High school students from throughout The Bahamas are invited to apply for participation in the Youth Ambassadors Program with the Caribbean. Through this program Caribbean youth, ages 15-18, will gain the knowledge and leadership skills to become more engaged in their communities, and get to know the United States and their home countries, as well as the members of their own group of ethnically, religiously, and nationally diverse participants. Youth Ambassadors addresses three primary areas for the students: civic participation, appreciation of multi-ethnic diversity, and youth leadership. In addition, for the adult participants, it addresses adult leadership and mentoring. The sub theme of Youth and Social Transformation will be interwoven with the three main themes.
The goals of the program are to promote mutual understanding between the people of the US and the Caribbean; prepare youth leaders to become responsible citizens and contributing members of their communities; influence the attitudes of the leaders of a new generation; and foster relationships among youth from different ethnic, religious, and national groups and create networks of hemispheric youth leaders, both within the participating countries and internationally. The exchange will be intensive, and highly interactive. Students and educators will participate in workshops, community service activities, team building exercises, meetings with community leaders, and leadership development exercises, and they will live with United States families. The exchange program dates are typically in the summer months (July-August).
While the exchange is three weeks in length, the program extends for a year. Upon their return home community, the students will apply what they have learned to implement projects that serve needs in their communities. The sponsors seek energetic applicants who are ready to develop their skills in order to be effective leaders in their schools and communities.
Students who may apply are those who:
- Will be at least 15 years old and not more than 18 years old during the program.
- Be a Bahamian citizen and live in The Bahamas (applicants with dual U.S. citizenship will not be considered).
- Have at least one year of High School remaining.
- Demonstrate an interest in the U.S., other Caribbean nations, and the themes of Civic Engagement and Youth Social Transformation.
- Have permission from both parents and schools to participate in the entire program.
- Have traveled minimally outside their country of citizenship.
Questions may be addressed to:
- Chanelle E. Clare, Education and Cultural Specialist
- Email: ClareCE@state.gov Tel: 242-322-1181 ext. 4251
There is no application fee. The United States Government will pay for all costs to participate in the program, including international travel to and from the United States, orientations, visa fees, and the exchange activities in the United States, including meals and lodging.