SMWU Students Head to Harvard and MIT Through Youngone Corporation Partnership Program
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- Writer 커뮤니케이션팀
- 보도일자 2026-07-15
Sixteen SMWU students will travel to Boston-area universities and research institutions, including Harvard, to study advanced convergence technologies and build their global competencies.
The launch ceremony for the "2026 Sookmyung X Harvard Global Program with Youngone Corporation" was held July 14 at SMWU's administration building. President Moon Si-yeon and the 16 participating students attended the event, where students, divided into four teams, presented their plans and goals for the upcoming trip. The group will depart for the Boston area on July 20 for a 12-day program of local education and team projects.
In her congratulatory remarks, Moon said international experience offers a valuable opportunity to shape one's values and outlook on life, noting that students from earlier cohorts are now thriving in their respective fields. "I hope you return from this program having grown further, ready to become leaders who will shape the future," she said.
During the program, students will attend convergence technology seminars in AI, biotechnology and battery science led by doctoral researchers from Harvard and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). They will also visit leading industry-academia-research institutions, including the Cambridge Innovation Center (CIC), a hub for innovative startups; the Broad Institute, a genomic research center jointly founded by Harvard and MIT; and Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC), affiliated with Harvard Medical School. Students will carry out team projects based on mentoring from experts at these institutions.
Through the program, students will gain firsthand insight into cutting-edge research trends and environments while developing interdisciplinary thinking skills. The experience is also expected to help them build a global network through interactions with local experts and international students.
"Ever since I was young, I dreamed of studying abroad and experiencing different cultures to broaden my perspective on the world," said Kim Min-ju, one of the participating students. "I'm thrilled to have this precious opportunity to learn and grow in Boston, a global center of academia."
Launched in 2023, the Sookmyung X Harvard Global Program has become one of SMWU's flagship initiatives supporting students' global competencies and career development. Youngone Corporation has supported the program since its second cohort in 2024, and this year's fourth cohort, like the third, is fully funded by the company's donation.
Students from previous cohorts have gone on to notable achievements, including admission to graduate programs at Seoul National University, KAIST and POSTECH, as well as positions at major national research institutes. "Backed by Youngone Corporation's wholehearted support, we are cultivating outstanding talent with a global mindset," said Son Seo-hee, dean of the Office of Career Development. "We will continue to build a model of industry-academia collaboration in which corporate support translates directly into educational outcomes and student achievement."