Shaping Global Leaders Through Model United Nations

For decades, Cal Poly Pomona’s Model United Nations (MUN) team has been a powerhouse of academic excellence, professional growth and international recognition. Each spring, our delegation represents CPP on the world stage at the National Model UN Conference in New York, held at the United Nations headquarters. Year after year, our students bring home awards and honors, including an unbroken streak of wins since 2000. Recently, the 2024-2025 Model UN Team earned "Outstanding Delegation" and "Outstanding Delegation in Committee" awards representing Mexico, continuing our legacy of excellence.

Your support is what keeps this tradition thriving. Gifts help cover essential travel and registration costs, ensuring that our students can continue to compete not only in New York but also at other national and international conferences. More than just funding trips, your donation directly empowers students to sharpen their communication, negotiation and leadership skills. 

With your help, our team will be able to:

• Represent Cal Poly Pomona at national and international conferences
• Maintain our award-winning standard of excellence
• Provide students with life-changing opportunities for growth and leadership

The impact of MUN goes far beyond the classroom. Alumni describe their time on the team as transformative, giving them confidence, career direction and lifelong friendships. From leading committees of 200 delegates to finding their voice in international diplomacy, MUN has changed lives in profound ways. Your generosity ensures that future students will have the same opportunity to grow, lead and represent Cal Poly Pomona on the world stage. 

Hear what some of our alumni have to say:

"I've gained invaluable communication skills that I have been able to apply to the professional and personal aspects of my life. Working alongside hundreds of students for an entire week requires patience, the ability to compromise, and conflict-resolution skills. Not only am I a better speaker because of this team, but I am also a better person" - Janette Ly '23, Plant Science Major

The return to the Model UN New York Conference in person was a historic landmark for our school’s delegation; Having now graduated, I can reflect on the whole week and say that it was a difficult yet extremely rewarding experience that I will cherish for the rest of my life. - Juan Montero '22, Political Science Major

"After joining the team, I felt that it really helped me in many different aspects of life that weren't just academic. While I can say that it did do a lot for my public speaking and research skills, I think the true beauty of the team was the social aspects of it. Joining helped me become more confident as a person and allowed me to find life-long friends. I truly meet some of the best people thanks to the team, and I'm grateful for that." - Emely Vanegas '21, Political Science Major.

"This was a huge moment for me, because I remember the first conference I attended as a sophomore. I was so nervous to begin the conference and even more nervous having to talk to people that I didn't even know," she says. "Taking this position [as committee chair] allowed me to see how far I have come and how much this program has allowed me to grow. It gave me the confidence, leadership skills and organizational skills necessary to chair a committee of over 200 people." - Rana Abuershaid '14, Political Science Major

I was a part of the NMUN back in 1978. Our team was Yugoslavia. I still stay in touch with several, now graduated, students who have been part of it in the years since. [It was a] great experience. - Lee Godown '80, Political Science Major

Read more inspiring alumni stories HERE.