Youth Environmental Program in the USA

Where: USA

When: June-September 2019

For whom: 40 participants from Russia aged 18 to 20 years

Cost: The program covers the costs of participants associated with a trip to the United States, including flights, travel expenses, room and board ininternship time.

Deadline: March 11, 2019, 23:59 Moscow time

Program description:

The program is aimed at developing relationships between citizens of the United States and Russia.The main goal is to discuss with Russian students topical issues in the field of sustainable development of ecology at the international level.The program will focus on the concept of environmental sustainability, which looks at how individual, community, corporate and global practices can contribute to the development of a healthy and harmonious society in the world.

Participants from Russia will receive extensive information about the environmental responsibility of all sectors of society, as well as familiarize themselves with the most significant youth environmental and social projects, the work of local communities and citizens' participation in this process.

40 participants from Russia aged 18 to 20 will travel to the United States for four weeks from June to September.

Requirements for candidates:

• 18 - 20 years old (applicants must be 18 years oldby June 1, 2019).

• Citizenship of the Russian Federation.

• Residence in Russia at the time of application until the end of 2019.

• Participation in environmental projects at the local level and willingness to participate or implement environmental projects upon return to Russia.

• Proficiency in spoken and written English.

• Eligibility for a US visa.

• Free time to travel to the United States for 4 weeks from June toSeptember 2019.

• Willingness to live with a host family in the United States.

• Obligation to return to Russia immediately after completion of the program.

The program includes a 12-day Environmental Leadership Academy at Dartmouth College, New Hampshire.

During 12 days, participants will get acquainted with the concept of sustainable development, discuss possible solutions to environmental problems, be able to develop leadership qualities and develop their own environmental projects.The program includes a 3-day trek along the Appalachian Trail.

The second part of the program will take place in the state of Vermont, where participants will be given field trips to environmental organizations and colleges;students will take part in volunteer projects for the protection of nature, get acquainted with the activities of local companies, whose work is based on the principles of sustainable and responsible production.

In Vermont, participants will live with host families to better experience the culture and everyday life of Americans.Families receive guests free of charge.

The final part of the trip is a trip to Washington and New York and sightseeing.

How to apply?

To apply, complete the online application form and attach the following documents:

1. Two letters of recommendation:

• One letter from a teacher or university teacher;

• One letter from an employer / supervisor's project manager or colleague / volunteer who is familiar with your community activities and leadership experience;

• Reference letters can be in English or Russian and must include the referrer's email address and mobile phone.

2. Scanned copy of school or university grades in Russian (only grade sheets certified by the school or university seal are accepted).

3. Scanned copypassport (first page with photo and signature).

Applications will be reviewed by the selection committee. Semi-finalists will be invited to participate in Skype interviews with program experts. Finalists will be announced mid-April 2019.