Register today for the Binational Youth Summit
A Diplomacy Summit for Youth is coming to San Diego & Tijuana in 2024!
Don't miss this unique opportunity for high school students looking to increase their cultural understanding and global acumen, while building their resumes and connections with peers.
Today's youth are tomorrow's changemakers
The San Diego Diplomacy Council is passionate about supporting young people to become tomorrow's global leaders and changemakers. We offer youth programs that teach young people about current global issues and spark their interest in higher education pathways and careers in international affairs, diplomacy, and international business, while fostering youth leadership and civic engagement.
Featured programs
Binational Youth Summit
The San Diego Diplomacy Council will be hosting the SDDC Binational Youth Summit on February 28, 2024. This one-day Summit will convene 200 high school students and high school teachers from San Diego and Tijuana to explore international affairs and diplomacy while developing binational relationships and activating our next generation global leaders. Students will attend sessions led by local and global leaders and participate in a binational diplomacy simulation. Teachers will get tools and tips for integrating more international affairs curricula into their classrooms. There is no cost to students and teachers to attend.
Global Leadership Youth Program
The Global Leadership Youth Program (GLYP) gives high school students the chance to connect with local and international changemakers to discuss some of the biggest issues plaguing the world today. With a unique itinerary of diplomacy simulations, guest speakers, group projects, and cultural enrichment activities, this program is perfect for students looking to increase their cultural understanding and global acumen while building their resumes.
We have modules open to middle school (entering grades 6-8) and high school students (entering grates 9-12). GLYP offers students valuable skills including negotiation, global awareness, and an understanding of diplomatic processes. Sponsorships are available for students with financial need. Please contact us for more information.
Global Youth Collaborative
Building on the success of the Global Leadership Youth Program, the Global Youth Collaborative creates a space for globally-minded teens to connect, collaborate with peers, and formulate innovative solutions to global challenges, empowering them as global citizens and leaders equipped to make a positive impact in the world.
Open to high school students and recent high school graduates (ages 14-18), the Collaborative will complement SDDC’s summer classroom program, the Global Leadership Youth Program (GLYP), by providing a more immersive leadership experience with engagement throughout the school year.
Additional programs
Academic Partnerships
Through our Academic Partnerships we engage San Diego area schools and provide meaningful connections. SDDC's academic partner schools have opportunities for meaningful connections with our international visitors through lectures, roundtable discussions, group projects, volunteer opportunities, virtual visits, and other experiences. Contact us for details on how to become an academic partner.
Diplomacy Simulation Summits
Diplomacy Simulation Summits invite San Diego area students to participate in a half-day diplomacy simulation with other partner schools. This gives students a first-hand understanding of the complexity of diplomacy and the skills necessary to succeed in the field.
Negotiation Skills Workshops
Our Negotiation Skills Workshops offer high school students in San Diego and around the world a range of simulations, games, and strategies to improve their negotiation skills and cross-cultural understanding. The program is a partnership with PATHWAYS and La Jolla Country Day School and is geared towards all high school students interested in learning how to approach personal and professional conflicts in diverse and creative ways. Learn about our workshop held in February 2020 here. Contact us for more information.
International Exchange Programs
Our International Youth Exchange Programs are an essential part of the work of our organization to promote cross-cultural understanding and global youth leadership through various disciplines, including sports, arts, and music. In 2018, the San Diego Diplomacy Council took 25 San Diego volleyball players and coaches to Vietnam and Laos for a transformative cultural and diplomacy trip to Vietnam and Laos. Our teams played against local teams, volunteered, and enjoyed the sites and cultures of both countries.
Travel Programs
We lead Custom Youth Travel Programs for schools, sports teams, and other organizations wishing to arrange a domestic or international citizen diplomacy trip or international groups wishing to visit San Diego on a citizen diplomacy trip. Contact us to discuss these opportunities.
Youth Newsletter
We also publish The Messenger, a Youth Newsletter which is geared toward young people, parents, and educators. The Messenger shares information, exchange opportunities, and other resources for youth interested in international affairs and diplomacy.
Have a suggestion for programs you would like to see? We would love to hear them! Email us today!
Local support. Global Impact.
Your support helps us inform, educate, and involve our local community in international dialogue with emerging leaders from around the world.
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