows Moravian Academy to select two to four students each year as Villars Fellows to join a vibrant global community of changemakers. Villar Fellows attend a multi-day interactive program, the Villars Symposium, the aim of which is to accelerate intergenerational collaboration and systems leadership by convening experts, educators, and entrepreneurs with solutions-oriented youth.

After the symposium, Villars Fellows join a community of lifelong learners dedicated to systems thinking, and continue their learning journey through the Villars Mentorship Program in addition to having access to a wide range of opportunities through the foundation’s global network of partners. This includes the opportunity to publish articles through The Villars Review and access academic reviews and topical essays from educators, experts, entrepreneurs, and other Villars Fellows.

• Students will need to have a passport that is valid through December 2026. 
• Selected students must be in good academic and behavioral standing to be considered for this opportunity. 
• Selected students must attend all components of the symposium, including successful and thoughtful completion of 8 hours of pre-departure coursework in the Systems Leadership Certificate Program.
• Active participation in Villars Institute Year 2 activities including the Mentorship Program, Villars Review contribution, participation in partner events and experiential learning opportunities.

Current students in grades 9-11 are encouraged to apply for this special opportunity. Applications are available on the MSC Resource Board. Applications must be submitted via email to dkoren@mamail.net by 11:59 p.m. on January 12, 2026. Submissions after this deadline will not be considered. 

All applications will be reviewed by a committee including the Head of School, Campus Director, All-School Sustainability Coordinator, Dean of Students, the Director of Student Activities, and Director of Financial Aid. Finalists will be required to attend a brief interview with a member of the committee before selection is confirmed.

This program is designed for students who are eager to engage in advanced academic work and who show early strengths in systems thinking and leadership. We are looking for students who can navigate complexity, collaborate across differences, and think with openness and curiosity. In addition, selected students must embody the core values of Moravian Academy and have a willingness and desire to advance sustainability efforts.