What is Youth Ambassadors?
The Youth Ambassadors Program is a scholarship aimed at young leaders and adult mentors from across Colombia. Its goal is to promote and strengthen leadership skills in its participants, empowering them to become agents of change in their communities through an exchange experience in the United States.
The program is an initiative of the U.S. Department of State, funded by the U.S. Government. It is administered by World Learning in partnership with Amigos de las Américas and, in Colombia, it is implemented by the U.S. Embassy and YMCA Colombia.
El Programa Jóvenes Embajadores es un programa del Departamento de Estado de los Estados Unidos, financiado con fondos del Gobierno de los Estados Unidos. El programa es administrado por World Learning en asociación con Amigos de las Américas. Los socios implementadores en Colombia son la Embajada de Estados Unidos y YMCA Colombia.
What does it mean to be a Youth Ambassador?
A Youth Ambassador is a leader in their community who has the opportunity to represent their culture and local knowledge abroad, while continuing to grow as a leader and gaining experience and knowledge in the creation and development of community projects.
This commitment involves keeping an open mind, exploring new ways of thinking, and applying what you’ve learned to actively contribute to the development of your community, with the support and guidance of your mentors.
What does it mean to be a mentor?
A mentor is someone who has the responsibility and the opportunity to guide Youth Ambassadors in the creation and implementation of community projects, the development of their leadership skills, and to accompany and share the entire exchange experience with them. Through this role, mentors contribute to strengthening understanding among participants from different nationalities, ethnic groups, and religions, promoting mutual understanding between Colombia, Ecuador, and the United States. The role of the mentor involves being committed to the leadership growth of the Youth Ambassadors and the development of their social projects, as well as providing guidance and support throughout the entire exchange experience.
What are the benefits of participating in the program?
- The program covers 100% of the expenses.
- Experience a cultural exchange in the United States, exploring leadership, civic engagement, and volunteerism.
- Have the opportunity to represent your country and culture abroad.
- Develop leadership skills and gain knowledge and experience in implementing community projects.
- Become agents of social transformation in their regions.
- At the end of the program, become part of the U.S. Embassy in Colombia's alumni network, gaining access to exclusive professional and academic opportunities.
- Build friendships that transcend borders.
Impact of Youth Ambassadors and Mentors in 2024
Yearbook – YA 2024 Generation
Want to participate?
Applications open from April 14 to May 1
To learn about the participation requirements for each role, apply, and get more information about the 2025 call, visit the website of the U.S. Embassy in Bogotá.
Testimonials
Official pages of Youth Ambassadors and partners
Office of Educational and Cultural Affairs of the United States Department of State
Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs Exchange Programs
Facebook: @ExchangeProgramsAtState
Instagram: @Exchangeourworld
Oficina de Asuntos Educativos y Culturales del Departamento de Estado de los Estados Unidos:
Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs Exchange Programs
Facebook: @ExchangeProgramsAtState
Instagram: @Exchangeourworld
