Youth Leadership Summit 2025

June 15 to June 21, 2025
Washington, DC

Join us in Washington, DC for the 2025 Sister Cities International Youth Leadership Summit!
Deadline to Apply: March 1, 2025

About 2025 Youth Leadership Summit

The 2025 Youth Leadership Summit is an immersive program for young leaders, ages 14-18, from across the globe. Designed to inspire the next generation of citizen diplomats, the Summit equips participants with essential leadership and professional development skills. Through interactive sessions and activities, students will address global challenges, fostering a commitment to peace, mutual respect, and cross-cultural cooperation.

Summit Overview

Training Seminars

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Training Seminars

Students will participate in workshops led by esteemed guest speakers on topics such as diplomacy and leadership development. These sessions will build skills in preparation for an in-depth diplomatic simulation later in the week.

Cultural Events

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Cultural Events

Attendees will experience Washington, D.C.'s rich history and culture through guided tours of landmarks and engagement in global cultural activities.

DIplomacy Simulation

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DIplomacy Simulation

One of the highlights of the week is a diplomacy simulation at the U.S. Department of State, facilitated by the National Museum of American Diplomacy. Students will engage in role-playing scenarios based on real-world diplomatic issues, collaborating with others to navigate differing values and interests.

Experience University Life

Throughout the week, students will stay in suite-style dorms at American University, sharing a dormitory with a roommate and enjoying a private bathroom. Meals will be provided in the university’s dining hall, and students will have access to various campus facilities, offering them a unique glimpse into university life.

American University, chartered by Congress in 1893, is a carbon-neutral campus recognized as a national arboretum. With more than 100 academic programs and a student body of over 14,000, the university is located in Washington, D.C.’s Spring Valley neighborhood, just a short distance from many historic sites.

Summit Overview

  • Sunday, June 15: Welcome and Arrival in Washington, DC
  • Monday, June 16: Training Day 1
  • Tuesday, June 17: Training Day 2
  • Wednesday, June 18: Cultural Tours of Washington, DC
  • Thursday, June 19: Training Day 3
  • Friday, June 20: Diplomacy Simulation at the US Department of State
  • Saturday, June 21: Student Departure
“Participating in Sister Cities International’s Youth Leadership Summit was an unforgettable experience that allowed me to connect with inspiring individuals, gain invaluable insights, and create lasting memories.”

- Eddie, YLS 2024
“Coming here [YLS], learning about the State Department, learning about these careers, for me really made a difference. I feel so much more confident about what I want to do and what I don’t want to do [with my career] and it’s all because of Sister Cities.”

- Jacob, YLS 2024
“I’ve met some amazing friends that I’ll keep in touch with for probably the rest of my life and I’m so happy I got to be [a part of] this experience.”

- Caleb, YLS 2024
“This Youth Leadership Summit has definitely, it sounds cliche, been a life changing experience for me. [It] gave me the opportunity to travel that I wouldn’t have had.”

- Julie, YLS 2024
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Eligibility Criteria

Application Process

Payment Information

  • Age Range: Applicants must be 14-18 years old at the time of YLS.
  • Sister City Affiliation: Participants must be associated with a Sister City Organization, either as members, volunteers, or program participants.
  • Interest in Citizen Diplomacy: Applicants should demonstrate a commitment to fostering international cooperation and understanding.
  • Leadership Potential: Candidates should exhibit leadership qualities and a willingness to engage in leadership development activities.
  • Commitment: Applicants must be available to attend the entirety of YLS. Scheduling conflicts must be communicated in advance.
  • Parent Guardian Consent: For participants under the age of 18, parent/guardian consent is required to apply for YLS. 
  • International Students are welcome to apply but are responsible for their own visa and travel arrangements. Sister Cities International will provide visa recommendation letters upon acceptance.
  • Diversity and Inclusion: We encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds and cultures to apply.
  • Number of Participants: 50 students will be selected.
  • Required Materials:
    • Two letters of recommendation: one from a school teacher and one from your local Sister City contact.
    • A one-minute video answering, “How will participating in the Youth Leadership Summit contribute to your future goals, and why do you want to attend?”
    • Three short-answer questions (300 words max):
      • Who is your role model? What makes your role model unique?
      • What does it mean to be a leader? Describe one characteristic that is important to be a successful leader and give one example.
      • What does citizen diplomacy mean to you, and how do you think it can shape a better world for your generation and those to come?
  • Submission Platform: Applications and recommendation letters must be submitted through the provided online Submittable platform. References will be automatically contacted to upload their letters of recommendation via Submittable. You will not be able to see the content of references once they are complete. It is the applicant’s responsibility to remind references to complete their letters on time. The letter will then be automatically added to your application after completion.
  • Summit Fee: The fee for the summit is $1,795. This cost covers lodging, cultural activities, and local transportation in Washington, DC.
  • Travel Costs: Participants are responsible for arranging and covering their travel to and from Washington, D.C.
  • Payment Deadline: Payment must be made within two weeks upon acceptance. Failure to pay on time will result in loss of a spot in the program.

Frequently Asked Questions

I am an individual located in X Country/city, am I automatically part of a Sister City Organization?

No. If you have not contacted your local sister city organization before, you are not automatically part of their network. If you have attended any events through their local programming, you may be in their network. However, all sister city organizations have their own membership procedures. There might be fees and other conditions for being part of their network. Please contact your local organization to learn more about your current status.

How can I find my Sister City organization?

If you have any questions about your affiliation with a dues-paying member of Sister Cities International, please contact SCI Membership Manager, Ashleigh Manuel ([email protected]).

Can I provide my school email address when I am filling out the submission form?

No. Please do not provide a school-affiliated email address (.edu, k12.net, etc). Most school email addresses have a security function that prohibits us from contacting you. Our main contact method will be email. Therefore, it is essential that you provide an email address that you check regularly. Lastly, please do not forget to check your spam folder as our emails will be considered “external” and might not show in your inbox. 

What is included in the summit fee?

The total summit fee includes lodging, cultural activities, food, and transportation while the student is in Washington, DC. The only cost not included is travel costs to and from Washington, DC.

How many students from each sister city program can apply?

There is not a limit on the number of students from a sister city program that can apply. We do not have a set number from each sister city program that will be accepted. Selection is based solely off of the overall applicant pool.

Is financial assistance available?

Sister Cities International does not currently provide financial assistance. Keep up with the SCI website for any potential funding opportunities. Local sister city organizations may have resources available.

How and when will applicants be notified of their acceptance?

Notification of acceptance will be sent out after the completion of the applicant selection process. If accepted, students will have two weeks to confirm or deny their participation. Participation will be confirmed by SCI receiving the full registration fee. If they do not confirm their spot within the two weeks, their acceptance will be revoked. Students will be notified of their application status by March 31, 2025.

Can I get a refund if I am unable to attend the summit after making the registration payment?

The summit fee is non-refundable once the payment has been processed. However, exceptions may be considered in cases of unforeseen circumstances, and decisions will be made on a case-by-case basis.

Can specific dietary requirements or medical needs be accommodated during the summit?

Yes. Participants with specific dietary requirements or medical needs should inform summit organizers upon acceptance. Accommodations will be made to the best extent possible.

Can parents or guardians accompany participants to the summit?

The Youth Leadership Summit is designed for students only. Parents or guardians are not expected to accompany participants during the program. Chaperones will be supervising students during their time in Washington, DC. Once the student is selected for the summit, parents and/or guardians will have time to virtually meet the chaperones.