Partners of the Americas - Youth Ambassadors

Youth Ambassadors

The Youth Ambassadors program brings together youth from across the Americas to build understanding between countries, increase leadership skills, and prepare youth to be positive agents of change through service.

"Being in a different city, with different traditions and a unique daily life makes you realize the diversity that we can find in the world, as well as appreciate your own country and culture."
Lia Jimena Centena, Peru YA 2009

"I learned that human beings are great regarding culture, history, life, personality among other things and it does not matter where they come from, what is important is that we are alive and we are the heart of this world."
Esteban Velasquez, YA 2009

Objective: The program engages youth in Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Ecuador, Paraguay, Peru, the United States, Uruguay, and Venezuela in a three week exchange to learn about new cultures, build understanding among their peers, and participate in community service. Throughout the program, youth serve as Ambassadors of their own country and learn to become more active and engaged citizens.

Eligibility: The program is open to young people between ages 15-18 who come from families with limited economic means, have outstanding school records, display leadership qualities, and have demonstrated interest in improving their community. Youth Ambassador program participants are selected through a competitive process coordinated by U.S. Embassies and Consulates, local Partners of the Americas chapters, and other local institutions.

Structure: The Youth Ambassadors live with host families across the US and Latin America, attend public schools, visit local government agencies and non-governmental organizations, and participate in cultural and leadership activities. Following the exchange, they share their experiences with friends and neighbors, creating a multiplier effect. Youth implement small projects in their home communities that build on new knowledge gained through the exchange and utilize the talents and energy of youth in their home and host communities. The Youth Ambassadors program provides new experiences and resources for participants, and prepares them for a lifetime of leadership and community service.

"We said that we have to come back to USA and they have to come to Venezuela where we will be waiting for them with open arms. It was not that sad for me because now I know I have a new family and friends that love me. I leave USA with a lot of unimaginable experiences and anecdotes."
María de los Ángeles González, YA 2009

The Youth Ambassadors program is sponsored by the US Department of State, Bureau of Education and Cultural Affairs and US Embassies and Consulates in participating countries, and is administered by Partners of the Americas.

Learn what past Youth Ambassasdor had to say about the program: