Mississippi River Youth Ambassador Application

Mississippi River Youth Ambassador Application
The Mississippi River Youth Ambassador Program is a multi-month youth leadership initiative under the umbrella of the Yangtze–Mississippi Regional Dialogue (YMRD) and a key pillar of USHCA’s commitment to institutionalizing youth engagement within the Dialogue. Undergraduate, graduate, and recently graduated students from states along the Mississippi River Basin are selected to participate in a structured cohort as representatives of their states and the broader Mississippi River region. Through guided learning modules, expert engagement, and collaborative project development ambassadors will deepen their understanding of river systems, sustainability, public health, and U.S.–China relations to help shape the future of rivers through global dialogue.

This program prepares participants to serve as informed, confident ambassadors of the Mississippi River community at the 2026 YMRD, hosted by USHCA this fall in the United States. There, they will present their projects and represent the Mississippi River Basin as Youth Ambassadors, engaging directly with both U.S. and Chinese academics, decisionmakers, and business leaders, contributing to sustained people-to-people exchange around shared river systems. This experience extends well beyond this event: ambassadors remain active members of USHCA’s network, mentoring future cohorts and continuing their involvement in meaningful subnational engagement.

Eligibility Requirements:
- Currently enrolled undergraduate, graduate student, or recent graduate (within one year).
- Based in or originally from a U.S. Heartland state in USHCA’s 21-state region.
- Demonstrated interest in environmental sustainability, river systems, public policy, communications, or U.S.–China/international engagement.
- Demonstrate the ability to interact with individuals of diverse cultural backgrounds and show leadership capability (experience in senior leadership positions in student-led organizations is a plus).
Participation Expectations:
- This program will run from late April through September and include bi-weekly virtual cohort meetings and expert-led Q&A sessions.
- Engage in collaborative cohort work throughout the program.
- Contribute written and digital communications, including blogs and storytelling.
- Attend local engagement in your home state where feasible.
- Contribute to the cohort’s project and presentation as part of the 2026 Yangtze–Mississippi River Dialogue.
Estimated Time Commitment: Approximately 3–5 hours per week, designed to fit alongside academic or summer commitments

Applications are due March 31st at 11:59 PM CST.
Personal Information

Tell us about yourself.
Full Name*

First NameLast Name
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Email Address*
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Heartland State Represented *
Current University / College*
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Short Answer Questions
Please write a brief bio in third person about your academic background, interests, and any experiences relevant to environmental issues, river systems, public policy, public health, agriculture, sustainability, or U.S.–China engagement. (150–200 words)*
Why are you interested in serving as a Mississippi River Youth Ambassador? (300-400 words). *
In your response, you may wish to address your interest in river systems, environmental sustainability, or subnational cooperation; Any coursework, research, internships, leadership roles, community engagement, or creative work relevant to this program; Your motivation for engaging with U.S.–China dialogue and international exchange; What you hope to gain from participating in this cohort.
How do you see youth playing a role in shaping the future of U.S.–China engagement and your field of interest? (200–300 words)*
Describe a local issue, initiative, or question related to the topics of public health, sustainability, agriculture, or U.S.-China Relations that you would be interested in exploring as part of your final project. (200–300 words)*
Is there anything else you’d like us to know?
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Mississippi River Youth Ambassador Application

Personal Information

Short Answer Questions

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