Ignite the Fire of Wisdom Within
Arete Youth Academy welcomes young adults (18–26) from all walks of life who are driven by a desire to grow—personally, intellectually, and spiritually—and who feel a sincere calling to contribute to something greater than themselves. Whether you shine on paper, off the beaten path, or somewhere in between, we’re interested in the substance beneath the surface.
While we encourage students in their junior or senior year of college—or recent graduates—to apply, we recognize that wisdom and leadership often arise through many different life paths. What matters most is your readiness to engage fully—with yourself, with others, and with the world. Whether you are a university student, a self-taught learner, working full-time, or navigating the challenges of an unconventional path, we evaluate each applicant for their openness, integrity, and potential to grow within a diverse and values-driven community. If you hear the call to grow, serve, and engage in meaningful cross-cultural dialogue, your journey begins here.
Oct–Nov 2025 — Review program info, FAQs, fill out application form, write reflective essays, compile references.
Nov 15, 2025 - January 9, 2026 — Submit your online application, reflective essays, references, and optional materials & introduction video.
3
Jan 3-20, 2026 — Applications evaluated for alignment, maturity, motivation. Selected applicants invited for Zoom interviews.
Jan 21, 2025 — Final cohort up to 12 ( + waitlist) announced; virtual orientation begins January 24, 2026.
Jan–June/July 2026 — Monthly dialogues, readings, group projects alongside mentors and peers with Advisor presentations and exercises.
June/July–Aug 2026 — A 6-8 week immersive, mentor-supported tour to historical and cultural sites around the world.
Early applications are encouraged.
Yes! We encourage juniors, seniors, and recent grads—but if you demonstrate maturity, curiosity, and alignment with our mission, we welcome your application.
No. We welcome applicants globally. While English fluency is required, Arete imposes no religious, ethnic, or national limitations. We value cultural diversity and seek participants from all backgrounds.
The program covers mentorship, curriculum, virtual sessions, and the global tour. Students contribute 20–100% of the tour cost (based on financial need); the remainder is subsidized through philanthropic donations.
Our mentors, advisors, and collaborators evaluate applications holistically—considering the reflective essay, virtual interview, references, leadership potential, maturity, and alignment with Arete’s mission.
Not yet—but we are actively working to build partnerships with universities for future credit recognition. Academic credit is not guaranteed in the inaugural year, but it’s a key long-term goal.
Finalists for the 2026 Arete Cohort will be contacted after submitting their applications to conduct a Zoom interview. If finalists are seeking financial aid, they may also be asked to complete a financial aid form. Final selections will be announced by January 18, 2026, and the first virtual session will begin the weekend of January 24/25.
You should be comfortable reading, writing, and speaking in English to engage meaningfully with the curriculum and cohort. Many programs require test-based proficiency—typically:
However, Arete does not require formal test scores. If your education and experience demonstrate strong English ability—especially in reading and dialogue—you can apply without a standardized test.
Support the Arete Youth Academy through your donor-advised fund or by including us in your will or estate plan.
To recommend a grant through your DAF (e.g., Fidelity, Schwab, Vanguard), direct it to:
Agora Productions, Inc.
EIN: 20-8516833
Please note “Arete Youth Academy” in the designation.
To make a planned gift, you can help ensure that future generations benefit from an education grounded in peace, dialogue, and global citizenship.
We’re happy to work with you and your advisor to make the process simple and meaningful.
Contact: AreteGiving@AgoraProductions.org
Many employers match donations made to Agora Productions, Inc.—the nonprofit home of Arete Youth Academy. It’s a simple way to amplify your impact and support transformative education for emerging global leaders. Just enter your company name in the popup window to the right and follow the steps to submit your match request.
If your company or institution is interested in supporting AYA in other ways, such as partnerships, grants, visibility opportunities, co-branded materials, or speaking engagements with our founders or advisors, we’d love to hear from you. Please contact us at AreteGiving@AgoraProductions.org to explore meaningful collaboration.
We welcome donations by check, bank transfer (ACH), wire, or appreciated securities.
To donate by check:
Please make checks payable to:
Agora Productions, Inc.
Memo: Arete Youth Academy (or “Bill Taylor Scholarship Fund” if applicable)
Mail to:
Arete Youth Academy
c/o Agora Productions, Inc.
P.O. Box 452688
Los Angeles, CA 90045
To donate by bank transfer (ACH):
For larger or recurring donations, ACH is a secure and cost-effective option.
Simply select “Bank” as your payment method on our donation page and follow the step-by-step process.
To donate by stock, wire, or securities transfer:
We gladly accept gifts of appreciated assets.
Please contact us directly for transfer instructions:
AreteGiving@AgoraProductions.org
Click here to visit our Arete Youth Academy Fundraising Page on Facebook.
Hit “Share” to share it with your friends on Facebook to multiply your donation and help us reach more supporters.
Bill Taylor was the visionary founder of the original Arete West program, which ran from 1979 to 2017. Over the course of 40 years, he personally led students on 20 transformative journeys across the globe, inspiring hundreds of young people to pursue wisdom, leadership, and compassionate service. His encouragement helped spark the creation of the Arete Youth Academy, which carries forward his mission to empower youth through education. This scholarship fund ensures his legacy continues to shape future generations.
To designate your gift:
1. Visit our donation page.
2. Enter your donation amount and choose the “Give in honor or in memory of someone” option.
3. In the “Honoree’s Name” field, type “Bill Taylor Scholarship Fund”
Gifts to the Bill Taylor Scholarship Fund will be used to provide tuition support for one or more participants in each cohort—extending Bill’s spirit of mentorship and service to future generations.
We’ll send a personalized message to your honoree or their family, letting them know how their influence continues to empower youth through Arete.
In Greece, students will walk in the footsteps of the world’s first philosophers—tracing the origins of inquiry, democracy, and the examined life. Standing in the Agora, where Socrates engaged young Athenians in fearless dialogue about virtue and truth, participants will reflect on how authentic conversation remains the heartbeat of human progress. Visits to the Parthenon, the Acropolis Museum, and the ruins of Aristotle’s Lyceum will anchor discussions on the birth of reason and the moral responsibilities of free thought. Key readings will include selections from Plato’s Apology and Republic, Pericles’ Funeral Oration, and Constantine Cavafy’s timeless poem Ithaka, urging travelers to cherish the inner journey as much as the destination. Students will also explore Aristotle’s Nicomachean Ethics, reflecting on his vision of “eudaimonia”—a flourishing life achieved through virtue and self-mastery—and its relevance to modern global citizenship.