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IN THE WORLD’S MOST CHALLENGING PLACES

YOUNG LIFE’S DEVELOPING GLOBAL LEADERS PROGRAM CREATING PATHWAYS TO EDUCATION

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

RKS

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.

nsored by individuals heir 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

niversity 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

325 DGL graduates are currently employed as full-time Young Life staff

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.