Fort Worth Youth International -Fort Worth Sister Cities offers young people the opportunity to join a special program called Fort Worth Youth International (FYI). FYI provides youth the opportunity to build and develop international leadership skills. Members learn about the culture and customs of our sister cities, work together to host social events, serve as youth ambassadors for international visitors and promote and share experiences of youth exchanges.

Youth Programs Include:

INTERNATIONAL LEADERSHIP ACADEMY - The award-winning International Leadership Academy began in 1989 and has developed into an exciting two-week international issues forum bringing together students from all seven sister cities and local Fort Worth youth. Through this program students have the opportunity to hone their leadership skills, meet new friends from around the world and gain firsthand experience in working with diverse individuals and cultures. Click here to download the 2008 application.

Junior International Leadership Academy- Fort Worth Sister Cities is pleased to announce the International Jr. Leadership Academy: July 14-18th for current 6-8th grade students. This program continues to grow and is a unique opportunity for our younger age group to focus on cultural experiences from international alumni and to develop leadership skills and appreciation of international cultures. International facilitators will be from Toluca, Trier and Mbabane. The registration deadline is March 24. These two programs help prepare youth to become global leaders by promoting cultural understanding, leadership opportunities and communication. This dynamic program is designed to facilitate dialogue and build international friendships without regard to cultural differences and barriers. Click here to download the 2008 application now!

FORT WORTH YOUTH AMBASSADORS - This is an exchange program that encompasses many different programs that involve mutual exchanges between our sister cities. They involve arts, culture, education and sports. (See Specialty Exchanges for further description).

HARASHIN SCHOLARS - In 1990 Mr. Shinichi Hara began the Harashin Scholarship Program to promote the international friendship between Fort Worth and Nagaoka, Japan. Over 200 students and educators have benefited from this program by having the opportunity to experience the lifestyles, history and traditions of each country.

SPRING BREAK & SUMMER EXCHANGES - Sister Cities offers many exciting opportunities for youth exchanges. Students travel to Fort Worth's sister cities and experience the history, language, food, culture, arts and daily activities of the city they visit. Youth Ambassadors live with a host family during the exchange and attend local schools, if in session. Delegations travel to nearby cities and sites of historical and cultural interest, and they are always recognized by the hosting sister city's Mayor and local officials. Diverse special exchanges are also offered in performing arts, sports and school-to-school programs. Many scholarships are provided to ensure that youth of all economic means have the opportunity to participate.