Deadline: 25-May-23
The U.S. Embassy France Public Diplomacy Section of the U.S. Department of State announces an open competition for organizations to submit applications to implement an exchange program for up to 30 French high school students, in the United States, for fifteen days in July and/or August 2024.
Through the Youth Ambassadors for Community Service program, up to 30 young adults from France between the ages of 15 and 18 will develop the knowledge and leadership skills necessary to become more engaged in their communities, learn about the U.S. education system, and will further their understanding of the United States.
Purpose of the Youth Ambassadors for Community Service Program: Established in 2008, the Youth Ambassadors for Community Service Program selects high-school participants from underserved backgrounds across France, including the French Caribbean, to participate in a yearlong leadership training program that encourages volunteerism, self-confidence, intercultural sensitivity, and independence.
Participants will attendtwopre-departure training sessions between January 2024 and June 2024, as well as a debriefing upon the ire turn, organized by a different French implementing NGO, in coordination with the organization awarded the overall grant.
Program Objectives
- Promote equal opportunities for all and encourage knowledge-sharing and intercultural dialogue between French and American youth.
- Raise awareness about civic engagement and volunteerism among young people.
- Strengthen Franco-American friendship and understanding through soft diplomacy.
- Offer French youth the chance to represent their peers and participate in civic initiatives abroad.
- Build leadership skills, encourage volunteerism, self-confidence, intercultural sensitivity, and nurture excellence and civic engagement among young leaders from underserved communities.
- Allow participants to become pillars of community organization, keeping their peers involved in positive social activities and promoting tolerance and achievement.
- Provide participants with tools to build alliances with American counterparts and to produce positive change in underserved communities.
Funding Information
- Award amount: Award may range to a maximum of $150,000
- Total available funding: $150,000
- Length of performance period: September 1, 2023-September 30, 2024
Participants and Audiences
- Up to 30 outstanding French high school students, between the ages of 15 and 18, many from underprivileged backgrounds with leadership potential and commitment to civic engagement.
Eligibility Criteria
- The U.S. Embassy France Public Diplomacy Section encourages applications from U.S. and French not-forprofit organizations.
- For-profit, commercial entities and individuals are not eligible to apply.
For more information, visit Grants.gov.