2026 DGL Program Overview - Case Statement

CREATING PATHWAYS TO EDUCATION IN THE WORLD’S MOST CHALLENGING PLACES

YOUNG LIFE’S DEVELOPING GLOBAL LEADERS PROGRAM

IF WE WANT THE NEXT GENERATION OF UNIVERSITYEDUCATED, BIBLICALLY-TRAINED LEADERS TO END THE CYCLE OF POVERTY AND IMPACT THE WORLD’S MOST CHALLENGING PLACES WITH THE GOSPEL,

WE MUST EQUIP THEM. IT BEGINS WITH FULL-RIDE UNIVERSITY SCHOLARSHIPS THROUGH DGL

After losing my father to ebola, my sister and I had to drop out of high school to support our family. Without the DGL Scholarship, my family wouldn’t be able to afford my university tuition. Today, I attend university and serve as a Team Leader in Young Life – all thanks to my DGL Sponsor.

– Georgetina DGL Student - Sierra Leone

HEAR MY STORY

DGL IS A PROVEN PATHWAY Producing university-educated, Jesus-following, high-capacity leaders There are 713 current DGL students representing over 90 of the 112 countries where Young Life is active in the world 27.7% of DGL graduates are hired as full-time Young Life staff Over 1,173 DGL Graduates since 2009 54.4% of current DGL students are women 21,017 volunteer leaders recruited by DGL students since 2009 *as of March 2026

DGL is the quiet engine that has fueled Young Life international growth since 2009, producing thousands of volunteers and helping reach over a million teenagers with the hope of the Gospel.”

– Marty Caldwell YL Chief Foundation Officer

HOW DGL WORKS Potential DGL scholarship recipients are nominated by international Young Life staff as promising leaders who have what it takes to succeed academically and in ministry.

DGL students are sponsored by individuals or groups who fund their DGL scholarship.

Sponsored DGL students attend university full time and volunteer at least 20 hours a week as a local Young Life leader.

FULL SPONSORSHIP PROVIDES Full-ride university scholarship Young Life ministry and leadership training expenses Stipend to cover living expenses

WHY DGL WORKS Sustainable change happens when in-country leaders, DGL Students, are equipped to play strategic roles in careers that powerfully impact the Kingdom of God and their country.

ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE DGL students attend accredited universities in their own country Most DGL students are the first in their family to attend university

ENGAGED IN CHANGING THEIR COUNTRY 96% of DGL graduates remain in their home country and many stay involved in their local communities as volunteers, mentors, and financial supporters 329 DGL graduates are currently employed as full-time Young Life staff

*as of May 2026

GRADUATION AND BEYOND While approximately one-third of DGL graduates are hired as full-time Young Life staff, others pursue careers in education, business, engineering, health care, social work, community development, media, and other professions.

111 Area Directors 11 Regional Directors (+2 Assoc. RDs)

DGL

ALUMNI

10 Metro Directors

INTERNATIONAL

3 Country Directors

LEADERSHIP

3 Vice-Presidents of Field Ministry

8 Regional/Operations Coordinators

2 Associate Regional Director 2 Training Coordinators 1 HR Manager 1 VP - International Field Operations 1 Senior Vice President

N K O S I S A M P I N D I ZIMBABWE

YL Vice President International Ops Law - 2014

*as of 05/2026

D E B O R A H S A M A K É MALI YL Senior Vice President-Africa West Infant and Adolescent Psychology - 2023

L I L I T A V A G Y A N ARMENIA

T H O M A S M B I B A ZIMBABWE

Medicine - 2013

Psychology - 2021

Orthodontist

Financial Consultant

WHAT IT TAKES TO IMPACT SOMEONE'S FUTURE With the modest cost of university tuition in the developing world, DGL delivers high impact for every dollar invested.

DGL Student Sponsor $250/month* | $3,000/year for 4 years Total $12,000 DGL NEXT Sponsor (DGL to Staff) $500/month | $6,000/year for 5 years Total $30,000 DGL Strategic Investment Fund Endowed scholarship $60,000 Gift = 1 Ongoing DGL Student Sponsorship

BECOME A DGL SPONSOR TODAY

SCAN HERE

*Monthly sponsorship starts at any level

CONNECT WITH US Kevin Edelbrock Kedelbrock@intl.younglife.org (713) 689-4813 Andy Morman amorman@intl.younglife.org (303) 815-9278 developing-global-leaders @younglifedgl @younglifedgl

dgl.younglife.org