ON-DEMAND YOUTH LEADERSHIP PROGRAM

WHAT IS ODYLP?

The On-Demand Youth Leadership Program (ODYLP) is an initiative of the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA), administered by Legacy International. It is a unique program created to serve the emerging needs of U.S. embassies around the world. Each exchange provides exceptional high school students and adult mentors the opportunity to explore the primary themes of civic education, community engagement, respect for diversity, and leadership development through a variety of interactive activities such as trainings and workshops, community service, field trips to historic and cultural sites, home stay experiences, and other activities designed to achieve the program’s goals.

WHAT IS THE IMPACT OF ODYLP?

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Alumni

WHERE DO WE WORK?

The On-Demand Youth Leadership Program serves new countries and regions of the world each year. Since 2020, we have engaged OVER 100 ALUMNI spanning 19 DIFFERENT COUNTRIES.

So far, we have served youth and adult mentors from Botswana, Colombia, Cyprus, Ecuador, Fiji, Finland, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Nepal, Peru, Republic of Georgia, Sweden, Tonga, Tuvalu, Uganda, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

We look forward to working with and serving new communities around the globe each year!

WHAT IS ODYLP ABOUT?

Each On-Demand Youth Leadership Program is carefully designed and implemented to empower youth in four core areas: CIVIC ENGAGEMENT, CULTURAL EXCHANGE, YOUTH LEADERSHIP, and GLOBAL TOPICS & ISSUES.

Past ODYLP programs & topical areas designed & administered by Legacy International include:

  • ODYLP: Digital Literacy with Cyprus (2024)
  • ODYLP: STEM with Nepal (2024)
  • ODYLP: Community Service with Georgia (2024)
  • ODYLP: Digital Literacy with Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru (2023)
  • ODYLP: Climate Adaptation & Resilience with Malawi, Mozambique, and Uganda (2023)
  • ODYLP: Clean Energy with Botswana, Kenya, and Namibia (2023)
  • ODYLP: Climate Change with Finland, Sweden, the United Kingdom, and the United States (2021)
  • ODYLP: Climate Change with Fiji, Tonga, Tuvalu, and the United States (2020)
ODYLP Nepal STEM Themes 2

UPCOMING PROGRAMS & EVENTS

Information about 2025 programs coming soon... STAY TUNED!

MEET THE ODYLP TEAM

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Mary Helmig

Vice President
Ms. Helmig has 30 years non-profit experience, including directing U.S. Department of State Exchange programs, professional development initiatives and youth leadership programs.

Mary Helmig

Ms. Helmig has 30 years non-profit experience, including directing U.S. Department of State Exchange programs, professional development initiatives and youth leadership programs. Her work in Indonesia, Iraq, across the MENA region and with many US Embassies worldwide has addressed topics of NGO development, social cohesion, religion and society, business development, women’s economic prosperity, STEM training, and civic education and engagement. With activities both in the US and in the counterpart countries, she has experience leading US speaker and training groups abroad. Ms. Helmig is involved in the design, funding, and program and financial administration of Legacy’s projects.

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Chelsea Dresen

Youth Leadership Program Director
Chelsea believes that a global and connected world is a sustainable world. This passion has driven her to stay connected with Legacy International’s work in multiple capacities for many years

Chelsea Dresen

Chelsea believes that a global and connected world is a sustainable world. This passion has driven her to stay connected with Legacy International’s work in multiple capacities for many years, where she now manages the On-Demand Youth Leadership Program. Professionally, Chelsea has worked and volunteered with a variety of organizations focused on transformative cross-cultural travel experiences, including African Impact, Rustic Pathways, and Xperitas, and throughout this time, she has lived and studied in Ghana and Tanzania. She is committed to the mission of making cross-cultural exchange programs an integral part of every student’s education. Chelsea holds a Doctor of Education in Educational Sustainability and Master of Natural Resources with a certificate in Environmental Education (from University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point) and a Master of Science in Organizational Leadership and Bachelor of Science in Communication Studies (from Winona State University). Her doctoral dissertation study focused on exploring ways to expand global citizenship education and opportunities in rural Wisconsin schools. In her spare time, Chelsea enjoys spending time with her pets, hiking, reading, and volunteering at a youth camp.

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Warda Belkass

Youth Leadership Program Associate
Following a high school exchange program in the USA and a university exchange program in Italy, Warda's passion for cultural exchange deepened. After returning to Morocco, she earned her MA

Warda Belkass

Following a high school exchange program in the USA and a university exchange program in Italy, Warda's passion for cultural exchange deepened. After returning to Morocco, she earned her MA in Linguistics and honed her communication skills through diverse work experiences in tourism, education, and retail. Now residing in Florida, Warda continues her academic journey, focusing on human rights practices. Her unique background and passion for cross-cultural understanding position her to be a valuable asset in Legacy's youth leadership programs.

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Testimonials

"ODYLP has been a life changing experience - I am saying this truthfully. The things I have learned, the connections I have made, the people I have met, every single experience has been absolutely invaluable. The program included everything I could have wished for, attending formal meetings, visiting schools, meeting with American youth, experiencing American culture with host families… It was an unforgettable journey." - ODYLP Cyprus Participant

"One of the best programs ever! An amazing community, always there to support you and give you the warmth of home even if you are so far away from your country. You learn, and you enjoy. I'd recommend it 100% to anyone." - ODYLP Peru Participant

"ODYLP offers a unique opportunity to push your limits, to step into leadership roles, and to learn how to be independent . As an alumni, I'm really motivated to show the greatness of this program. Because it's not just an event; it's a life-changing experience." - ODYLP Georgia Participant

"ODYLP was the turning point of my life!" - ODYLP Nepal Participant

"When sharing my experience with others, I can't help but express my biggest gratitude for the incredible journey I've had with ODYLP. It's more than just a program; it's a supportive community comprising dedicated staff, organizers, inspiring speakers, and fellow delegates. Here, everyone has the chance to not only learn from others but also to discover themselves." - ODYLP Georgia Participant

"ODYLP is an absolutely amazing and transformative experience. It goes beyond being just a program; it's a journey that provided me with the opportunity to immerse myself in a dynamic environment, where I not only learned new things but also gained valuable insights into leadership, digital literacy, and the power of cultural exchange." - ODYLP Ecuador Participant

"After completing the ODYLP, I would describe myself as a more confident, empathetic, and effective leader. The program provided me with a range of skills that enhanced my ability to lead in various contexts." - ODYLP Cyprus Participant

"The ODYLP program is an exchange of knowledge between your country and United States. It is an opportunity to learn about yourself, your country, and recognize why you are proud of your country while also finding the areas and the ways to solve social problems that are found in your country." - ODYLP Colombia Participant

"ODYLP is a fantastic platform for everyone. They focus on building confidence, leadership skills, communication skills, and much more. The staff here are very sweet and caring; they always ensure our well-being, both physically and emotionally. Before this program, I lacked confidence when speaking in front of a group, but now I can speak and communicate perfectly. This program has been life-changing for me." - ODYLP Nepal Participant

The On-Demand Youth Leadership Program is an initiative of the U.S. Department of State

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