The Youth Leadership Program with Algeria (YLPA) is a leadership development opportunity for Algerian and American youth, ages 15-17. This cultural and academic exchange takes place every summer in Reno, Nevada and Washington, DC. The Northern Nevada International Center has coordinated the exchange for 15 consecutive years.

YLPA employs a highly 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 and the rights and responsibilities of citizens in a democracy, as well as the role that social enterprises play in a community. Participants will stay with an American host family and have the opportunity to engage with and learn from their host family throughout the program. This program is fully funded by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs.

The program is comprised of an intensive training schedule that includes highly academic workshops, project planning, team-building activities, and cultural activities. After the completion of the U.S.-based program, participants are required to complete a post-program service project in their local communities. Participants can expect to be in programming sessions from 8 to 12 hours each day.