Local students interested in global leadership and cultural exchange have an opportunity to take part in an international program this summer in Washington, D.C.
The Owensboro Sister Cities and Regions Board (OSCAR) has announced that Sister Cities International (SCI) is accepting applications for its 2026 Youth Leadership Summit, a weeklong program for students ages 14-18 that will be held at American University.
The summit brings together students from around the world to develop leadership skills, explore global challenges, and learn about citizen diplomacy. Participants stay in campus housing, eat in university dining facilities, and take part in interactive sessions focused on international cooperation and civic engagement.
Only 50 students worldwide will be accepted into the program. SCI requires applicants to be affiliated with a local Sister Cities organization, demonstrate leadership potential, and show an interest in international affairs. The application includes two letters of recommendation, a short video submission, and brief written responses. The program fee is $1,995, and students are responsible for their own travel to and from Washington.
OSCAR will review and vet local applicants and will provide the required Sister Cities letter of recommendation only to students selected through its internal review process. To support local participation, OSCAR will award a $500 stipend to any Owensboro student who is accepted into the summit by Sister Cities International.
Students seeking OSCAR’s recommendation must first complete a brief pre-application (found here) through the Owensboro Sister Cities and Regions Board. The pre-application deadline is January 16. Students selected through the local review process will be notified ahead of SCI’s February 1 application deadline and given instructions for completing the official application.
More information is available by contacting OSCAR at [email protected] or 270-687-8561. Additional details about the Youth Leadership Summit can be found through Sister Cities International.
