We invite all high school students in DC, Maryland and Virginia for “The Young Cultural Ambassadors Program”.
Enrollment for the 2026-27 Young Cultural Ambassadors Program is now open.
Please apply for the program by midnight Sunday, October 4!
Genç Kültür Elçileri Programı
The American Turkish Association of Washington, DC (ATA-DC) is excited to invite local high school students from the DC-MD-VA (DMV) region to apply for the 2026-2027 Young Cultural Ambassadors Program (YCAP).
If you’re eager to broaden your cultural and professional horizons horizons, strengthen your communication,
diplomacy, and problem solving skills, and make a meaningful impact in your community, this program is perfect for you!
About YCAP
Launched in 2017, YCAP engages a select group of high school students from the DMV metropolitan area in a variety of fun, cultural, and educational activities designed to foster volunteerism and cross-cultural dialogue.
In 2020, the program transitioned to a hybrid format allowing more students to participate for an entire academic year with broadened curriculum on leadership, civic engagement, and problem-solving.
To date, more than 240 students have reaped the benefits of this enriching program. Through the program, YCAs grew as leaders, gained hands-on experience through internships, and successfully earned admission to the colleges of their choice.
Program Highlights
This year, up to 45 high school students will have the opportunity to:
– Explore Turkish culture through engaging events and volunteer activities.
– Join a hybrid program running from October to April, featuring both virtual activities and in-person
events, including the DC Turkish Festival on Sunday, October 19, on Pennsylvania Avenue NW.–
– Participate in virtual meetings with topical experts, learn about various professions, skills and building valuable networks.
– Receive recognition on the ATA-DC and Turkish Festival websites, along with certificates of appreciation and community service hours.
Why Join?
This program offers an incredible opportunity for students interested in:
– Contributing to their communities through volunteer service.
– Developing communication and diplomacy skills.
– Enhancing leadership abilities through individual and team assignments and other program sessions and activities.
– Learning about different professions and their requirements.
– Making new friends while immersing themselves in Turkish culture through arts, crafts, dance, music, and more.
For questions & inquiries:
Contact YCA Program Coordinators at:
ycap@atadc.org
Program Requirements
Selected participants will be expected to:
Attend a virtual orientation on Thursday, October 8, at 8:00 PM EST (for 1 hour).
Volunteer at the DC Turkish Festival on Sunday, October 18, 2026.
Complete majority of the program curriculum, which includes participation in hybrid speaker sessions and
individual and team assignments over eight months.
The program requires a total commitment of approximately 30 hours from mid-October 2026 to May 2027, averaging about one hour per week.
Seçilen tüm YCA'lar ATA-DC ve Türk Festivali web sitesinde tanınacak ve teşekkür belgeleri alacaklardır.
Important Information
Lütfen bunun ücretsiz bir gönüllü pozisyonu olduğunu ve toplum hizmeti saatlerinin bir parçası olarak sayılması için okul yönetimleri tarafından onaylanabileceğini unutmayın.
NİTELİKLER
Must be currently attending high school
Must be a U.S. resident (DC-MD-VA or nearby states).
Must have reliable transportation to events, which will primarily be metro-accessible.
Turkish language skills or prior volunteering experience are NOT required!
Application
Please register at this link before midnight Sunday, October 4
Accepted candidates will be asked to pay a registration fee:
ATA-DC Members: $30
Non-Members: $60
Registration fee covers activities from October through May.
We look forward to your application and to welcoming the next generation of Young Cultural Ambassadors!
