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Host Families Sought for Canadian Youth Ambassadors

The Center for the Study of Canada is looking for local hosts for Canadian students and their teachers who will be on campus July 22-Aug. 3 participating in the annual Youth Ambassadors Program with Canada.

The center, in partnership with the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs of the U.S. Department of State, the U.S. Embassy Ottawa and Fulbright Canada, will host 15 students and two adult educators — all of whom will represent the diversity of Canada by their geographic, socioeconomic, First Nations, first-generation and multigenerational status.

“The quality of student chosen for this program is very high,” said Theresa Bennett, home stay coordinator with the center. “Only 15 youth are chosen from more than 100 outstanding applicants.”

The participants will be involved in an intensive three-week educational experience designed to promote a better understanding of civic participation, youth leadership, community service and social inclusion. An important facet of this curriculum is staying with and getting to know American families, Bennett said.

As part of the program, participants will design — and upon returning to Canada, implement — a service project in their own school or community.

“The consistent track record of significant achievement by Canadian youth, based on projects cultivated and nurtured during the exchange period, has proved to be nothing short of extraordinary,” said Dr. Christopher Kirkey, director of the center and Youth Ambassadors Program for Canada Project director.

Host families would be responsible for providing accommodations, breakfast and dinner, and transportation to and from SUNY Plattsburgh each day. Students and educators are fluent English speakers.

For more information or to host a student, contact Bennett at [email protected] or call 518-564-2160 or 518-561-7894.

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