Twenty-nine students and fourteen leaders are visiting four of Fort Worth’s eight sister cities this month including Trier, Germany; Budapest, Hungary; Reggio Emilia, Italy; and Toluca, Mexico.
The youth of Fort Worth benefit from a global education. In addition to learning leadership skills and participating in cultural exchange, they also receive training to become citizen diplomats representing the U.S., Texas, and Fort Worth which enhances their college and career opportunities
“Today’s global community and marketplace is increasingly interconnected, making cultural understanding and exchange a pivotal aspect of a student’s education. Our student-centered program ensures students develop the skills necessary for them to pursue their own goals and become globally-minded leaders in their communities,” said Johnny Campbell, Chairman of the Board of Sister Cities.
Educators from the FWISD, private schools, and local universities will lead the delegations including:
Trier, Germany: Tracey Cravens, North Side High School and Nancy Martinez, Sam Houston State University.
Reggio Emilia, Italy: Marvin Vann Griffith, Southwest High School, Heather Kurima, Trimble Tech High School, Jay Kurima, Texas Academy of Biomedical Science and Jose Frayre, Polytechnic High School, as well as Associate Delegation Leader Arian Martinez, Tarrant County College.
Budapest, Hungary: James Gleaton, Tarrant County College and T’Aundra Harlin, Uplift Summit International Prep., as well as Associate Delegation Leader Samuel Whiting, George Washington University.
Toluca, Mexico: Masaki Nakamoto, Paschal High School and Rhonda O’Brien, North Side High School, as well as Associate Delegation Leader Clara Counts, Tarrant County College and Educator Ambassador Jose Romero, Polytechnic High School.
More students will depart for exchanges in the summer.
Nearly 100 Fort Worth students recently completed a vigorous selection process and have been selected to represent the City of Fort Worth as Ambassadors to several of Fort Worth’s international partners.
This year’s Ambassadors represent the Fort Worth ISD, Grapevine-Colleyville ISD, Everman ISD, Hurst-Euless-Bedford ISD, Eagle Mountain-Saginaw ISD, Keller ISD, and several private schools. Scholarship assistance of over $100,000 is awarded annually ensuring a diverse group of students and teachers who will represent Fort Worth.
Twelve delegation leaders from area schools and organizations were recently selected to lead youth exchanges to six of Fort Worth’s sister cities next year. Nearly 125 local students will be interviewed for approximately 80 available slots to travel as Youth Ambassadors.
The 2016 Ambassador Middle Schools include McLean Middle, Leonard Middle, and Fort Worth Country Day School. These schools are hosting 36 students and teachers from Nagaoka, Japan October 15–23 for this annual international youth exchange program.
The goal of the Ambassador Middle School program is to prepare Fort Worth students giving them the leadership skills needed to succeed in today’s connected world. At the same time, educators are given creative teaching tools and exposure to international cultures and educational systems of other countries.
“Sister Cities works closely with the Fort Worth ISD and local private schools to give Fort Worth students the best opportunity possible to be successful in a global society,” said Johnny Campbell, Chairman of the board. 
The Japanese students will attend classes, participate in cultural activities and live with Fort Worth families from the participating schools while in Fort Worth gaining an even better understanding of Fort Worth and the U.S.A.
Fort Worth Mayor Pro Tem Sal Espino will lead a delegation of twenty Fort Worth Ambassadors to Guiyang, China June 11-19 to celebrate the 5th anniversary of the partnership as sister cities.
The exchange will consist of three nights in Guiyang, visiting local sites of interest as well as an official commemoration of the establishment of the partnership at city hall and a celebration banquet following. The exchange will also include a visit to Beijing to see the Great Wall of China, Tiananmen Square, and a tour of the Forbidden City as well as a visit to Shanghai. 
The group will also include Youth Ambassadors who will be home hosted while in Guiyang. Fort Worth and Guiyang have developed a strong reciprocal youth program with students visiting each other’s cities annually. Fort Worth will be hosting fifteen Chinese students at its International Leadership Academy in July.
This year marks the 12th year of the International Leadership Academy’s middle school program, Jr. International Leadership Academy (JILA) held July 11—15 for middle school students . This one week Academy will be held at South Hi Mount Elementary School in partnership with the Fort Worth ISD.
College students from Toluca, Mexico and Mbabane, Swaziland will serve as facilitators for the students who will experience cultural presentations and interaction with the university students gaining an international perspective.
“The students will be challenged to improve and refine their leadership skills and learn how diverse cultures can support common goals. It’s a tremendous opportunity for personal growth and prepares these students for a global society,” said Nancy Marchant, JILA Coordinator.
Toluca, Mexico: Nathan Henderson, Stripling Middle School and Stephanie Atkinson, University of Texas at Arlington.
Nearly 100 Fort Worth students recently completed a vigorous selection process and have been selected to represent the City of Fort Worth as Ambassadors to Fort Worth’s international partners.
