Applications are open for the fully funded Algeria Youth Leadership Program in the USA. The Algerian Youth Leadership Program is a leadership development opportunity for Algerian and American youth, ages 15-17. This cultural and academic exchange will take place in Reno, Nevada and Washington, DC from June 15-July 8, 2020, with an orientation in Algiers from June 12-14, 2020. The program will employ an interactive approach both in workshops and in a range of public and community settings. Through engagement in the activities, youth and adult participants will better understand civic participation, the rights and responsibilities of citizens in a democracy and the role that social enterprises play in a community. The program is highly academic and provides participants with the skills to complete a required post-program service project in their local communities.

The U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, in conjunction with its private partners, pay for ground transportation to and from Algiers, international transportation to and from the United States, orientations and workshops, program fees and administration, site visits and seminars, lodging and most meals, some cultural activities, educational materials, and accident and sickness insurance coverage. Participants stay with volunteer host families while in Reno.

Eligibility

Youth Candidate Eligibility

• are a legal citizen of Algeria
• will be 15, 16 or 17 years old on or before June 12, 2020
• have demonstrated English skills, sufficient for understanding the academic discussion and everyday social interactions
• have at least one year of high school remaining after the program. If you are selected as a semifinalist, you will be required to submit an original high school transcript and a school certificate to verify that you have at least one year of high school remaining.
• have demonstrated leadership in their schools and/or communities
• have an interest in the program themes of social entrepreneurship, leadership and project development and would like to participate in academic classes and do work to develop in these areas
• have permission from their parent(s) or legal guardian to participate in the entire program
• do not have a familial relation to the Northern Nevada International Center, their Algerian partner Action Bénévole pour la Citoyenneté & le Développement, or the U.S. Department of State

Adult Candidate Eligibility

• Are legal citizens of Algeria
• Work actively mentoring youth in their professional or volunteer activities
• Are community leaders
• Have excellent English
• Are committed to working with the Youth Leadership Program participants after their return from the United States and assist in the implementation of community projects
• Have travel experience outside of their home state or province (international travel experience is not required). Program staff will travel with you to the U.S.
• Are committed to the goals and ideals of the program, including civic leadership, diversity and fostering regional and global interactions
• Are not employed by and/or do not have a familial relation to the Northern Nevada International Center, their Algerian partner Action Bénévole pour la Citoyenneté & le Développement or the U.S. Department of State

Application Procedure

The application consists of two (2) parts-and online Written Application and an online Video Interview. All parts of the application must be completed entirely in English. The information you provide in the written and video portions of the application will be used to select semifinalists for this program. Please read all the instructions and answer all the questions carefully and completely.

Follow these steps to complete the online Written Application by midnight (GMT +1) on November 9, 2019:

1. Print, complete and scan the following documents. These must be uploaded to your online application:

• Letters of Recommendation – two (2) typed and hand-signed letters of recommendation, written in English
• Algerian Youth Leadership Program Adult Participant Signature Page – one (1) hand-signed 2020 Algerian Leadership Program Adult Participant Signature Page.

2. Complete the personal information and essay questions asked on the online application, upload the two (2) required Letters of Recommendation and the Signature Page, and submit your application by midnight (GMT +1) on November 9, 2019. Note: You can access the application to view the information required multiple times, but once you begin to fill out the form, you cannot save your answers to go back later. Therefore, you must complete and scan the two (2) Letters of Recommendation and the Signature Page before filling out the application.