# Sister Cities International Youth Leadership Summit

A four-day citizen-diplomacy summit in Washington DC for 14-18 year olds affiliated with a sister city organization: diplomacy workshops, a multi-day simulation and cultural programming.

## Key facts

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Organization | Sister Cities International |
| Category | leadership |
| Cost | $1,995 |
| Deadline | Rolling / check official site |
| Eligibility | Grades 9–12 |
| Format | In person |
| Location | Washington, DC |
| Apply | https://sistercities.org/what-we-do/programs/yls/ |

## About this program

# Sister Cities International Youth Leadership Summit

The Youth Leadership Summit is Sister Cities International's annual program for teenagers active in the sister-city network, held in Washington DC. Sister Cities International was founded to build people-to-people ties between US communities and their partner cities abroad, and the summit is where the youth side of that network convenes. Participants come from across the United States and from partner cities overseas, so the room itself is the cross-cultural exercise.

## What You'll Do

- Attend workshops led by guest speakers on diplomacy, negotiation and leadership development
- Build toward an in-depth diplomatic simulation held later in the summit week
- Take part in global cultural activities alongside delegates from partner cities abroad
- Tour Washington DC landmarks and institutions relevant to international affairs
- Join a national cohort of youth citizen diplomats and the alumni network that follows

## Who Should Apply

"Applicants must be 14-18 years old at the time of YLS" and must be associated with a Sister City Organization as members, volunteers or program participants - so the first step is contacting your city's sister cities committee. Applicants under 18 need parent or guardian consent to apply.

## Outcomes

Delegates leave with practical experience in structured diplomacy and negotiation, a national and international peer network, and standing within their local sister-city organization, where many go on to serve as youth ambassadors or board members. The published 2026 program fee was $1,995 plus airfare, covering lodging, cultural activities and transportation within Washington DC; some local sister-city organizations offer delegate scholarships.

## Frequently asked questions

### How much does Sister Cities International Youth Leadership Summit cost?

Sister Cities International Youth Leadership Summit costs $1,995. Many paid programs offer need-based financial aid or fee waivers — check the official site before ruling it out.

### Who is eligible for Sister Cities International Youth Leadership Summit?

Sister Cities International Youth Leadership Summit is open to high school students in grades 9–12. Some programs have additional requirements (GPA, coursework, essays, or recommendations) — the full criteria are on the official site.

### Is Sister Cities International Youth Leadership Summit online or in person?

Sister Cities International Youth Leadership Summit is an in-person program based in Washington, DC.

### How do I apply to Sister Cities International Youth Leadership Summit?

Apply directly through Sister Cities International's official website. ExtracurricularHub links to the official application — we list and verify programs but don't process applications.

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Last updated: 2026-07-28.
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