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
The Global Leadership Youth Program (GLYP) gives middle school and 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.
We are currently registering students for our Summer 2022 GLYP programs. Students can attend in person or virtually and need-based scholarships are available. This summer, we are offering five one-week modules and high school students have the option of taking four modules for course credit. For more information and to register, click here. To read what students had to say about our past GLYP programs, click here.
The San Diego Diplomacy Council is delighted to offer sponsorships to our Global Leadership Youth Program for students in financial need who cannot pay our program fee. Sponsorships are provided by generous supporters in the community. Please contact Lulu Bonning at Lulu@sandiegodiplomcy.org for more information.
GLYP Academic Year Programs are similar to our summer programs, but offered during the academic year.
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 Jessica Frank at jfrank@sandiegodiplomacy.org for details on how to become an academic partner.
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 last workshop held in February 2020 here. For more information, please contact Lulu Bonning at lulu@sandiegodiplomacy.org.
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. For more information, click here.
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. U.S. Ambassador to Laos Rena Bitter even joined our group to play volleyball! See below for a glimpse of this wonderful program!
We also 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 Jessica Frank at jfrank@sandiegodiplomacy.org to discuss these opportunities.
We also publish The Messenger, an Youth E-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. To sign up for our youth newsletter, click here.
Have a suggestion for programs you would like to see? We would love to hear them! Email Jessica Frank, Program Director at jessica@sandiegodiplomacy.org
