World Affairs Council of Philadelphia Youth Diplomat Program Application

The year 2026 is one of the most important in Philadelphia’s history. Celebrating the 250th birthday of the country includes a wide array of high-profile, once-in-a-lifetime events. From hosting diplomats and global delegations to major sporting events, cultural exhibitions, festivals, and more, the city NEEDS YOU to help welcome the world in 2026!

World Affairs Council of Philadelphia will prepare you, regional high school students, to represent your city in 2026. Students who complete their training will select volunteer opportunities throughout the year including participation in historic events, welcoming high-level visitors, and being a part of history. THE YOUTH DIPLOMAT PROGRAM IS THE OFFICIAL AVENUE FOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS TO MEANINGFULLY ENGAGE IN PHILADELPHIA’s HISTORIC SUMMER OF 2026.

World Affairs Council’s Youth Diplomats will receive training on cultural diplomacy, the historic role of Philadelphia, the impact of 2026, and best practices for volunteer and civic engagement. This training will be made available via LMS allowing participants to complete the approximate one to two hours of training at their convenience.

Students who complete the training and at least one volunteer opportunity will be entered in a raffle for exciting prizes in addition to receiving a certificate of participation and credit toward any volunteer hours required for graduation.

There is no cost for students to participate thanks to generous support from and partnerships with the Philadelphia Funder Collaborative, America 250PA, the School District of Philadelphia and the City of Philadelphia.

The majority of training will be presented via online modules that will take only one to two hours to complete on your own. Additionally, all Youth Diplomats will be INVITED attend an exclusive in-person training event/program launch tentatively scheduled for the afternoon of April 9th, 2026. Please make sure you have marked your calendar for this event, you will not want to miss it.

Training sessions will focus on cultural diplomacy, the history of Philadelphia, and best practices for volunteer and civic engagement. All training will be presented via online modules that will take approximately two hours to complete.

Attendee Information

First Name

Preferred Name (if any)

Last Name

Date of Birth

Primary Email Address

NOTE: This must be an email that you will have access to through the summer of 2026.

Primary Phone Number

Current Grade

Year of Anticipated Graduation

High School Attended

High School Address

Please list your school's full address. Number and street name, city, state, zip code

Home Address

Street

Please List your full street address, and then an apartment number if applicable

City

State

Zip Code

Parent/Guardian Information

Have you discussed your interest in this program with a parent/guardian?

Parent/Guardian Full Name

Please list your parent/guardian's full first and last name

Parent/Guardian Email

This may not be the same email as your listed email.

Parent/Guardian Mobile Phone Number

Parent/Guardian Work Phone Number

Youth Diplomats Program Information

How did you hear about the Youth Diplomats program?

Were you referred to this program by an individual?

Who referred you to this program?

Are you applying to this program as part of a class, club or community group?

This is intended for groups of 5+ people seeking to volunteer simultaneously.

What is the name of your class, club or community group?

Please include the full name of your class, club or community group. Ex. Central High School's Varsity Basketball Team

What interests you in the Youth Diplomats program?

Please provide some background information about your exposure to or interest in cross-cultural work

Have you had the opportunity to do any international travel?

Please tell us where you have traveled and about that experience

Do you speak any additional languages?

Please select these languages and proficiency level

Are you interested in learning more about other youth programming at the World Affairs Council of Philadelphia?

Volunteer Information

Do you anticipate being able to volunteer during the winter/spring semester of 2026?

Please select your general availablity in the winter/spring of 2026

How would you plan to get to volunteer sites?

Other

Do you anticipate being available to volunteer during the summer of 2026?

Please provide any additional information about your Summer 2026 availablity (if known)

e.g. I will be on family vacation from August 1-10

How many volunteer hours would you like to commit to this program if they are available?

How far from your home are you willing to travel to attend volunteer opportunities?

Do you anticipate needing assistance getting to volunteer sites?

If yes, what kind of assistance do you need?

Do you need any reasonable accommodations in order to successfully volunteer?

e.g. Volunteer site must be ADA compliant

If yes, what accommodations should we look for?

Do you have any allergies or health conditions for which you would like us to have awareness?

If yes, please provide us any additional information

Do you have any previous volunteer experience?

If yes, please describe

Are you comfortable with physically active tasks?

e.g. Lifting approximately 40-50lbs, walking long distances, extended time of your feet, etc.

If no, please explain

Are you comfortable speaking to and working with groups, interacting with the general public, and/or acting in the capacity of a host?

What size t-shirt would you like to wear during your volunteering?

Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy

Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy

Please review The World Affair's Council Philadelphia's Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy

I have Read, Understand and Agree to the World Affairs' Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy

I have Read, Understand, and Agree to the World Affairs' Youth Diplomats Code of Conduct

Contact Information