Youth Ambassadors Program

Youth Ambassadors Programs

Youth Ambassadors programs have three components:  

• Pre-Travel Programming: 6 – 8 weeks of virtual programming and group meetings
• Intercultural Exchange & Travel: Three-week Youth Ambassadors programs commence in various locations across the United States. 
  • Inbound: Participants then travel in smaller cohorts to host communities across the U.S. All inbound programs include a segment in Washington, DC.  
  • Outbound: Participants travel in smaller cohorts internationally.
• Post-Travel Capstone: Participants will implement capstone projects in their home communities, which may take many forms in addressing a community need, such as an awareness campaign, a needs assessment, a research project, supply drives, or leading actions. Participants will lead them collaboratively with other YA alumni and community peers, putting their leadership skills into practice by engaging others. 

The U.S. Youth Ambassadors exchanges follow a similar program cycle, beginning with a U.S.-based pre-departure orientation and followed by travel to the U.S. host community or the exchange country. Three-week, single-country, and multi-country exchanges take place between June – August; exact dates will vary by exchange country. 

The Adult Mentor Role

The Adult Mentor role is an important part of the Youth Ambassadors Program. These adult program participants support the development of group cohesion and community among program participants; assist youth participants in cultural exploration; engage youth participants in learning and help connect their experiences to their Capstone projects; and continue mentorship development following the virtual or in-person exchange by supporting youth participant project implementation. Youth Ambassadors Adult Educators will:

• Build their network and professional skills: Adult mentors will participate in virtual modules prior to travel on topics such as self-reflection, goal setting, youth-centered mentorship, and participant safety and monitoring during the capstone period.  
• Build the capacity of participants. A key role of the adult mentors is to build the capacity of youth participants by enabling them to solve issues or problems as they arise. Youth Ambassadors Program staff do not expect adult mentors to solve problems, but rather to empower students to solve their issues/problems themselves.
• Serve as a resource. Adult mentors will serve as a resource for the student teams by sharing their technical expertise, organizational experience, professional networks, and life experience. In other words, if youth participants have questions and need resources to get to the next level, adult mentors should point them in the right direction based on their experience and connections. Following the program, Adult mentors will support youth participants as they implement their community projects. Adult mentors will be available for questions and guidance as participants need.
• Act as a cultural bridge. Adult mentors serve as a “cultural bridge” if youth participants have difficulty understanding each other or any part of the program.

Interested in becoming a Youth Ambassador?

Applications for the Youth Ambassadors program will open soon! In the meantime, we invite you to complete our interest form to stay informed about the program, application timelines, and upcoming opportunities.

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Contact Us

Questions? Contact our Admissions Office at [email protected] or 1-877-591-9626 inside the U.S., or 1-802-258-3485 outside the U.S.

Youth Ambassadors is sponsored by the U.S. Department of State with funding provided by the U.S. Government. The program is administered by World Learning.