WorldChicago Youth Diplomats

Become a WorldChicago Youth Diplomat

Learn more about the program and some of the wonderful ways it can help to open up a world of possibilities.

The WorldChicago Youth Diplomats Program is an eight-month experiential youth leadership program that engages hands-on learning opportunities for Chicago area high school students. During their time together, students will engage in cross-cultural conversations with international peers and attend lectures and workshops with global and Chicago-area academics, government officials, and community leaders.

This uniquely local program with a global mission is designed for high school freshmen, sophomores, and juniors from public, private, and charter high schools in the City of Chicago and suburbs. There is no fee to participate in Youth Diplomats.

During each monthly meeting, program participants meet virtually or in person for workshops, volunteering, and collaborations with our visiting Youth Leadership groups. They will also engage in listening to speeches and attending lectures and workshops by Chicagoland's academics, government officials, and other community leaders.

The program will conclude with an experiential learning visit to Washington D.C. to learn about government-facilitated public diplomacy and intercultural exchange. Priority will be given to Youth Diplomats based on attendance, engagement, and participation in Youth Diplomats and WorldChicago events.

The 2024-25 Youth Diplomats application will open on Thursday, October 17, 2024.

If you have any questions, concerns, requests, or special notes regarding your application, please email WorldChicago Program Coordinator, Michael Ma, at ma@worldchicago.org

An Educational Experience

Students discover college and career options, network with global experts, and do service projects with an international impact. The students also learn about the people, culture, and issues from global peers.

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Little did I know that these new comrades and our mentors would open my eyes to exciting opportunities both within the city and around the world. I’ve created close friendships with Iraqi students during their visit that will last for years to come, corresponded with business leaders from Southeastern Europe after they returned home, and connected with State Department officials about potential employment opportunities in the future… WorldChicago has brought so much into my life, and I cannot express my gratitude enough!

Isabelle, Youth Diplomat and Former WorldChicago Intern

Learn More

For questions and more information about the program, please email Michael Ma, Program Coordinator at ma@worldchicago.org.

Email Michael
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