THE CLIFTON FOUNDATION is dedicated to accelerating early leadership growth.
We fund and advise school and university program leaders and researchers in this mission. Builders are students selected for their drive to start something and lead others. Student Coaches have natural talents to build relationships and often pursue careers as managers, teachers, and team leaders. Our approach is personal, longitudinal, and experience-based.
We take action on what works.
Global Builders Network Annual Summit
Omaha, September 2025
OUR INITIATIVES
Clifton Strengths Institute
The action lab dedicated to the research, education, and application of strengths development.
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Global Builder Alumni Network
An exclusive community of past participants continuing to build and innovate globally.
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GMU Strengths Lab
This George Mason University team leads strengths and coaching education and work labs for selected student coaches.
Learn MoreFEATURED BUILDER STORIES
Highlighting the incredible impact of our Global Builders.
Luiza Fernanda Arenas Arboleda
Medellín, Colombia
Founder of Luizaconzeta | Freelance Graphic Designer
"The program was a key experience for my growth — it strengthened my craft, broadened my perspective, and opened doors to opportunities I hadn't considered before, both personally and professionally."
Josmi Ahmed Bautista
Mexico City, Mexico
Founder & CEO Tecnocursos | Founder & CEO Cursos IPN
"Winning the Jóvenes Emprendiendo en la CDMX 3.0 (Young Entrepreneurs in Mexico City 3.0) contest did more than just teach me many lessons; it gave me a level of self-confidence I had never experienced before, as I succeeded in the program despite the odds being stacked against me."
Derek Branch
Nebraska, US
Founder of Branch Ventures LLC
"The competition wasn't just about pitching ideas; it was about collaborating and refining ideas. It reinforced my belief in the entrepreneurial process."
Watch some videos of our programs from Colombia, the U.S., and Mexico!
OUR IMPACT WORLDWIDE
Building a Global Ecosystem
Our initiatives have crossed borders to impact students and educators in The United States, Mexico, and Colombia.
We empower local universities and schools with the tools to implement strengths-based education, connecting them through the Global Builders Network to share resources, mentorship, and vision.
Students Know Their Strengths
Student Strengths Specialist Coaches
Builder Alumni Network