Call for Applications: Young Cultural Ambassadors Program

The American Turkish Association of Washington, DC (ATA-DC) is excited to invite local high school students to apply for the 2024-2025 Young Cultural Ambassadors Program (YCAP). If you’re eager to broaden your cultural horizons 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 DC-MD-VA 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 and expanded nationally, allowing high school students from across the U.S. to participate. To date, nearly 90 students have reaped the benefits of this enriching program.

Program Highlights

This year, up to 30 high school students will have the opportunity to:

• Explore Turkish culture through engaging events and volunteer activities.
• Participate in virtual meetings with members of the Turkish-American and international communities, learning about various professions and building valuable networks.
• 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 20, on Pennsylvania Avenue NW.
• Receive recognition on the ATA-DC and Turkish Festival websites, along with certificates of appreciation.

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.

Program Requirements

Selected participants will be expected to:

• Attend a virtual orientation on Tuesday, October 15, at 8:00 PM EST (for 1 hour).
• Volunteer at the DC Turkish Festival on Sunday, October 20, 2024.
• Complete majority of the program curriculum, which includes participation in hybrid speaker sessions and individual and team assignments over six months.
• The program requires a total commitment of approximately 25-30 hours from mid-October 2024 to May 2025, averaging about one hour per week.

Important Information

Please note that this is an unpaid volunteer opportunity, which may qualify for community service hours as approved by school administrations.

Qualifications

• Must be currently attending high school.
• Must be a U.S. resident (typically for DC-MD-VA residents, but residents from other states may apply due to the hybrid format).
• Must have reliable transportation to events, which will primarily be metro-accessible.
• Turkish language skills or prior volunteering experience are NOT required!

How to Apply

To apply, please complete the online application form, which includes a short bio and a brief statement of interest (maximum 300 words). After submitting the form, email proof of U.S. residency to ycap@atadc.org with the subject line “YCA Program Application – [Your Full Name].”

Application Deadline: October 10, 2024.

Selected candidates will be notified by October 14.

We encourage all eligible high school students to apply by completing the registration form by October 10, 2024!

We look forward to your application and to welcoming the next generation of Young Cultural Ambassadors!