Pioneer Global Problem Solving Institute summer application deadline: May 3, 11:59PM EDT, 2026
Plate and Planet
How can we reduce waste, change habits, and improve equitable access — all while protecting the planet?
In this climate and sustainability program for high school students, you’ll develop problem-solving skills by exploring environmental science, economics, and psychology. And you’ll learn how local change can create meaningful global impact.
Food systems are a central part of the climate crisis story. The way we grow, consume, and even waste it affects everything: hunger, pollution, land, and equity worldwide.
This 12-week experience combines environmental science, economics, psychology, and design and systems thinking. You’ll build skills, conduct research, and propose solutions for a sustainable future.
Students from Shenzen and Shanghai investigate how food delivery affects plastic pollution.
A student team looks into using policy, incentives, and centralized facilities to manage crop residue sustainably.
Multiple terms: Spring, Summer, Fall
Weekdays: Tuesday or Wednesday evenings (60 min, local time)
Weekend: Saturday morning US Eastern Time (90 min)
Three-month program
Online, globally accessible
The biggest problems get solved like anything else: one step at a time. In GPSI, you’ll break down these massively complex global problems, design solutions, and present your work with guidance from university faculty.
You’ll examine food system challenges that you care about in your local community. Investigate food deserts, waste, and access gaps, then think critically about solutions.
Work with your team to explore solutions in focused subject areas. Share ideas, apply your skills, and help create practical, real-world approaches.
Share your final project with faculty, peers, and potentially your school. You’ll highlight research, your thinking process, and the impact your solution can have in the real world.
Here, we flip the traditional classroom on its head. You’ll learn on your schedule, meet deadlines, and engage with faculty in a whole new way.
~2.5 Hours of Live Sessions
~4.5 Hours of Asynchronous Work
Chair, Department of Economics, Scripps College
Associate Professor of History, Scripps College
Economics Disciplinary Expert, Davidson College
Systems & Design Thinking Expert, UNC-Chapel Hill
Program Design Consultant, Lafayette College
Psychology Disciplinary Expert, Babson College
Environmental Science Disciplinary Expert, Auburn University at Montgomery
Get a closer look at the food system and identify where real change can happen. In GPSI, you’ll gain hands-on learning experience, conduct field research to reduce waste and improve access, collaborate with students worldwide, and receive university faculty feedback to complete your final project—and make a difference.
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Thank you for your interest in Pioneer’s Global Problem-Solving Institute (GPSI). The application for the Fall 2025 terms is now available. Please select your country/region below:
