Youth Programs

What's New?

• High School Homestay Exchange Program Applications Now Available. Visit the program webpage below to find an overview of the program, fees, deadlines, and the new application for the 2009-2010 Academic Year. For a brief explanation and outline of the program, here is the new 2009-2010 Homestay Brochure.



• 2009 Youth Conference in Belfast, Northern Ireland! To be held from July 28 to August 2. Click here to get more information. Registration is now open!



• 2009 Young Artists Showcase and Young Authors Showcase Announced! Click the corresponding links below for more information and copies of the guidelines and entry forms for both competitions.


Young Artists Showcase
Young Authors Showcase


• The State Department’s “Doors to Diplomacy” 2009 Web Project Competition for Middle School and High School Students! The Department of State and the Global SchoolNet Foundation announce the 2009 "Doors to Diplomacy" award competition, recognizing the student-created Global SchoolNet Web projects that best teach others about the importance of international affairs and diplomacy. To qualify, middle school and high school students will work in small teams with teachers/coaches. Projects must be completed by March 15, 2009, and winners will be announced in May 2009. Every team that enters a project will receive a special "Doors to Diplomacy" certificate recognizing their achievement. Each student member of the two winning teams – one American and one international – will also receive a $2,000 scholarship, and the winning coaches’ schools will each receive a $500 cash award.
  
  For a complete description and information about eligibility and judging criteria, visit http://globalschoolnet.org/gsndoors/. For more information, contact Dr. Yvonne Marie Andres by phone at 760-635-0001 or by email at diplomacy@globalschoolnet.org.



• International Education Week
  International Education Week's 2009 theme International Education: Fostering Global Responsibility and Leadership highlights the importance of international student exchanges and cross-cultural understanding. This event will take place November 16-20 and is a joint initiative of the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Department of Education. International Education Week began is celebrated in more than 100 countries worldwide. Individuals and institutions interested in international education and exchange activities, including schools, colleges and universities, embassies, international organizations, businesses, associations, and community organizations are encouraged to participate. Sister Cities International Youth and Education staff, Erica Sewell and Jennelle Root, will be participating in the kick off panel event for International Education Week on Monday, November 17, from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. EST at the U.S. Department of Education in Washington, DC.
  
  This event is a great time to showcase your work and the importance of international understanding. You can submit videos, photos, and post events on the International Education Week website - and on the Sister Cities International website. If you have any stories, videos, photos or events to share with Sister Cities please contact Erica Sewell at esewell@sister-cities.org or 202-367-8630 ext 8252.

Current Youth Progams & Resources

2009 Belfast Youth Conference

Young Artists Showcase

1st Annual Young Author's Showcase

High School Homestay

One World Youth Project

Funding Opportunities

Sister Schools Toolkit

Past Youth Programs

2008 Kansas City Youth Conference
2008 Kansas City Youth Conference FAQ

2007 Fort Lauderdale Youth Conference

Youth Exchange and Study Program (YES)

2008 YES Boulder Leadership Summit

Iraqi Young Leadership Exchange Program

Iraqi and American Global Citizens Camp 2007

Hewlett Packard Sister Schools Seed Grant Program

Youth & Education Department Staff

Erica Sewell
Youth & Education Program Manager
202-347-8630 x8252
esewell@sister-cities.org

Jennelle Root
Youth & Education Coordinator
202-347-8630 x4003
jroot@sister-cities.org