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.
SCI Youth Leadership Summit
Youth Leadership Summit 2025
June 15 to 21, 2025 Washington, DC
Join us in Washington, DC for the 2025 Sister Cities International Youth Leadership Summit! Deadline to Apply March 15, 2025
About 2025 Youth Leadership Summit
The 2025 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
A key event this week is a diplomacy simulation at the U.S. Department of State. Students will role-play real-world scenarios, tackling global challenges. They’ll collaborate 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 15: Welcome and Arrival in Washington, DC
- Monday, June 16: Training Day 1
- Tuesday, June 17: Training Day 2
- Wednesday, June 18: Cultural Tours of Washington, DC
- Thursday, June 19: Training Day 3
- Friday, June 20: Diplomacy Simulation at the US Department of State
- Saturday, June 21: 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.
- Diversity and Inclusion: We encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds and cultures to apply.
Application Process
- Number of Participants:: 50 students will be selected.
- Required Materials:
- 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 summit is $1,795. This cost covers lodging, cultural activities, and local transportation in Washington, DC.
- 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.