On-Demand Youth Leadership Program (ODYLP):
Excellence in AI and Global Leadership Exchange (EAGLE)
The ODYLP: EAGLE is a program of the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA), implemented by Legacy International in partnership with World Affairs Council Seattle. The program brings together approximately 18 youth participants (ages 15–18) and three adult mentors from Kosovo, the Republic of Korea, and the United States for a three-week exchange in Seattle & Washington D.C. focused on equipping young leaders and educators with knowledge and skills in AI, technology, and global leadership.
ODYLP: EAGLE will provide opportunities to...
- Learn the fundamentals of AI and explore how it’s transforming the world
- Design AI-powered solutions to real issues affecting your community
- Explore ethical and responsible technology use, including digital citizenship and online safety
- Strengthen innovation and entrepreneurial skills through interactive workshops
- Build leadership and civic engagement skills through hands-on community problem-solving
- Collaborate with peers from Kosovo, the Republic of Korea, and the United States
The program is 20 days in length, with 15 days in Seattle, Washington, and 5 days in Washington, D.C. June-July 2026
Followed by community projects advancing youth leadership in AI
A Journey of Two Washingtons: Seattle to D.C.
Technology has an incredible ability to bridge the gap between us. Recently, a group of 18 forward-thinking young leaders from Korea, Kosovo, and the United States came together for the On-Demand Youth Leadership Program (ODYLP): Excellence in AI and Global Leadership Exchange (EAGLE). They embarked on a 20-day journey that traversed cultures and two distinct "Washingtons."
Beginning in the tech-driven innovation hub of Seattle, Washington, and ending at the seat of the U.S. government in Washington, D.C., programs like EAGLE offer more than just technical training or travel opportunities. They demonstrate that when young minds come together across cultures, a focus on technology can serve as a powerful tool for genuine connection.
In Seattle, participants immersed themselves in an environment filled with tech pioneers and startups, and had the chance to visit with some of the largest and most renowned tech companies in the world. They gained hands-on insights into the design and construction of AI by engaging with engineers, product managers, scientists, and researchers. Together, they explored the technical mechanics and human-centered principles necessary to create tools and products that truly serve people. One participant shared, "Being able to step into those workplaces, hear their stories, and exchange ideas with experts who are doing incredible work was both inspiring and eye-opening." Participants witnessed innovation in action, and as AI continues to transform our world, EAGLE emphasizes that the most important element of any algorithm will always be the human heart behind it.
Visits to companies like Google, Microsoft, and AWC Amazon were especially meaningful because they helped students connect the program’s themes to real-world careers and professional environments. One participant shared that “visiting Google was my favorite.” Several students noted that seeing professionals at work changed how they thought about both leadership and AI, with one reflecting that the site visits “opened me up to different opportunities in which AI can be utilized in a variety of fields.”
While in Washington, D.C., the cohort explored major historical sites, engaging directly with the history of the United States. Exploring these landmarks wasn't just a sightseeing excursion—it was a lesson in character. The history written across D.C.'s monuments and within its museums defines the American spirit of progress, and an enduring willingness to do the hard work required to build a better future. Learning the history of the American people shifted the lens from how we build for society to why human collaboration and ingenuity must guide it.
Between the visits, tours, learning, and observing was the opportunity to interact with each other, especially with American citizens, as the country celebrated the 250th anniversary of American independence. These special moments shifted perspectives from being transactional to conversational. In the words of one participant, "having honest conversations every day helped me understand different perspectives in a way that books or videos never could. Those relationships made the entire experience meaningful."
As these young leaders return home, the hard-earned lessons in leadership, ethics, and human-centered design will serve as the foundation for their community capstone projects. "I got inspiration from others to create a capstone project that helps other people," wrote one participant. At the same time, another reflected, "that even at a young age, youth can make big changes in the community."
With a shared commitment to responsible innovation, these emerging leaders are now ready to apply what they have learned to solve real-world challenges right in their own neighborhoods—ensuring the ripple effect of this U.S. exchange program continues for years to come.
