Applications Due August 25, 2024

Youth Diplomats Institute Application

Thank you for your interest in the Heartland Youth Diplomats Institute! We look forward to learning about what inspires and motivates you as a global citizen. Below you will find general information to help you complete your application.

Eligibility and Selection Process

High school freshmen, sophomores, juniors, and seniors for the 2024-2025 academic year are invited to apply for a place in the Youth Diplomats Institute. Applications will be accepted from homeschooled, public, private, and charter high school students. There is no fee to participate in this program. Internet access, camera, and microphone access is required for virtual participants and in-person students must be able to travel to various locations across the Kansas City Metro.

Space is limited. Students will be selected based on proven leadership in the community, interest in global affairs, expressed interest in active participation, and ability to use the program content to further diplomacy in their community.

Program Details

The Youth Diplomats Institute is a nine-month real world learning opportunity to equip teens in Kansas and Missouri with the skills to be active global citizens. A series of monthly workshops and seminars will bring students together to explore themes in diplomacy and global affairs.

The Youth Diplomats Institute will take place using a hybrid model once a month on a Saturday. The in-person option will be held in various locations, near Downtown Kansas City. The virtual program will concurrently take place via Zoom. 

Program Dates & Times (subject to change)

Start time: 10:00 am

In-person end time: 2:00 pm, lunch provided by Global Ties KC

Virtual end time: 12:30 pm, subject to change monthly

Program days to be announced

Students who complete the program successfully will be eligible to apply for a fully-sponsored trip to Washington D.C. in Summer 2025 OR Summer 2026. This opportunity is open to all Youth Diplomat alumni since 2019 who have successfully completed the program and are 15-18 years of age.

Successful completion of the program includes the following:

• Attending 6 out of 8 session dates.
• Completing a program capstone project that will further diplomacy in the participant’s community, picked from a menu of options provided by Global Ties KC. This will include time required outside of program session (approximately 10 hours over five months).

Need Help?

Email Sarah at slowderman@globaltieskc.org with any questions or obstacles.

All applicants will hear back on their application status by August 30.