2026 YOUTH DIPLOMATS APPLICATION

Apply today. Explore tomorrow.

Application open October 1 - October 31, 2025
Thank you for your interest in the 2026 WorldChicago Youth Diplomats program! We look forward to learning about what inspires, motivates, and moves you to be a global citizen. Here is some general information to help you complete your application:

Eligibility

High school students graduating in 2027 or later, current Freshmen, Sophomores, and Juniors, are invited to apply to the Youth Diplomats program. Applications will be accepted from public, private, and charter high schools in the city of Chicago and suburbs. Priority consideration is given to those attending Chicago Public Schools. There is no fee to participate in Youth Diplomats.

Session Dates

Youth Diplomats sessions typically fall on the 4th Saturday of each month. However, special sessions and holidays require an alternative date. In addition to these session dates, there will be opportunities for further engagement with other WorldChicago programs and events.
1. Saturday, January 24th, 2026
2. Saturday, February 28th, 2026
3. *Saturday, March 21st , 2026
4. Saturday, April 25th, 2026
5. Weekday, May TBA Springfield Legislative Session
6. Sunday, June 7th, 2026 Chicago Half Marathon volunteering
7. Saturday, July 25th, 2026
8. **Saturday, August 8th, 2026
*Moved due to Chicago Public Schools Spring Break

**Graduation Celebration

Session Theme
We anticipate the following session themes:
Introduction to Diplomacy, Fulbright/USAID panel, Working Bikes Volunteering, Grace School of Diplomacy, Springfield Legislative Session, Bank of America Chicago 13.1 Volunteering, In-Person Youth Exchange, Graduation Celebration.

Commitment
Your participation in the Youth Diplomats program requires a commitment to attend 6 out of the 8 sessions. As part of the application process, we will prioritize applicants who will dedicate their out of school time engagement to WorldChicago Youth Diplomats. Please consider this factor as it relates to your fit for this program. Furthermore, WorldChicago Youth Diplomats is a multi-year program, and participants are encouraged to engage through senior year.

Please submit the completed application by Friday, October 31, 2024, 11:59pm CST.

After you submit your application, you will receive a link for the academic/peer reference form. Please email your references the link for them to fill out by the application deadline.

You can also find the link for the reference application here: https://form.jotform.com/252664437760160

You may contact the program supervisor for questions via email at ma@worldchicago.org
Application Checklist*

Application FormShort EssaysSignature & Parent/Guardian ApprovalTeacher/Mentor Recommendation (submitted by recommender)Peer Recommendation (submitted by recommender)
APPLICATION FORM
APPLICANT*

First NameLast Name
EMAIL ADDRESS (Please check for accuracy)*
example@example.com
PHONE*
School Name *
GRADE*
ADDRESS*

CityState

Zip Code
Home Neighborhood*
BIRTHDATE:*

MonthDayYear
Date
Preferred Pronouns
Race/Ethnicity-Please select all that apply

Asian or Pacific IslanderBlack or African AmericanLatine or LatinxNative American or Alaskan NativeWhite or CaucasianPrefer not to sayOther
If you selected 'Other', please provide details here.
Primary language spoken in your home? *
.
Secondary (or more) language spoken in your home?
REFERENCES
Academic Reference Name*

First NameLast Name
Academic Reference Email*
example@example.com
Affiliation - Academic Reference (History teacher, etc.)*
Peer Reference Name*

First NameLast Name
Peer Reference Email*
example@example.com
Affiliation - Peer Reference (Friend from class, etc.)*
PARENT/GUARDIAN 1
Full Name - 1st Parent/Guardian*

First NameLast Name
Phone - 1st Parent/Guardian1*
Email - 1st Parent/Guardian*
example@example.com
Relationship to Applicant - 1st Parent/Guardian*
PARENT/GUARDIAN 2
Name - 2nd Parent/Guardian

First NameLast Name
Phone - 2nd Parent/Guardian
Email - 2nd Parent/Guardian
example@example.com
Relationship to Applicant - 2nd Parent/Guardian
SHORT ANSWERS
1. How did you hear about WorldChicago Youth Diplomats?*
2. Please list activities, sports, or clubs you are involved in at school.*
3. Please list activities, sports, or clubs you are involved in outside of school.*
4. What is your secret talent? (We won't tell.)
5. Please share your weekend commitments and how you will arrange your schedule to prioritize attending Youth Diplomat sessions.
SHORT ESSAYS
Please choose 3 of the 4 essay questions to answer in the spaces below. Be creative!

1. Why do you want to participate in WorldChicago Youth Diplomats? What could you contribute to the program that no one else can?

2. What do you think it means to be a global citizen? Describe a global issue that you care about - or would like to learn more about - and why.

3. What does the world need more of? Less of? How can you and other young people make it happen? How are you already making it happen?

4. Where in the world would you like to get lost? What do you think you would learn about the place, the people, and yourself? How would you get back?
ESSAY #1*

0/300
ESSAY #2*

0/300
ESSAY #3*

0/300
What question didn't we ask you?
SIGNATURE & PARENT/GUARDIAN APPROVAL
I agree that all of the information in this application is true. I agree that, if selected, I will participate to the best of my abilities in the Youth Diplomats activities and requirements as outlined above.
STUDENT SIGNATURE*

Clear
DATE*

MonthDayYear
Date
I agree that all of the information in this application is true. I agree that, if my student is selected, I give permission for their participation and will support them in meeting the program requirements as outlined above.
PARENT/GUARDIAN SIGNATURE*

Clear
DATE*

MonthDayYear
Date
PARENT/GUARDIAN SIGNATURE

Clear
DATE

MonthDayYear
Date
Thank you for applying to WorldChicago Youth Diplomats Program! We appreciate the work you have put in to start the application process.

Next steps:

Selected applicants will be contacted for an In-Person interview. Interviews will begin on Monday, November 17, 2025.

The 2026 Youth Diplomats Cohort will be announced in Mid-December, 2025.
Should be Empty:

Apply today. Explore tomorrow.

APPLICATION FORM

REFERENCES

PARENT/GUARDIAN 1

PARENT/GUARDIAN 2

SHORT ANSWERS

SHORT ESSAYS

SIGNATURE & PARENT/GUARDIAN APPROVAL