UWC-USA's mission is to foster international understanding by bringing together young people of diverse ethnic and social backgrounds to work together for shared success. The school is a United World College founded in 1982 by industrialist and philanthropist Armand Hammer. Located in Montezuma, New Mexico, it is a two year, independent, co-educational boarding school college for 15 to 19 year old students. Students are selected from 155 national committees that represent United World Colleges around the globe. There are about 230 students representing 70 to 80 countries at any time, and the majority of students receive scholarships. Graduates receive the International Baccalaureate Diploma, one of the most respected secondary diplomas in the world. Graduates from the school are typically accepted at some of the most competitive colleges and universities in the world.