Youth Diplomats Institute Application
Thank you for your interest in the Heartland Youth Diplomats Institute!
We look forward to learning about what inspires and motivates you as a global citizen. Below you will find general information to help you complete your application.
Program Overview
The Heartland Youth Diplomats Institute prepares the next generation of global leaders by exploring themes of diplomacy, expanding career connections and professional development, and providing cultural learning opportunities through interactions with people from all over the world.
ELIGIBILITY & REQUIREMENTS
High school freshmen, sophomores, juniors, and seniors for the 2025-2026 academic year are invited to apply for a place in the Youth Diplomats Institute. Applications will be accepted from homeschooled, public, private, and charter high school students. There is no fee to participate in this program.
In-person Requirements: In-person students must be able to travel to various locations across the Kansas City Metro.
Virtual Requirements: Internet access, camera, and microphone access are required for virtual participants.
SELECTION PROCESS
Space is limited. Students will be selected based on:
- Proven leadership in the community (e.g., school clubs, volunteering, activism, or independent projects)
- Interest in global affairs (past experiences or aspirations to engage in diplomacy)
- Expressed interest in active participation
- Ability to use the program content to further diplomacy in their community
Please include an email address you check regularly, and be sure to check it for a notification from us in late August to determine your selection status.
PROGRAM DETAILS
The Youth Diplomats Institute is a nine-month real-world learning opportunity to equip teens in Kansas and Missouri with the skills to be active global citizens. A series of monthly workshops and seminars will bring students together to explore themes in diplomacy, global affairs, and leadership development.
Youth Diplomats Institute meetings occur once a month. The in-person option will be held one Saturday each month between September and May in various locations in and around downtown KC. The virtual program will occur over Zoom on one Tuesday of each month between September and May.
PROGRAM DATES & TIMES (subject to change)
In-Person (Kansas City, MO)
Day: Saturday, Time: 10:00-2:00 pm
Virtual (via Zoom)
Day: Tuesday, Time: 6:30-8:30 pm
Exact program days to be announced.
Students who complete the program successfully will be eligible to apply for future travel excursions. Travel opportunities are open to all Youth Diplomat alumni since 2019 who have successfully completed the program and are 15-18 years of age.
Successful completion of the program includes the following:
- Attending 6 out of 8 session dates.
- Completing a program capstone project that will further diplomacy in the participant’s community, picked from a menu of options provided by Global Ties KC. This will include time required outside of program session (approximately 10 hours over five months).
Need Help?
Email Andie at acultrera@globaltieskc.org with any questions or obstacles.
All applicants will hear back on their application status by August 30.
