Celebrating the Young Civic Leadership Summit: Empowering Future Leaders from Around the World
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We are thrilled to reflect on the success of the recent Young Civic Leadership Summit (YCLS) held in Washington, D.C. from August 5-8.
This year’s event, hosted at American University, brought together a group of 50 extraordinary young leaders from across the globe. Hailing from 24 countries, the selected Young Fellows are all participants of the BridgeUSA J-1 visa program governed by the State Department and administered by CIEE.
Named in honor of Ambassador Johnny Young and Mrs. Angie Young, the Summit embodies the spirit of public service, diplomacy, and bridge-building that the Youngs have championed throughout their lives.
A Gathering of Changemakers
This year's YCLS saw nearly 800 CIEE Summer Work & Travel participants apply for one of the coveted spots at the Summit. These individuals represent the next generation of global changemakers, each bringing unique perspectives and ideas to the table.
Engaging Activities and Inspirational Moments
The Summit was packed with activities designed to inspire and equip the Fellows with the tools they need to create meaningful change in their communities.
Highlights included intercultural training sessions, a meet-and-greet with Deputy Assistant Secretary Rebecca Pasini, and the highly anticipated “Be a Changemaker Challenge.”
In this challenge, Fellows collaborated to match their passions with social issues, resulting in innovative ideas for social ventures.
Some of the inspiring ideas pitched during the Summit included a Women’s Empowerment Club in Uzbekistan, an initiative to improve sports infrastructure in Romania, and a domestic violence haven in Nigeria.
These pitches showcased the creativity and determination of our Young Fellows, reaffirming our belief that when passionate individuals come together, they can indeed change the world.
Special Guests and Lasting Impact
A particularly memorable moment of the Summit was the attendance of Mrs. Angie Young, who joined us on Tuesday morning. Her presence was not only a highlight for the Fellows but also a chance for CIEE to honor her and Ambassador Young’s legacy.
Mrs. Young’s words of wisdom and encouragement left a lasting impression on all in attendance, further inspiring our Fellows to pursue their goals with courage and conviction.
The final day of the Summit featured a workshop by Streetlaw, Inc., where Fellows explored the principles of democracy and civic engagement, followed by a guided tour of Washington, D.C.’s historical landmarks.
These experiences deepened the Fellows’ understanding of democracy and the role they can play in shaping a better future for their own countries and the world.
Looking Ahead
As the 2024 Young Fellows return to their home countries, they carry with them not only a deeper understanding of leadership and social impact but also a network of peers who will support them on their journeys for years to come. We extend our heartfelt thanks to our CIEE community for joining us in D.C.
Watch the YCLS Video Recap: Click here to watch