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YOUTH DIPLOMATS INSTITUTE

Activating the Next Generation of Global Leaders

Apply Today

Equipping students for success

The Youth Diplomats Institute is a nine-month (September to May) real world program that equips teens in Kansas and Missouri with the tools necessary for success in a global society. Selected participants meet once a month to build cross-cultural communication skills, discover college and career options, network with global experts, and participate in service projects alongside international visitors.

PROGRAM GOALS

Goals of the Youth Diplomats Institute

  • Expose students to different cultures to develop a higher understanding of diversity and inclusion.
  • Develop student’s professional skills through networking and the development of career tools while also allowing them to learn about different global career paths.
  • Prepare the next generation for a global society so that employers can have a successful workforce.
  • Allow students to meet and interact with their peers from different communities and schools to develop a better understanding of their own surroundings.

Coming from a poor, rural area, YDI has presented me with invaluable opportunities to learn professional skills, become involved with diplomacy, and to network with the nation’s future leaders. My time with Global Ties has greatly expanded my professional network and global outlook, but it has also given me amazing friends, mentors, and experiences. ​

Andrew Shelton, Former Youth Diplomat and Advisory Council President
Program Activities

What to Expect

  • Engage with emerging international leaders in Kansas City on professional exchange programs.
  • Expand your professional networks through mentorship from local leaders in the public and private sectors.
  • Participate in cultural competency workshops to expand your worldview.
  • Explore the world with fully-funded travel opportunities to Washington DC and abroad.
Engage with International Visitors
Engage with International Visitors
Expand your Network and learn about career options
Expand your Network and learn about career options
Participate in cultural training workshops
Participate in cultural training workshops
Travel Opportunities to DC and abroad
Travel Opportunities to DC and abroad
What You Can Look Forward To!

Examples of Past Sessions

  • A roundtable with leaders of NATO
  • Meeting with the Dutch Ambassador to Suriname
  • Diplomacy simulations
  • Networking roundtable with local professionals focused on areas important to current Youth Diplomats

Where Our Youth Diplomats Are From

Over 150 Alumni

From Over 60 schools

In 18 Counties

ABOUT YOUTH DIPLOMATS INSTITUTE

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Be open and curious about people and cultures, and

2. Be a Freshman, Sophomore, Junior, or Senior throughout the full program.

There is no GPA or cost requirement for this program. Global Ties KC is looking for active participation and students who are passionate about claiming their role as citizen diplomats.

There are in-person and virtual Institute options. The Youth Diplomats Institute is better with a diversity of candidates from a variety of communities throughout the Heartland.

Decisions are being made today that youth will be dealing with in their lifetime. We believe students have the right to be a part of the decision-making process, so we provide the tools to do so. The Youth Diplomats Institute puts you in intimate meetings with local and global leaders. Additionally, we provide targeted skill building in negotiating, public speaking, and leadership to feel equipped moving into your global future.

Start time: 10:00 am

In-person end time: 2:00 pm, lunch provided by Global Ties KC

Virtual end time: 12:30 pm, subject to change monthly

Program days to be announced!

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).

Interested in the Youth Diplomats Institute?

Applications for the Youth Diplomats Institute 2024-2025 cohort are open now!

Apply Today

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