The Youth Diplomats program is more than just an extracurricular activity—it’s a powerful investment in our region’s future. By cultivating public speaking skills, intercultural understanding, and real-world experiences, the program strengthens our local workforce and prepares high school students to become thoughtful, informed citizens. Through engaging with international peers and U.S. State Department and Congressional visitors, participants develop a deeper appreciation for America’s founding ideals and the ways in which our country continues to grow toward those noble aspirations. This initiative fosters an inspiring appreciation for our national values, seen through the lens of global connection and service.
The following reflection by one of our outstanding Youth Diplomats offers a firsthand look at the meaningful, real-world impact this program has on students and the broader community.
The Youth Diplomats Experience
What do Morocco, Ghana, Uganda, and the United States all have in common? Each country gets the opportunity to share their culture and perspectives with Youth Diplomats! This Gulf Coast organization is one of the best for high schoolers because of its focus on expanding international connectivity and providing members with opportunities to develop their professional skills.
Members do not just interact with peers from one region, but from all over the globe.
Connected with representatives from the State Department, students are able to learn about life skills in the monthly meetings, host exchange students throughout the year, or attend pop-up events with international visitors. As a member of Youth Diplomats, I’ve had the opportunity to speak with peers from different countries, the most recent being Morocco and Iraq. These exchanges have shown me the similarities between our cultures, despite being oceans and continents apart. Young Moroccan girls had ambitious dreams–similar to mine–to work hard in traditionally male-dominated fields, such as STEM or the military. Iraqi students also cared deeply about the environment, as we volunteered to clean up Pensacola nature reserves while they visited the United States.
Youth Diplomats gives amazing chances for young students to engage in their local and global communities while learning more about other cultures–joining is one of the most rewarding decisions one can make.
– Annabelle Apel, Youth Diplomat
Learning from a legacy of service—Youth Diplomats meet with a retired U.S. Diplomatic Security officer.