Milton Hershey School Students Explore Future Readiness at Global Leadership Summit in Berlin
This summer, a group of Milton Hershey School students traveled to Berlin, Germany, to participate in a global leadership summit focused on future readiness in a changing world. Alongside nearly 700 students from around the globe, they explored what it means to be prepared for school, career, and life in a rapidly evolving world.
The summit, built around three thematic pillars—education, career, and life readiness—offered immersive workshops, collaborative innovation sessions, and cultural experiences designed to challenge students’ thinking and stretch their global awareness.
Working in diverse teams, students developed innovative solutions to summit challenges like modernizing education systems, preparing for the workforce, and equipping individuals to thrive personally. Throughout the program, students practiced public speaking, gave and received feedback, and leaned into discomfort—all while collaborating with teammates from around the world.
“This experience showed our students that leadership doesn’t always look one way.It’s about being curious, courageous, and open to different perspectives,” said Brett Stark, MHS Associate Senior Director of Enhanced Learning Programs.
While in Berlin, our students explored the Tiergarten, the Berlin Victory Column, Brandenburg Gate, and the German Spy Museum. After the end of the three-day summit, students traveled through Italy to Florence, Bologna, and Milan. They explored historic sites in Florence, attended a cooking class in Bologna, and visited the University of Bologna, the oldest university in Europe, dating back to 1088.
This experience reflects the heart of our school’s Multicultural and Global Education program. Throughout their travels, our students engaged with peers from different backgrounds and tackled real-world challenges using design thinking. They began to see themselves not just as students, but as empowered global citizens.
“These moments are when global education becomes real—when students don’t just learn about the world, they learn from it,” said Stark. “Our students returned home with a broader worldview, a deeper sense of purpose, and the leadership tools to make an impact here and now.”