Tomorrow Lab Application Form

The J. Christopher Stevens Virtual Exchange Initiative (JCSVEI) invites alumni to apply to attend the The J. Christopher Stevens Virtual Exchange Initiative Tomorrow Lab: Innovating for Impact in the Next 250 Years, supported by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs.

Celebrate America’s 250th birthday and shape the next era of innovation and progress at The J. Christopher Stevens Virtual Exchange Initiative Tomorrow Lab: Innovating for Impact in the Next 250 Years from August 7-9, 2026, in Kansas City, MO. This exclusive, fully-funded experience brings together U.S. alumni to answer an important question: How can young people leverage emerging technologies — especially AI — to serve as citizen diplomats by engaging with global communities as resourceful, forward-thinking leaders who drive shared prosperity and project a vision of U.S. excellence, innovation, and global leadership wherever they live, work, and lead?

In-person participation for this event is only open to 21-30 year-olds in the United States.

Participants will spend an interactive weekend analyzing how rapid innovation is transforming the global economy, discovering how to effectively drive impact in a connected world, and learning the unique skills and connections needed to lead from any position in any setting. Through hands-on ideation sessions, inspiring speakers, and practical career development, attendees will expand their professional networks, build the skills to act as ambassadors of America’s legacy of innovation and diplomacy, and form a shared vision for linking technological advancements to community prosperity. To carry this momentum forward, participants will develop a structured commitment to use innovative tools and ideas to address a local challenge within 30 days of the Tomorrow Lab.

Alumni ages 18-30 from the United States and the Middle East and North Africa can join select sessions virtually by selecting the virtual registration option below.

EVENT SCHEDULE:

Event Dates: August 7-9, 2026
Opening and welcome dinner: Friday, August 7, 2026
Full-day programming: Saturday, August 8, 2026
Half-day programming: Sunday, August 9, 2026

All applicants must meet the following eligibility requirements to be considered:

1. Applicants must have completed a J. Christopher Stevens Virtual Exchange Initiative program. Alumni status will be verified with Stevens Initiative grantee organizations.

2. In-person participation for this event is only open to 21-30 year-olds in the United States. Applicants must be at least 21 years old and no older than 30 years old on the days of the event (August 7-9, 2026). While applications are welcome from all eligible alumni aged 21-30, priority consideration will be given to applicants between the ages of 21 and 24 to support young leaders at an early stage of their professional journeys. Alumni ages 18-30 from the United States and the Middle East and North Africa can join select sessions virtually by selecting the virtual registration option below.

3. In-person applicants must have a government identification that allows them to travel by plane if necessary. Applicants must have access to a bank account registered in their name that accepts transfers from U.S. organizations in order to receive participation funds.

AI can be one of a set of useful tools when thinking about your application, but we most value your unique, authentic voice and perspective when reviewing your application.

PLEASE NOTE: Submitting this form does not guarantee registration for the Tomorrow Lab: Innovating for Impact in the Next 250 Years. All applications are reviewed and approved by our team. You will receive a confirmation email by July 13, 2026 if your application is accepted. If you have any questions regarding the Tomorrow Lab or your application, please contact tomorrowlab@weymouthwatson.com.

LAST DAY TO APPLY: JUNE 26, 2026
Would you like to apply to attend The Tomorrow Lab?

Attendee Information
Full name exactly as it appears on official government identification.

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Select the J. Christopher Stevens Virtual Exchange Initiative program you participated in. Programs are listed following this format (implementing organization or institution - program name). If you participated in multiple programs, please select only one and list the other program name(s) and implementing organization(s) in the following question. If you don't recognize your virtual exchange program in this list, select "other" and then list the program name and implementing organization in the following question.
If you selected other, or if you participated in more than one program, list the virtual exchange program name(s), the organization(s) that implemented it, and the year you participated.
In which year did your virtual exchange program take place?
Select your current professional or academic status. If you are a student and working, please choose one of the student options and you can detail your other experiences in the question below.
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Please provide a brief bio introducing yourself. Please include your:
- Current professional or academic status
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  - Employer/organization and role (if working)
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- Interests and aspirations
- Any activities, accomplishments, or leadership experiences that have shaped who you are today.
This bio may be used to help us understand your professional and academic experiences and, if selected, introduce you to fellow participants.

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How did your virtual exchange shape your professional or academic trajectory, and how do you hope this event can help you further develop those skills and experiences? 150-200 words.

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What specific skills and mindsets are necessary to lead and drive impact in a rapidly changing world? 150-200 words.

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The Tomorrow Lab is a collaborative, hands-on experience designed to build a shared vision for America’s next era. Beyond building your own skills and network, what unique perspective, passion, or insight will you bring to the table? How will you actively collaborate with fellow alumni during the weekend to share ideas effectively and build connections? 150-200 words.

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If you have a disability and require accommodation in order to fully participate in this virtual program, please indicate below.
Participant Expectations
Full and Active Participation The Tomorrow Lab is not a passive listening experience. Participants are expected to arrive on time, remain present for the entirety of the programming from August 7–9, 2026, and actively contribute to all panels, workshops, and peer-feedback sessions. Please plan your travel and personal schedule to ensure you do not miss any portion of the event.

Follow-On Impact Commitment The work of a citizen diplomat extends beyond the weekend. As a core output of the event, you will be expected to design a manageable micro-experiment during the Tomorrow Lab and commit to launching it within 30 days of the program’s conclusion. Your goal will be to utilize a curated menu of project options to share your insights and directly reach your local community.
Professional Representation As top JCSVEI alumni, you are coming to this event as representatives of your communities and fields of study. You will also be attending the Tomorrow Lab as a guest of the United States Government and are expected to represent yourself accordingly. You are expected to arrive ready to share your unique skills and engage with peers with the highest level of professional courtesy and collaborative spirit.

Funding Acknowledgement and Narrative Alignment The Tomorrow Lab is funded by the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. As we celebrate America’s 250th birthday, any personal promotion, social media coverage, or public-facing documentation of this event must align with the official event messaging—focusing on America’s legacy of innovation, citizen diplomacy, global collaboration, and shared prosperity.
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Participant Expectations

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