American Councils for International Education will conduct a one-week Civic Education Workshop in February 2025 for current YES students. The Civic Education Workshop is a unique opportunity for YES students to gain hands-on experience with U.S. organizations committed to community service and social change. Students will take part in a series of events and activities designed to increase their knowledge of U.S. government and build their capacity and commitment to community service when they return to their own countries. Participants will also see first-hand the institutions of American government, including visits to Members of Congress and the State Department.

American Councils will invite three outstanding YES alumni to Washington, DC to take part in the workshop from February 21 to 28, 2025 as mentors to current YES students and to serve as ambassadors of the YES program.

Preference will be given to more senior alumni who:

1) Can readily make clear connections between their current successes/accomplishments and their experiences as a YES exchange student and/or as an alum.

2) Demonstrate a consistent commitment to community service for the betterment of their home countries.

3) Hold leadership roles in their chosen professional field.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Applicants must be from the 2019-2020 cohort or more senior (i.e., alumni who completed the program within the last fouryears are ineligible at this time). Only alumni who completed the program between 2004-2019 are eligible.
• Alumni must be currently residing in a YES country (preferably their home country; but applicants living in another YES country, making a significant positive impact on that YES country and alumni community, may be considered).

Transportation to and from the U.S., visa fees, accommodation in a double room with another alumnus/a of the same gender, meals, and travel medical insurance will be provided by American Councils. CEW alumni are also given the opportunity to visit their host family or friend from their exchange year, adding one other destination onto their ticket AFTER the workshop.

Interested alumni should contact their local YES office for an application and deadline (application deadlines vary from country to country).