High school is a time to dive deep into the fundamentals. Students are focused on such things as American history, biology and classic literature. But some of them take their learning to the next level. They want to know how they can make a difference in the world and what skills they need to do so.
That is where the Youth Diplomats program comes into play. This World Trade Center Institute (WTCI) program is open to any high school sophomore, junior or senior considering a career that spans the globe, such as being a diplomat or working for a multi-national company. Program participants are called Albrecht fellows. They meet one Saturday a month, from January through August.
Youth Diplomats sessions are led by business leaders and other experts from the WTCI network, all who are affiliated with Mid-Atlantic entities that work globally – such as people from The Nature Conservancy, Soccer Without Borders and the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. Check out the 2022 program and see the cadre of speakers from previous years.
Approximately 30 fellows are selected for the program each year. Applicants must be curious about the world; open to diverse perspectives; committed to making an impact locally and globally; and advocates for equality, human rights and peace.
- Zen Gordon of Baltimore Polytechnic School, 2021 Albrecht Fellow
The idea to create the Youth Diplomats program came from Baltimore icon Dr. James Albrecht. The program marries two of his lifelong interests: youth education and global business. Bringing those interests together under the umbrella of WTCI was a natural, as Dr. Albrecht has been involved with the organization for more than three decades. He was a member of the first WTCI Board of Directors. The aptly named Albrecht Fellowships are awarded to participants of the Youth Diplomats and Global Pathways for Students programs.
The Youth Diplomats program is sponsored by:
For more information about Youth Diplomats, contact Youth Fellowships Manager Erin Karrh.