Youth Leadership Summit (YLS)
Do you know a young person capable of changing the world? Join us in fostering the next generation of diplomatic leaders.
Now more than ever, our mission of promoting peace through people-to-people relationships is essential to communities worldwide. To ensure that peaceful and mutually beneficial global relationships continue to grow and thrive, it’s up to us to engage the next generation of citizen diplomats.
Through our annual Youth Leadership Summit (YLS), Sister Cities International empowers young people to think globally, spurring a new generation of citizen diplomats who become instrumental in promoting peace, mutual respect, and prosperity.
YOUTH LEADERSHIP SUMMIT 2026
Deadline to Apply
February 1, 2026
SCI Youth Leadership Summit
To learn more about what students have done in past summits, check out our recaps below. Past YLS participants have reported that they gained a newfound interest in international affairs and the role that United States cities play on a global scale.
Youth Leadership Summit 2026
June 21, 2026 – June 27, 2026
Washington, DC
Join us in Washington, DC for the 2026 Sister Cities International Youth Leadership Summit!
About the 2026 Youth Leadership Summit
The 2026 Youth Leadership Summit is an immersive program for young leaders, ages 14-18, from across the globe. Designed to inspire the next generation of citizen diplomats, the Summit equips participants with essential leadership and professional development skills. Through interactive sessions and activities, students will address global challenges, fostering a commitment to peace, mutual respect, and cross-cultural cooperation.
Summit Overview
Training Seminars
Students will participate in workshops led by esteemed guest speakers on topics such as diplomacy and leadership development. These sessions will build skills in preparation for an in-depth diplomatic simulation later in the week.
Cultural Events
Attendees will experience Washington, D.C.’s rich history and culture through guided tours of landmarks and engagement in global cultural activities.
Diplomacy Simulation
One of the highlights of the week is a diplomacy simulation at the U.S. Department of State, facilitated by the National Museum of American Diplomacy. Students will engage in role-playing scenarios based on real-world diplomatic issues, collaborating with others to navigate differing values and interests.
Experience University Life
Throughout the week, students will stay in suite-style dorms at American University, sharing a dormitory with a roommate and enjoying a private bathroom. Meals will be provided in the university’s dining hall, and students will have access to various campus facilities, offering them a unique glimpse into university life.
American University, chartered by Congress in 1893, is a carbon-neutral campus recognized as a national arboretum. With more than 100 academic programs and a student body of over 14,000, the university is located in Washington, D.C.’s Spring Valley neighborhood, just a short distance from many historic sites.
Summit Overview
- Sunday, June 21: Welcome and Arrival in Washington, DC
- Monday, June 22: Training Day 1
- Tuesday, June 23: Training Day 2
- Wednesday, June 24: Cultural Tours of Washington, DC
- Thursday, June 25: Training Day 3
- Friday, June 26: Diplomacy Simulation at the US Department of State
- Saturday, June 27: Student Departure
Eligibility Criteria
- Age Range: Applicants must be 14-18 years old at the time of YLS.
- Sister City Affiliation: Participants must be associated with a Sister City Organization, either as members, volunteers, or program participants.
- Interest in Citizen Diplomacy: Applicants should demonstrate a commitment to fostering international cooperation and understanding.
- Leadership Potential: Candidates should exhibit leadership qualities and a willingness to engage in leadership development activities.
- Commitment: Applicants must be available to attend the entirety of YLS. Scheduling conflicts must be communicated in advance.
- Parent Guardian Consent: For participants under the age of 18, parent/guardian consent is required to apply for YLS.
- International Students are welcome to apply but are responsible for their own visa and travel arrangements. Sister Cities International will provide visa recommendation letters upon acceptance.
Application Process
- Number of Participants:: 50 students will be selected.
- Required Materials:
- Two letters of recommendation: one from a school teacher and one from your local Sister City contact.
- A one-minute video answering, “How will participating in the Youth Leadership Summit contribute to your future goals, and why do you want to attend?”
- Three short-answer questions (300 words max):
- Who is your role model? What makes your role model unique?
- What does it mean to be a leader? Describe one characteristic that is important to be a successful leader and give one example.
- What does citizen diplomacy mean to you, and how do you think it can shape a better world for your generation and those to come?
- Submission Platform: Applications and recommendation letters must be submitted through the provided online Submittable platform. References will be automatically contacted to upload their letters of recommendation via Submittable. You will not be able to see the content of references once they are complete. It is the applicant’s responsibility to remind references to complete their letters on time. The letter will then be automatically added to your application after completion.
Payment Information
- Summit Fee: The fee for the Youth Leadership Summit is $1,995. This covers lodging, cultural activities, and local transportation in Washington, D.C.
- Travel Costs: Participants are responsible for arranging and covering their travel to and from Washington, D.C.
- Payment Deadline: Payment must be made within two weeks upon acceptance. Failure to pay on time will result in loss of a spot in the program
- Refund Policy: Fees are non-refundable once processed, though exceptions may be made in special cases.
FAQ
I am an individual located in X Country/city, am I automatically part of a Sister City Organization?
No. If you have not contacted your local sister city organization before, you are not automatically part of their network. If you have attended any events through their local programming, you may be in their network. However, all sister city organizations have their own membership procedures. There might be fees and other conditions for being part of their network. Please contact your local organization to learn more about your current status.
How can I find my Sister City organization?
If you have any questions about your affiliation with a dues-paying member of Sister Cities International, please contact SCI Membership Manager, Ashleigh Manuel (amanuel@sistercities.org).
Can I provide my school email address when I am filling out the submission form?
No. Please do not provide a school-affiliated email address (.edu, k12.net, etc). Most school email addresses have a security function that prohibits us from contacting you. Our main contact method will be email. Therefore, it is essential that you provide an email address that you check regularly. Lastly, please do not forget to check your spam folder as our emails will be considered “external” and might not show in your inbox.
What is included in the summit fee?
The fee covers lodging, cultural activities, and transportation within D.C., but not travel to and from the city.
How many students from each sister city program can apply?
There is not a limit on the number of students from each sister city program can apply and we do not have a set number of students from each sister city program that will be accepted. Selection is based solely off of the overall applicant pool.
Is financial assistance available?
Sister Cities International does not currently provide financial assistance. Keep up with the SCI website for any potential funding opportunities. Local sister city organizations may have resources available.
How and when will applicants be notified of their acceptance?
Notification of acceptance will be sent out after the completion of the applicant selection process. If accepted, students will have two weeks to confirm or deny their participation. Participation will be confirmed by SCI receiving the full registration fee. If they do not confirm their spot within the two weeks, their acceptance will be revoked. Students will be notified of their application status by March 1, 2026.
Can I get a refund if I am unable to attend the summit after making the registration payment?
The summit fee is non-refundable once the payment has been processed. However, exceptions may be considered in cases of unforeseen circumstances, and decisions will be made on a case-by-case basis.
Can specific dietary requirements or medical needs be accommodated during the summit?
Yes. Participants with specific dietary requirements or medical needs should inform summit organizers upon acceptance. Accommodations will be made to the best extent possible.
Can parents or guardians accompany participants to the summit?
The Youth Leadership Summit is designed for students only. Parents or guardians are not allowed to accompany participants during the program. Chaperones will be supervising students during their time in Washington, DC. Once the student is selected for the summit, parents and/or guardians will have time to virtually meet the chaperones.
Interested in being a Chaperone?
Chaperone Responsibilities
As a chaperone for the Sister Cities International Youth Leadership Summit, you play a crucial role in ensuring the safety, engagement, and overall experience of participating youth. Below are the expectations and responsibilities you must adhere to throughout the summit.
- Stay overnight in dormitories at American University during the summit.
- Chaperones will have individual rooms and private bathrooms that are separate from students but on the same floor.
- Participate in three virtual chaperone trainings ahead of the Youth Leadership Summit.
- Conduct roll calls and ensure all participants are accounted for at all times.
- Help manage transitions between sessions, venues, meals, and transportation.
- Help students feel included and comfortable interacting with peers.
- Ensure participant safety.
Compensation
Chaperones will be reimbursed for airfare or transportation expenses to and from Washington, DC. Additionally, all on-site costs, including food, lodging, and local transportation, will be fully covered. Chaperones will also receive a $500 stipend for their participation.
For any additional questions, please email us at youth@sistercities.org. We look forward to your participation!