YOUTH AMBASSADORS ON-DEMAND
The Youth Ambassador On-Demand Program (YA OD) 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 priorities of U.S. embassies around the world. Each exchange connects exceptional high school students and adult mentors participants with American communities, institutions, and innovation ecosystems. The program builds enduring relationships that support long-term cooperation and mutual understanding. Programs are flexible and address primary themes of American innovation, leadership development, and use of emerging technologies to address real-world challenges. Through a variety of interactive activities such as trainings and workshops, field trips to historic and cultural sites, home stay experiences, and other activities partcipants gain valuable tools and insights.
WHAT IS THE YOUTH AMBASSADORS ON DEMAND PROGRAM?
WHO and WHERE?
Youth Ambassadors On-Demand serves new countries and regions of the world each year.
In 2026-2027, we anticipate conducting three (3) distinct exchange projects for approximately 90 total participants (consisting of approximately 60 international participants and 30 participants from the United States, inclusive of youth and adult mentors).
The program equips the 30 American youth with critical cross-cultural communication skills and a global perspective, enhancing their leadership competitiveness in a globalized economy.
YA OD participants will enjoy hospitality in a variety of cities across the nation, including CINCINNATI, DENVER, DETROIT, KANSAS CITY, AND SEATTLE.
Each host community will highlight businesses ad organizations exemplifying American innovation and entrepreneurship.
Testimonials
YA OD 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." - 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." - Peru Participant
YA OD 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." - Georgia Participant
"I learned that collaboration leads to inspiration and innovation. Interacting with peers with different backgrounds and perspectives allowed me to see problems in new ways. I realized that combining ideas can lead to solutions that I might not have discovered alone." - Republic Of Korea Participant
"A leadership lesson I will carry forward is to recognize the value of adapting and understanding the people I am working with in order to guide a group toward a common goal. Effective leadership is collaborative as people bring different strengths and perspectives. Hence, a leader’s role is to recognize those differences and create an environment where everyone feels empowered to contribute. Instead of micromanaging every decision, it is important to listen closely to others’ insights and adjust my approach when needed. This way, a leader can help a group develop stronger solutions while also making each person feel valued." - USA Participant
" For our community action project, our team built and launched the first working prototype of UrbanPulse Kosovo, a civic-tech platform designed to make local information and municipal services easier to access. We created the core dashboard, issue-reporting flow, municipality selection, bilingual structure, and sections for events, jobs, and youth opportunities. The prototype is now live and ready for testing with users." - Kosovar Participant
The Youth Ambassador On-Demand Program (YA OD) is an initiative of the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA), administered by Legacy International.
