Program Overview
The Youth Ambassadors Program with Algeria (formerly the Youth Leadership Program with Algeria) is a dynamic exchange initiative that connects Algerian and American high school students, along with adult mentors. The program is designed to:
- Promote mutual understanding between Algeria and the United States.
- Strengthen leadership skills among youth participants.
- Encourage civic engagement and community service.
- Prepare young leaders to make a meaningful difference in their schools and communities.
Through a combination of pre-travel virtual sessions and an in-person exchange, participants engage in experiential learning activities, leadership training, and cultural immersion.
Key Features of the Program
Participants benefit from a wide range of activities and opportunities, including:
- Experiential Learning: Hands-on workshops and interactive sessions.
- Leadership Training: Guidance from community, business, and NGO leaders.
- Civic Participation: Direct involvement in community-level projects.
- Mentorship: Support from experienced educators and professionals.
- Cultural Exchange: Homestays with American families and volunteering opportunities.
Subthemes of the Program
The exchange emphasizes three critical areas:
- Entrepreneurship
- Digital Citizenship
- Environmental Awareness
Program Goals
The initiative is built around clear and impactful goals:
- Prepare youth leaders to become responsible citizens and active contributors to their communities.
- Empower participants to address issues of concern in schools and neighborhoods.
- Build mutual understanding, tolerance, and respect through shared culture and values.
- Foster relationships among youth from diverse ethnic, religious, and national backgrounds.
- Strengthen collaboration between the United States and Algeria.
Eligibility Requirements
Youth Participants
Applicants must:
- Be high school students aged 15–18 at the start of the exchange.
- Have at least one semester of school remaining after program participation.
- Be citizens and residents of Algeria or the United States.
- Demonstrate leadership aptitude and interest in community service.
- Exhibit flexibility, maturity, integrity, and open-mindedness.
- Show motivation to be active and successful exchange participants.
- Possess sufficient English proficiency to fully engage in activities.
- Be able to pass a criminal background check.
Adult Educator Participants
Applicants must:
- Have current or recent experience working with youth in schools or community settings.
- Be citizens and residents of Algeria or the United States.
- Demonstrate interest in helping youth become productive citizens.
- Exhibit maturity and open-mindedness.
- Be supportive of teenage participants.
- Have sufficient English proficiency.
- Commit to mentoring participants after the exchange.
Application Process
Algerian Youth Applicants
- Application Opens: October 27, 2025.
- Deadline: December 8, 2025, at 11:59 PM Eastern Time.
U.S. Youth Applicants
- Application Opens: October 27, 2025.
- Deadline: January 30, 2026, at 11:59 PM Eastern Time.
Important Notes:
- Applications must be submitted by 11:59 PM EST on the deadline date.
- Applicants should calculate the deadline in their local time zone.
- All applications are submitted via the World Learning application portal.
- Applicants are encouraged to save their work in Microsoft Word before pasting into the portal.
- For assistance, email: youthambassadors@worldlearning.org.
Privacy and Consent
World Learning respects the privacy of applicants. Key points include:
- Personal data is collected to evaluate eligibility and communicate about the program.
- Information may be shared with the U.S. Department of State or partner organizations.
- Applicants under 18 must have parental or guardian consent.
- Confidential information must not be disclosed or misused.
Why Apply?
The Youth Ambassadors Program offers a transformative experience:
- Gain leadership skills that last a lifetime.
- Build cross-cultural friendships and networks.
- Contribute to community projects with real impact.
- Strengthen your academic and professional profile.
- Become part of a global changemaker network.
The Youth Ambassadors Program with Algeria is more than an exchange, it is a platform for young leaders to grow, connect, and inspire change. By combining leadership development, cultural immersion, and civic engagement, the program empowers participants to return home with new skills, perspectives, and a commitment to building stronger communities. Apply Here.
