Youth Ambassadors

Youth Ambassadors is a volunteer leadership program run by the World Affairs Council of Connecticut for Connecticut high school students interested in global affairs. Ambassadors help run the Council's international programs and events, taking on roles such as hosting registration tables, helping with discussion sessions, supporting set-up and welcoming high-level visitors, while meeting diplomats, global leaders and foreign policy experts. Accepted students complete a workbook and a virtual training on Zoom in late August, then sign up for volunteer shifts announced from September through June, mostly in the Greater Hartford area with a few events in Fairfield County. Completing the training and at least four shifts of about four hours each earns the Council's Youth Ambassador Certificate in Global Leadership & Diplomacy, and the Council certifies volunteer hours for students who need community service hours. The program is unpaid and free, and a limited number of CTtransit passes may be provided.

The program is open to high school students. Applicants complete an online application that takes about 20 minutes and is reviewed by the Council team; the 2026 application period ran from July 1 to August 7. Ambassadors under 18 must return their workbook permission and acknowledgement forms signed by a parent or guardian before signing up for volunteer shifts, and all Ambassadors follow the Council's volunteer code of conduct.