The U.S. Embassy in Bridgetown has announced the opening of applications for the 2025 Youth Ambassadors Program. This initiative is designed to cultivate young leaders from across the Americas, fostering a sense of civic responsibility and community commitment among participants aged 15-18, as well as adult educators serving as mentors.
The program's objective is to enhance mutual understanding and collaboration between individuals in the United States and other Western Hemisphere countries. Participants will engage in activities focused on civic education, leadership, cross-cultural connections, community service, and social transformation. These activities include experiential learning, leadership training, community-level civic participation, mentoring by leaders from various sectors, interactions with host families, and volunteering opportunities.
Countries eligible for participation include Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, St. Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago.
Youth applicants must be citizens and residents of a participating country between 15-18 years old at the start of the exchange. They should have at least one semester remaining after August 2025 and demonstrate leadership potential along with community involvement. Limited travel experience to the U.S. or internationally is also required.
Adult educators applying must be citizens and residents of a participating country who actively work with youth in educational or community settings. They should be willing to periodically meet with selected students during the 2025/2026 academic year to support their follow-up work.
Applications can be submitted online until February 15th at 11:59 PM Eastern Standard Time through specified web portals for youth and adults respectively.
For more information about the program or application process inquiries can be directed to bridgetownexchanges@state.gov or by visiting youthambassadorsprogram.org.