On-Demand Youth Leadership Program: Seek Solutions to Environmental Issues in your country

Deadline: 17-Nov-22

Do you want to become a strong leader who can make a difference in your country? Do you want to use leadership skills to identify and seek solutions to environmental issues in your country? Do you want to learn how clean energy technologies can combat the climate crisis? Do you want to design and deliver community-based projects? meet with and learn from American and other African peers? If yes, then apply for the On-Demand Youth Leadership Program (YLP).

The On-Demand Youth Leadership Program (YLP): Clean Energy is an initiative of the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA), administered by Legacy International, that brings together approximately 20 youth participants (ages 15-18) and adult mentors from Botswana, Kenya, Namibia, and the United States together for a three-week U.S.-based exchange focused on climate change and clean energy initiatives.

Program Details

Part 1

Three-week exchange in the USA in March 2023. The program consists of 17 days in Seattle Washington followed by five days in Washington D.C.
Days 1-2: Arrival in the United States with a program orientation in your host community
Days 3-16: Explore the host community and meet with organizations that promote youth leadership, raise environmental justice issues, and focus on clean energy initiatives; talk to leaders in green building design, water treatment, clean energy research and clean energy performance standards; and be a guest of a U.S. host family to immerse yourself in American culture and enjoy their hospitality.
Day 17-21: Travel to Washington D.C., the Capitol of the United States, and discover advanced ideas and actions related to climate initiatives that are empowering American communities to be environmental stewards.

Part 2

Community-Based Project: Program Requirement (May – August): Following the U.S. experience, apply your skills to design and deliver a community-based project that helps to alleviate the effects of climate change. (e.g., a peer education workshop or environmental service project).

Criteria

Be between 15 and 18 years old by December 1, 2022;
Be a citizen of Botswana, Kenya, Namibia (Individuals with dual U.S. citizenship are not eligible for this program);
Be living in their home country at the time of the exchange and during the follow-on component;
Have proficiency in English;
Demonstrate interest in youth leadership development;
Demonstrate initiative, strong communication skills, and an energetic, positive attitude;
Have the ability to work cooperatively in a team and be open to various opinions and perspectives;
Commit to the follow-on application of Community-based Project (e.g., peer education workshop or service or environmental project);
Have permission from parent(s) or legal guardian(s) to participate in the program;
Have general awareness of climate change impact on the community and demonstrate some familiarity and interest with issues of environmental sustainability and clean energy.
Please note: Preference will be given to individuals who:
- have not previously traveled to the United States.
- have not participated in any in-person ECA-funded program in the United States within the past three years or accepted a scholarship for an impending U.S. Government-funded exchange program.
There is no application fee.