Success Stories
IMPACT STORY

Global Kids × Divergent Teams: A Powerful Pilot

One of our most meaningful proof points has been the Divergent Teams Project-Based Leadership Program , implemented through the Global Kids Summer Youth Employment Program with Title 1 NYC public school students from Queens and the Bronx.

Over approximately five weeks, more than 25 students participated in an intensive Project-Based Leadership experience covering:

Students Developed

  • Team and leadership development
  • Communication and collaboration
  • Peer-to-peer mentoring
  • Problem identification
  • Solution design
  • Prototype development
  • AI/STEM innovation
  • Pitching
  • Team facilitation
  • Continuous improvement
  • Leadership and soft skills

From Participants to Coaches

The most important part came at the end. Instead of simply graduating from the program, these students became coaches and facilitators for the next group of students.

On August 12, 2026, they helped launch and facilitate a new Global Kids Hackathon at Microsoft Facility in Timesquare, NY.

25+ Students Participated
5 Weeks of Leadership Development
Aug 12 2026 Hackathon Launch
Microsoft Facility Timesquare, New York

The Result

8 Teams → 8 Problems → 8 Solutions → 8 Prototypes → 8 Pitches
VOICES FROM THE COMMUNITY

What Our Community Is Saying

Reflections from the people who helped make the Global Kids × Divergent Teams experience possible.

in LinkedIn Reflection
“Together, we're proving that while organizations may compete in business, we can still unite around a shared commitment to give back to the communities where we live and work.”

Kailash Sawant reflected on the Microsoft Give event at the Microsoft New York City offices, delivered in partnership with Global Kids and Divergent Hackathons. The event brought students, educators, industry leaders, and volunteers together around technology, mentorship, and opportunity.

Kailash Sawant Microsoft Give Event Contributor
in LinkedIn Reflection
“They didn't just study leadership; they practiced it, and then passed that same experience on to 100 younger students on the final day.”

Amogh Sandeep shared his experience as a Student Program Director in the Divergent Teams × Global Kids Summer Youth Employment Program. He highlighted how 25 student leaders developed real-world skills and led a 100-student hackathon at Microsoft in Times Square.

Amogh Sandeep Student Program Director

Mayor's Recognition Certificate

Students who had recently been learners became coaches. They transferred the knowledge they had learned to their peers. That is the leadership multiplier we want to scale. Our work with NYC public school students and the Global Kids Summer Youth Employment Program also received recognition from the NYC Mayor’s Office for Divergent Teams’ contribution to organizing and supporting this youth innovation initiative. This recognition is particularly meaningful because it reinforces the importance of creating opportunities for young people to develop leadership, collaborate across communities and use STEM, technology and innovation to address real-world challenges. We believe this recognition also validates our student-led, adult-supported model

CONNECT WITH US

Enhance your organization’s ethos and enhance productivity through tailored team-building programs that foster enduring, fulfilling, and sustainable achievements. We’re eager to learn about your goals, roll our sleeves, and design your program.

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Phone:
347-742-5869

Email:
hello@divergentteambuilders.com