Smithsonian Latino Center Announces 2013 Young Ambassadors Program

PRESS RELEASE

The Smithsonian Latino Center is now accepting applications for the 2013 Young Ambassadors Program, June 23 through Aug. 2. The application deadline is April 12, before 5 p.m. EDT. The Young Ambassadors Program is a national, interdisciplinary leadership development program for graduating high school seniors. It aims to foster pride in Latino culture and promote higher education while exposing students to the arts, sciences and humanities via the Smithsonian and its resources.

Up to 24 students are selected for an all expenses paid, week-long seminar in Washington D.C., followed by a four-week paid internship in a museum or cultural institution in their community. Students meet and work with experts in the fields of history, science and the arts. The program also offers practical and transferable knowledge and skills that can be applied to their education and future careers.

Selection is based on demonstrated interest, commitment and excellence in the arts, sciences and humanities as well as academic record, leadership experience and dedication to education and community service. The program includes meals and accommodations for the duration of the one-week training seminar, round-trip travel to Washington, D.C., and a program stipend following the four-week internship.

“The Young Ambassadors Program is core to the Latino Center because it educates and inspires our future Latino leaders,” said Latino Center Director Eduardo Díaz. “As our community continues to grow it is becoming more important that our young people are prepared to contribute to this evolution in meaningful ways. We are proud to offer this opportunity.”

“We are proud to be actively involved in the success of the Young Ambassadors Program, and to stand alongside SLC for the past six years and witness the impact of this program in the lives of so many students,” said Joedis Avila, community outreach manager, Ford Motor Company Fund. “Education is a top priority to Ford Motor Company Fund because we believe it’s the key to driving brighter futures.”

Ford Motor Company Fund and Community Services works with community partners to advance driving safety, education and community life. The Ford Motor Company Fund has operated for more than 60 years with ongoing funding from Ford Motor Company. Innovation in education is encouraged through national programs that enhance high school learning and provide college scholarships and university grants.

The Smithsonian Latino Center is the division of the Smithsonian Institution that ensures that Latino contributions to art, science and the humanities are highlighted, understood and advanced through the development and support of public programs, scholarly research, museum collections and educational opportunities at the Smithsonian Institution and its affiliated organizations across the U.S. and internationally. For information on how to apply, visit www.latino.si.edu/education.

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