Youth Opportunity: Scholarships and Applications Open for 2026 SCI Youth Leadership Summit

Raleigh, NC — Raleigh Sister Cities is inviting Raleigh students ages 14–18 to apply for a full or matching scholarship for the 2026 Sister Cities International Youth Leadership Summit (YLS), taking place June 21–27, 2026, in Washington, D.C.

The Youth Leadership Summit is a week-long global leadership experience where students explore leadership development, citizen diplomacy, and global engagement through interactive workshops, cultural activities, and a diplomacy simulation at the U.S. Department of State. It is hosted by the international nonprofit, Sister Cities International, of which Raleigh Sister Cities is an active member. 

Raleigh Sister Cities provides required guidance and endorsement for students applying to the Youth Leadership Summit. Students must receive an endorsement from Raleigh Sister Cities in order to apply. To receive this endorsement and be considered for full or matching scholarships, students must connect with our team for more information and submit an application for review.

Students who are interested in attending the YLS should email Raleigh Sister Cities’ president, Mary Clare Freeman at president@raleighsistercities.org with the subject line “Information Request for YLS.”  Submitting a request allows Raleigh Sister Cities to share program details, guidance, and scholarship opportunities.

The deadline to submit a request through Raleigh Sister Cities is January 21, 2026. Selected students will be notified by January 25, 2026 and must then submit their official application through the Sister Cities International portal by February 1, 2026. 

Eligibility

• Applicants must be between the ages of 14 and 18 at the time of the Youth Leadership Summit.

• Participants must be available to attend the full Summit, taking place June 21–27, 2026.

• Parent or guardian consent is required for participants under the age of 18.

• International students are welcome to request information and seek endorsement; however, they are responsible for securing their own travel and any required visas.Prior affiliation with Sister Cities is not required to express interest or request information.

• Students must receive guidance and formal endorsement from Raleigh Sister Cities in order to submit an official application through Sister Cities International.

YLS Program Information

• The Youth Leadership Summit participation fee is $1,995.

• The fee includes lodging, cultural activities, program materials, and local transportation in Washington, D.C.

• Participants are responsible for arranging and covering travel to and from Washington, D.C.

• Payment is due within two weeks of acceptance into the program.

• Summit fees are non-refundable once processed, though exceptions may be considered in special circumstances.

• Raleigh Sister Cities offers a limited number of full and matching scholarships based on demonstrated financial need.

• Additional information about the Youth Leadership Summit is available through Sister Cities International at https://sistercities.org/what-we-do/programs/yls/

For more information or to request an invitation to apply, students and families should email president@raleighsistercities.org. 

About Raleigh Sister Cities

Raleigh Sister Cities promotes international understanding and cooperation by fostering people-to-people relationships between Raleigh and its global partner cities, empowering residents and youth to engage as global citizens in their local community. For more information about Raleigh Sister Cities and our programming, please visit https://www.raleighsistercities.org/