Students accepted into the CGI U program receive an invitation to attend the annual CGI U meeting, a 3-day conference hosted by President Bill Clinton and Chelsea Clinton on a different college campus each year. The meeting convenes hundreds of student commitment-makers, alumni, university representatives, topic experts, and high-profile individuals to discuss how to turn ideas into action and address the world's most pressing challenges. The next CGI U annual meeting will take place from April 9-11, 2021 at the University of Edinburgh. Students interested in applying for CGI U 2021 can learn more here.

Most recently, CGI U hosted CGI U 2020 "At Home" — our first-ever virtual convening that brought together leaders in public health, government, and philanthropy and students from around the world to discuss the COVID-19 pandemic. Watch the full video stream at live.cgiu.org.

The primary components of the meeting include:

• Plenary Sessions: CGI U’s largest sessions featuring President Clinton and Chelsea Clinton that highlight key themes of the annual meeting and a broad range of topics, such as freedom of expression around the world to the power of big data.

• Breakout Sessions: These smaller sessions provide students with the opportunity to hear from topic experts in CGI U’s five focus areas and engage students with the skills needed to develop their commitment.

• Office Hours: Students connect directly with program participants and special guests in small group settings, allowing students to ask follow up questions, share their own personal stories and thoughts, and seek specific advice on their commitments.

• Student Networking: An opportunity to meet and share ideas with fellow CGI U students within specific keyword groups.

• Exchange Fair: A forum for students to showcase their Commitments to Action. This exhibition is an ideal opportunity to learn about commitments, explore partnerships, and network with other participants. 

• Day of Action: CGI U hosts a morning of community service with select partner organizations in the host university area.

Past Meetings:

Since the first annual meeting at Tulane University in New Orleans, Louisiana in 2008, CGI U has brought together thousands of students from across the world to a different university and city each year.