Youth Diplomats 2026
January to December 2026
The year 2026 is one of the most important in Philadelphia’s history. Celebrating the 250th birthday of the country includes a wide array of high-profile, once-in-a-lifetime events. From hosting diplomats and global delegations to volunteering at major sporting events, cultural exhibitions, festivals, and more—the city needs YOU to help welcome the world in 2026!
Become a Youth diplomat
Join a cohort of high school students volunteering at key 2026 events and help Philadelphia shine in this historic moment!
World Affairs will prepare you, as a regional high school student, to represent your city in 2026.
Students who complete their training will select volunteer opportunities throughout the year, including participation in historic events, welcoming high-level visitors, and being a part of history.
Youth Diplomats will receive training on:
- Cultural diplomacy
- Best practices for volunteer and civic engagement
- The historic role of Philadelphia
- The impact of 2026
Students who complete the training and at least one volunteer opportunity will be entered in a raffle for exciting prizes in addition to receiving a certificate of participation. Volunteer hours can be credited toward graduation and/or scholarship requirements.
Access Youth Diplomats for Your 2026 Event
When Philadelphia hosts the world in 2026, Philadelphia’s youth will play an important role, as Youth Diplomats with World Affairs volunteering at regional events.
For your organization, that means requesting Youth Diplomat volunteers to support your 2026 programming, allowing youth shine in this historic moment. Get the extra help you need by accessing trained, motivated high school students with a passion for sharing their love of Philadelphia with the world.
World Affairs will provide your organization with adult chaperones as necessary.
This program is free for your organization to participate, thanks to the generous support from and partnerships with the Philadelphia Funder Collaborative, America250PA, the City of Philadelphia, the School District of Philadelphia, Firstrust Bank, and PromoShop. This program is funded in part by the Philadelphia City Fund’s 2026 Milestone Grant Fund, supported by PECO.
If you are hosting an event in 2026, let us bring our team of Youth Diplomats to ensure your team has time and energy to focus on delivering a strong impression for your visitors.
To submit a request for Youth Diplomats at your event, click here!
YOUTH DIPLOMATS 2026 IS SUPPORTED BY
This program is funded in part by the Philadelphia City Fund’s 2026 Milestone Grant Fund, supported by PECO.
THANK YOU TO OUR ADDITIONAL YOUTH DIPLOMATS PARTNERS
African American Museum in Philadelphia
America250
Bank of America
Carpenter’s Hall
Consulate of Côte d’Ivoire in Philadelphia
Folk Arts-Cultural Treasures Charter School
Global Citizen
History Co:Lab
Japan American Society of Greater Philadelphia
Made By Us
Mexican Cultural Center
Mozaik City
Office of Councilmember Katherine Gilmore Richardson
Office of Councilmember O’Rourke
Office of Senator Nikil Saval
Pennsylvania Department of Community & Economic Development (DCED)
Philadelphia Corporation For Aging
Philadelphia Cycling Classic
Philadelphia International Airport
Philadelphia Soccer 2026
Philadelphia250
Please Touch Museum
Ronald McDonald House
Satell Institute
Shofuso Japanese Cultural Center
South Jersey Caribbean Cultural Organization
The British American Business Council of Greater Philadelphia
The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society
Visit PA
WE ARE A PROUD 2026 PARTNER WITH VISIT PHILADELPHIA
HIGH SCHOOL MEMBERSHIP & Individual ENrollment
World Affairs offers students two ways to get involved:
High schools can register for High School Membership to access our in-person simulations: Model Senate and Global Economic Forum. They also gain access to our public programs for faculty, students, and parents.
Students can register individually for our Individual Enrollment programs, including Citizen Diplomat Academy, Global Scholars Certificate Program, and Youth Diplomats.
CITIZEN DIPLOMATS IN THE MAKING
Questions about Youth Diplomats?
Contact us at youthprograms@wacphila.org