The Youth Leadership Program with Azerbaijan will enable participants to:
develop their sense of civic responsibility and commitment to community development;
become part of a group of community organizers who will share their knowledge and skills with their peers through positive action and collaboration;
foster understanding and build relationships with youth from different ethnic, religious, and national groups;
promote mutual understanding between the people of Azerbaijan and the United States.
Program features for all participants include workshops in the Washington, D.C. area; homestays with host families; high school exchanges; community service projects; sessions to explore the theme of social entrepreneurship, civic rights and responsibilities, youth leadership development, respect for diversity, and community engagement; cultural excursions; and a community service workshop to bring together students, teachers, and educators from both countries to develop projects that meet the needs of the communities and to reflect on the importance of civic responsibility.
Eligibility Requirements –Youth Leadership Program with Azerbaijan:
To apply for the program, students must certify that they meet the eligibility requirements outlined below.
Must be 15 to 17 years of age at the start of the program
(birth date must be between January 1, 1995, and August 15, 1997, inclusive),
Must be an 8th, 9th, or 10th grade student when applying for the program,
Must be currently enrolled in a participating secondary school in one of the following cities or regions: Baku and Absheron Peninsula, including Sumqayit, the Southern Region of Azerbaijan including Salyan, Jalilabad, Lankaran, Massali, and Lerik, and the Western Region of Azerbaijan including Ganja, Tovus, Agstafa, and Gazakh, and the Central Region of Azerbaijan including Kurdamir, Imishli and Shirvan,
Must have an academic standing of "good" or better,
Must have previously studied English and will demonstrate a high level of English-language ability at the time of registration,
Must be a citizen of Azerbaijan,
Must demonstrate leadership potential and a desire to contribute to the community,
Must meet U.S. visa eligibility requirements,
Must be able to travel to the U.S. in September 2012,
Must commit to participating in a Global Youth Service Day event on the weekend of April 20-22, 2012, and the virtual development of the program with other YLP participants, and
Must not be an immediate family member of individuals who work with the YLP at the U.S. Department of State, American Councils, or one of the implementing organizations.
How to Apply to the Youth Leadership Program with Azerbaijan
Applicants must:
Complete the application form and essay questions on-line.
Upload a copy of your identification card (shexsiyyet vesigesi). If you do not have an ID, you can attach a copy of your birth certificate.
Upload a visa photo (5x5)
Applicants must provide all parts of the application, ID copy or birth certificate AND visa photos. If the application is not complete the applicant will not be considered for the program. Semi-finalists will be notified of their status mid December, 2011 and will be invited for an interview and further testing in December 2011.
Junior Achievement uses hands-on experiences to help young people understand the economics of life. In partnership with business and educators, Junior Achievement brings the real world to students, opening their minds to their potential. Junior Achievement's unique approach integrates program materials, training, and support. Junior Achievement is the success bridge between education and business.
Junior Achievement provides teachers, and schools with concrete programmes, and allows students to learn how to put theory into practice and to understand what entrepreneurship is about. In this way students gain self-confidence and motivation, become proactive and learn how to work in a team. This is an important investment in Europe's future.
--- Jose Manuel Barroso, President of the European Commission
Junior Achievement provides teachers, and schools with concrete programmes, and allows students to learn how to put theory into practice and to understand what entrepreneurship is about. In this way students gain self-confidence and motivation, become proactive and learn how to work in a team. This is an important investment in Europe's future.