Apply for Youth Programs

Apply for Youth Programs

Growing perspective.

Fort Worth Sister Cities offers several opportunities for young people to develop an intimate understanding of a country’s culture and its traditions, and represent their families and their city to the local schools, community centers and the Sister City’s local officials.

Youth Exchanges

Since 1985, Fort Worth Sister Cities International has provided international youth exchanges that help students develop a more global perspective. Find out more >

Global Leaders in Action

For many years the International Leadership Academy brought young people from Fort Worth’s nine sister cities to the area to attend classes designed to challenge stereotypes, highlight cultures, promote diplomatic dialogue, develop leadership skills, and solve global problems. Now reimagined, Global Leaders in Action again brings international students to Fort Worth to design and implement leadership and cultural trainings at local Fort Worth community centers. Find out more >

Fort Worth Youth International

This program provides opportunities for Fort Worth youth (sixth-12th grade) to connect with Fort Worth’s nine Sister Cities, work together to host events for visiting international youth and guests, and develop leadership skills in an educational environment that is fun and relevant to strengthening global awareness. Fort Worth Youth International (FYI) also provides opportunities for Fort Worth youth, promotes local and international community service projects and raises scholarship money for Fort Worth students to participate in official exchanges to our Sister Cities. Become a youth member >

Young Artists & Authors Showcase

For decades, Sister Cities International has leveraged the power that art has to transform societies and transcend cultural boundaries through the Young Artists and Authors Showcase, or YAAS. The Showcase has given youth worldwide the opportunity to express their vision for a more unified, peaceful world through original art and literature. Fort Worth Sister Cities International holds the local Young Artists and Authors Showcase to choose student pieces to be submitted to the worldwide competition. Find out more >

Global Gallery Night

Global Gallery Night affords high school students in the city of Fort Worth the opportunity to foster and enhance global competence by having an opportunity to practice research skills, build confidence in public speaking. Students deepen appreciation for learning about world cultures and art by leading gallery tours of the Kimbell Art Museum’s international collection. Find out more >

Tricolore Games

The Tricolore Games, held every four years in Fort Worth’s sister city, Reggio Emilia, Italy, began due to admiration for the world Olympic Games and their ability to create peace and unity among people. Find out more >

2023-24 Youth Events Calendar.

Become a youth member.

youth exchanges.

global leaders in action.

young artists & authors showcase.

global gallery night.

tricolore games.

“International friendships are rewarding because they make you realize who you really are, and how your differences enrich relationships. They make you realize the world is bigger and help you grow to be a culturally aware and understanding person.” – Student from Budapest, Hungary, ILA 2017

“A person does not have to travel around the world to make a difference; a difference can be made where a person lives.” – Kalkidan Alemu, Student and former President of Fort Worth Youth International

International Leadership Academy flash mob in Sundance Square Plaza!