Smithsonian Latino Center Accepting Applications for 2017 Young Ambassadors Program
The Smithsonian Latino Center, in its 20th anniversary year, is now accepting applications for the 2017 Young Ambassadors Program to be held June 25 through Aug. 2. The application deadline is April 9. The Young Ambassadors Program is a national program for graduating high school seniors aimed at fostering the next generation of Latino leaders in the arts, sciences and humanities via the Smithsonian and its resources. The program receives major and continued support from Ford Motor Company Fund.
Students interested and committed to the arts, sciences and humanities, as it pertains to Latino communities and cultures, are selected to travel to Washington, D.C., for a weeklong seminar at the Smithsonian. The week consists of visits to the Smithsonian’s Latino collections and one-on-one interaction with experts from various fields, including museum professionals. Following the week in Washington, students participate in a four-week interdisciplinary internship in museums and cultural institutions in 17 cities across the U.S. and Puerto Rico, including Smithsonian-affiliated organizations.
Student selection is based on demonstrated interest, commitment and excellence in the arts, sciences and humanities as well as academic record, leadership experiences and dedication to education and community service. The program includes meals and accommodations for the duration of the one-week training seminar, round-trip travel to Washington and a program stipend following the four-week internship. More information and how to apply are available at www.latino.si.edu/education.
“We are proud to celebrate the 12th year of this signature leadership program at the Smithsonian, promoting the Latino story with civically engaged young people from across the country,” said Latino Center Director Eduardo Díaz.
“For 10 years, Ford Motor Company Fund has collaborated with the Smithsonian Latino Center to invest in the education of 200 students through the Young Ambassadors Program,” said Joe Ávila, community outreach manager at Ford Motor Company Fund. “The program helps drive Ford Fund’s commitment to making people’s lives better by inspiring and empowering students to achieve academic success and make an impact in their communities.”
The Smithsonian Latino Center is the division of the Smithsonian Institution that ensures that Latino contributions to art, science and the humanities are highlighted, understood and advanced through the development and support of public programs, scholarly research, museum collections and educational opportunities at the Smithsonian and its affiliated organizations across the U.S. and internationally.
Ford Motor Company Fund and Community Services works with community and global partners to advance driving safety, education and community life. Ford Motor Company Fund has operated for more than 65 years with ongoing funding from Ford Motor Company. Ford Driving Skills for Life is free, interactive, hands-on safety training focused on skill development and driving techniques, while addressing inexperience, distractions and impaired driving. Innovation in education is encouraged through Ford Blue Oval Scholars, Ford Driving Dreams, Ford Next Generation Learning and other innovative programs that enhance high school learning and provide college scholarships and university grants. The Ford Volunteer Corps enlists more than 30,000 Ford employees and retirees each year to work on local projects that strengthen their communities and improve people’s lives in more than 40 countries around the world. For more information, visit www.community.ford.com.
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SI-111-2017
