Global Futures Institute
The Future Starts at Marlborough
Imagine walking into a classroom where the future isn't just a topic of discussion but the very foundation of every lesson, every project, and every interaction. At Marlborough, this vision is a reality.
The GFI Diploma Program is the first-of-its-kind high school program that combines a traditional Global Scholars program with the burgeoning field of Futures Studies.
Shaping The Next Generation of Female Global Leaders
Now in its second year, the GFI is reimagining what it means to prepare students for leadership in an increasingly complex, interconnected world.
Selected through a competitive application process, GFI Scholars commit to a three-year, interdisciplinary course of study that leans fully into the Institute’s three central pillars:
The Global Futures Institute - By The Numbers
77
GFI Scholars in the program since the 2023-2024 school year
47
Applicants for GFI in 2025
5
GFI Faculty Architects
7
Featured Guest Speakers
What GFI Scholars Study
Courses in the GFI curriculum encourage cross-disciplinary exploration and deep thinking about future challenges and solutions. GFI Scholars enroll in a wide range of classes, including:
- 20th-Century Democracies and Dictatorships
- AP Environmental Studies
- Food Justice
- The Science of Sex & Gender
- Three GFI Seminars—one each year (required)
Together, these courses provide the academic foundation for students to explore global trends, assess risks, and imagine new possibilities.
Diplomacy Speaker Series
Each semester, the GFI welcomes a featured guest speaker as part of its Diplomacy Speaker Series—an opportunity for students and families to engage directly with global thought leaders. Thanks to the Bannerman Endowment Fund, past speakers have included:
- Bozoma Saint John, Ambassador to the African Diaspora
- Japanese Consul General Kenko Sone
- Chrissy McCormick, U.S. Elections Assistance Commission
Scholars have examined voting rights, global diplomacy, and the power of cultural exchange—all through firsthand conversations with those leading the work on the world stage.
Experiential Learning
As a GFI Diploma requirement, students complete an immersive cultural experience that deepens their global understanding and builds cross-cultural fluency.
In just two years, GFI Scholars have conducted field research around the world—from studying regional identities in Perú and immigration in Spain to exploring economic development in Taiwan and Chinese investments in Dominica—deepening their understanding and exploring the complexities of identity, politics, and sustainability.
Students broaden their worldview, applying classroom learning in real-world contexts.