Fellowships

Youth Diplomats Program

Fellowships that help high school students jump start their global careers

Take your learning to the next level. 

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 multinational company. Program participants are called Albrecht fellows. They meet one Saturday a month, from January through August. 

 

Support Youth Diplomats 

Help cultivate our region's next generation of global leaders by supporting this program.

Apply for Youth Diplomats

Click on the button below to apply for the next cohort of Youth Diplomats, which begins in January.

Program at a Glance 

  • Learn about such issues as sustainability and refugee migration  
  • Develop skills related to how to resolve conflict and communicate across cultures 
  • Have an opportunity to give back to the community by participating in a day of service  
  • Build long-lasting working relationships with like-minded peers and mentors 
  • Complete a project to demonstrate your understanding of global cultures and business issues 
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Learn from the Pros

Bruce McIndoe Presents to the Albrecht Fellows

Youth Diplomats sessions are led by business leaders and other experts from the WTCI network, all whom 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.


Top Reasons to Participate:

  • For students: Learn about the challenges countries around the world are facing and how they are addressing them; add the fellowship experience to your college application; and earn 25 service-learning hours. 
  • For educators: Get assistance in preparing your students for global careers. 
  • For business leaders: Help the Mid-Atlantic retain top talent, including where you work. 

Faces of WTCI:
Albrecht Fellowships

 
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Become a Fellow

Approximately 25 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. Applications for the 2023 cohort are due by November 15th. 

“Throughout our lessons, I thought of how I can strengthen my connections to this world and society as a global leader…This experience will always have a special place in my heart.”

- Zen Gordon of Baltimore Polytechnic School, 2021 Albrecht Fellow

Program Founder:
Dr. James Albrecht

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.

Jim Albrecht - Albrecht Fellowships Founder

2022 Albrecht Fellowships Committee

  • Jim Albrecht: retired group vice president, McCormick & Company
  • Peter Bowe: retired CEO, Ellicott Dredges
  • Miji Bell: associate dean for public affairs and communications, Princeton University
  • Joe Cumello: vice president and head of global marketing, Ciena Corporation
  • Brant Matthews: vice president of global strategic procurement, McCormick & Company
  • Caroline Quijada: principal associate of international development, Abt Associates
  • Shelly Talcott: senior director of integration & initiatives, Corus International
  • Sylvia Toense: head of global brand marketing, T. Rowe Price
  • Tracey Durant: executive director of the Office of Equity, Baltimore City Public Schools

The Youth Diplomats program is sponsored by:

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Need More Info?

For more information about Youth Diplomats, contact Director of Fellowships Charise Liggins.

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