The Young Ambassadors Program – YAP – brings together high school students and adult mentors from countries across the Western Hemisphere to promote mutual understanding, increase leadership skills, and prepare young people to make a difference in their communities. .
YAP offers full scholarships for selected youth and mentors to participate in a cycle of educational and cultural activities focused on leadership, diplomacy and community service.
What are the objectives of the program?
◉ Develop a community of young people throughout the American continent who have a strong sense of civic responsibility, commitment to their communities, awareness of global issues, and strong interpersonal and leadership skills;
◉ Encourage collaboration between young people from different ethnic, religious and cultural groups; and
◉ Promote mutual understanding, respect and collaboration between the United States and its counterparts in the Western Hemisphere.
The Young Ambassadors Program is sponsored by the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs of the United States Department of State, with funds provided by the United States Government.
The program is administered by World Learning in partnership with Friends of the Americas. Implementing partners in Colombia are the US Embassy in Bogotá and YMCA Colombia.
Those interested must meet all the requirements depending on their profile (young people or mentors) and follow the instructions to carry out their application.
REQUIREMENTS FOR COLOMBIA
It should be taken into account that the virtual platform applies to more than 30 participating countries, however, each country has its own selection criteria for its participants.
APPLICATION PROCESS FOR YOUNG PEOPLE
REQUIREMENTS
◉ Be Colombian and have residence in Colombia
◉ Be between 15 and 17 years old (born between January 1, 2007 and September 1, 2009)
◉ Belong to socioeconomic strata 1, 2 or 3
◉ Complete secondary school at least until December 2024
◉ Demonstrate excellent academic performance and level of conversational English
◉ Demonstrate maturity, flexibility, integrity and excellent interpersonal skills
◉ Be an active volunteer in your community (mandatory social service will not be taken into account)
◉ Submit a community project proposal
◉ Not having previously traveled to the United States and not having been denied a visa
Commit to participating in all program activities (May to December 2024)
Have permission from your parents or guardians to participate in the program
DOCUMENTS
Identity card
Certificate of study for the current year
Grades from the last school year
Electricity bill for the address where you live
Photocopy of current passport (it is not mandatory to have a passport to apply)
Agreement of legal guardians and participant (permission of guardians)
PROCEDURE TO APPLY
Those interested must create a profile on the Young Ambassadors Page through the “Login” “New User” area, fill out the form in English and attach the requested documents.
Young Ambassadors Page: https://webportalapp.com/sp/mentor_hybrid_colombia_2024
If in doubt, visit the FAQ section.
If you have additional questions, please email [email protected].
SOURCE: United States Embassy in Colombia
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