Connect. Build. Impact.
The world is facing big challenges. Be part of the solution.
Global Futures Impact Scholars have the opportunity to receive funding of up to $5000 for designing a project related to their interests in positive change toward a better future.
Students enter the program with a cohort of peers and develop skills as a change maker through courses, workshops and seminars, which will make them competitive for a career with impact and purpose.
What does it mean to be an Impact Scholar?
- Up to $5,000 in project funding
- Join a cohort of incoming students
- Take classes designed to build connections
- Receive coaching and mentorship
- Learn skills that drive impact
- Prepare for purpose-driven careers
- Showcase your work
*The Global Futures Impact Scholars program is open to in-person learners for the 2026-2027 academic school year.
Application details
Become a Global Futures Impact Scholar
Priority deadline: January 15, 2026
Regular deadline: March 1, 2026
Final deadline: June 1, 2026
- Applicants must be an incoming students who enroll in a Rob Walton College of Global Futures undergraduate degree program for Fall 2026, either as a first-year student or transfer student
- In order to become a Rob Walton Global Futures Impact Scholar students must submit a one-minute video — OR — 100 word personal statement explaining how you would like to make an impact while at the College of Global Futures.
*Both the video time and the personal statement word count are approximate and do not have to be exact.
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Degrees
Degree programs eligible to be Global Futures Impact Scholars
Conservation related degree
Complexity Science, BS
Innovation in Society, BA
Innovation in Society, BS
Ocean Futures, BS
Ocean Futures (Coastal and Marine Sciences), BS
Sustainability, BA
Sustainability, BS
Sustainable Food Systems, BS
Program timeline
The Global Futures Impact Scholars program has a four-year plan for students as they complete their academic journey.
Year 1: Exploring the Julie Ann Wrigley Global Futures Laboratory
Your first year is about exploring your interests at the Rob Walton College of Global Futures and understanding what your interests are by:
- Attending events across Global Futures to build relationships and community
- Engaging with faculty, researchers, and peers across disciplines
- Taking foundational coursework that exposes you to global challenges and systems thinking
Year 2: Project launch and speaker series course
In Year 2 you develop your academic and professional foundation in Impact by:
- Enrolling in key courses that support Impact Scholar development
- Exploring innovation, policy, technology, sustainability or justice through a systems lens
- Engaging in conversations about impact design, feasibility,
- Building skills in research, collaboration, and applied problem-solving
Year 3: Project implementation
Year 3 is where your ideas become action.
- Implement your approved Impact Scholar project
- Produce tangible outcomes aligned with your defined goals
- Document your process and results
- Prepare to share your work with the ASU community
This year focuses on action, execution, and measurable impact.
Year 4: Showcase presentation and peer mentorship
In your final year, you step into leadership.
- Serve as a peer mentor for later cohorts
- Share your project at the Celebrating Impact: The Global Futures Impact Scholar Showcase
- Contribute to strengthening the program community
- Reflect on your growth and next steps beyond the College of Global Futures
- Be recognized at graduation as a Global Futures Impact Scholar
Types of projects
Research intensive project
The research-intensive project pathway is designed for students who want to generate new knowledge or critically examine an existing body of research. You will develop a focused research question, collect data to find out the answer, and share what you learned through a paper or presentation that contributes to conversations at the local or global level. This pathway emphasizes evidence-based analysis and scholarly impact.
Independent project
An independent project allows students to take action on an issue they are passionate about and create a measurable impact at a local or global scale. This pathway focuses on implementation, such as launching an initiative, creating digital media, or hosting an event to share insights. The project emphasizes applied action, reflection, and sharing learning with others to expand impact.
Student experience pathways
Arizona State University offers students a wide array of opportunities to enhance their higher education experience and to engage with their peers, faculty and professionals from around the world. Here are three pathways to get started:
Study abroad
With more than 300 programs in more than 65 countries, study abroad provides all ASU students an opportunity to acquire global perspective and knowledge in preparation for their career. Check out the specific programs offered through the College of Global Futures.
Conduct research with faculty
Engaging in research during your time at ASU will allow you to develop your network by working with faculty, gain meaningful work experience to add to your resume and contribute to the discovery of new knowledge, approaches and solutions.
Engage with Global Futures Laboratory initiatives
The Julie Ann Wrigley Global Futures Laboratory offers more than 40 programs, initiatives, centers and institutes that are developing solutions to our biggest global and societal threats. Students have the opportunity to work directly with these programs, gaining hands-on, real-world experience in the process.
Questions about taking the next step?
Interested in creating a sustainable, equitable and vibrant future for everyone on a thriving, healthy planet? Sign up for more information on our Global Futures Impact Scholars program.
Explore the College of Global Futures
Big challenges, big thinking.