On-Demand Youth Leadership Program: VIETNAM
Adult Mentor Application Information
The On-Demand Youth Leadership Program (ODYLP): Uganda - STEM is an initiative of the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA). It brings together a group of approximately 14-16 youth participants (ages 15-18) and 2 adult mentors (ages 25 and older) from Uganda for a three-week, U.S.-based exchange focused on empowering young leaders in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
Adult Mentor Experience
The adult mentors will gain valuable skills in youth leadership development and community engagement as they travel to the United States with the group and help facilitate learning. They will guide young leaders through the entire experience, beginning with pre-program orientation and culminating in the implementation of community-based projects. Below is an overview of adult mentor roles and responsibilities in each phase.
Pre-Program Preparation Phase
The two selected mentors will assist with all in-country logistical arrangements to ensure students complete the necessary paperwork and travel preparations. They will participate in pre-departure orientations and provide support for visa interviews, travel logistics, and group departure coordination, as needed.
In-Person Exchange Phase
During the U.S. exchange, the adult mentors will focus on observing and understanding the teaching and experiential education elements of the program while supporting youth development. They will attend and engage in all activities alongside the youth, serving as advocates for the youth and helping them process their learning. Through their active observation and engagement, mentors will gain practical knowledge that they can apply to their own professional settings.
Community Project Phase
In this final phase, the adult mentors will guide students as they implement peer education or community sergice projects inspired by their U.S. experiences. They will attend the monthly virtual check-ins and coaching sessions with Legacy alongside the students and help students prepare reports showcasing their projects' impact. They will also have the chance to share any professional development lessons learned with fellow educators.
Adult mentor applicants must:
- Be 25 years or older as of November 1, 2025
- Be currently involved with SMART Girls Uganda
- Be a citizen of Uganda (Note: Individuals with dual U.S. citizenship are not eligible)
- Be living in Uganda at the time of the exchange and during the follow-on component
- Have proficiency in English
- Have experience teaching or working with teenage youth around the themes of leadership, STEM, and/or community service
- Have demonstrated strong leadership skills
- Have a sincere interest in supporting young women in developing leadership and STEM expertise
- Be willing to take on the role of offering instructional support, coordinating logistics and committing to the continued mentorship of youth participants through the community project phase
Preference will be given to individuals who:
- Have not previously traveled to the United States; or
- Have not participated in any in-person, ECA-funded program in the United States within the past three years or accepted a scholarship for an upcoming U.S. Government-funded exchange program.
- Please note: Individuals with dual U.S. citizenship, and/or with family members of U.S. Embassy/Consulate staff or U.S. Department of State employees are not eligible for this program.
There is NO application fee.
The United States Government will pay for all travel to and from the United States, and all program-related costs for selected participants.
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