Youth Education
WorldChicago Youth Education programs connect Chicago-area high school students with global peers and local leaders through cross-cultural conversations, workshops, and volunteer activities. Through career exploration and workforce development opportunities, Chicago students build global skills and the confidence to prepare for future careers, locally and globally.
This free, eight-month leadership program connects Chicago-area high school students with global peers and local leaders through cross-cultural conversations, workshops, and volunteer activities. Through career exploration and workforce development opportunities, Youth Diplomats build global skills and the confidence to prepare for future careers locally and globally. Open to freshmen, sophomores, and juniors from public, private, and charter schools in Chicago and the suburbs, the program fosters global understanding and civic engagement.
Participants meet monthly on Saturday’s, 10a-2p, for hands-on learning and collaborations with organizations or professionals that have a global footprint. Students earn both credit for both volunteer and Citizen Diplomacy hours.
If you have any questions, concerns, requests, or special notes regarding your application, please email info@worldchicago.org.
Activating the Next Generation of Global Citizens
Students discover college and career options, network with global experts, and do service projects with an international impact. The students also learn about the people, culture, and issues from global peers.
“When I first joined the WorldChicago Youth Diplomat Program, I had a narrow view of what diplomacy meant. I envisioned politics, world leaders, and high-stakes negotiations. However, as the program progressed, I realized that diplomacy could be practiced in more casual and comprehensive ways. Conversations and experiences shared with diverse community leaders showed me that change doesn’t always stem from grand political statements. I am excited to return to learn more and further broaden my perspectives on citizen diplomacy. I want to continue exploring foreign affairs, attend workshops, and discuss community involvement."
Learn More
For questions and more information about the program, please email Program Information at info@worldchicago.org
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Young Global Citizens Initiative™ (YGCI)
YGCI brings global citizenship and career exploration education to students as a pathway to Youth Diplomats in high school. Part of WorldChicago’s Youth Diplomats program, which has served hundreds of students from 58+ Chicago high schools since 2015.
Interested in bringing YGCI to your school or organization?
Contact us at: info@worldchicago.org
Program Overview:
The Young Global Citizens Initiative™ (YGCI) is a 10-session, curriculum-based program designed to educate and empower youth with the hard and soft skills, knowledge, and attitudes necessary to success in a global context. Throughout three engaging modules, high school students will explore the intricacies of diplomacy, develop a global mindset, and learn how to address global challenges both locally and internationally. These sessions will culminate in an outbound exchange to an internationally selected location where students will put into practice their acquired
YGCI Learning Objectives:
- Develop a comprehensive understanding of diplomacy, global competencies, and the roles of various international actors
- Enhance cross-cultural communication skills and foster empathy and responsibility as global citizens
- Analyze and address global challenges by applying practical solutions and creating personal action plans
- Establish high school career plans with greater insight into the international professional ecosystem
- Establish a base for identification of soft and hard skills needed for a global economy and workforce through career exploration and readiness training
