The Young Ambassador Program is designed to promote a greater understanding of the shared cultural heritage of Northern Ireland. Based on this Application 12 prospective Young Ambassadors will be selected to travel to Belfast in July/August 2008 to explore various aspects of the culture of this part of the island of Ireland and develop their own chosen cultural dissertations over a three week period. They will complete their dissertations and following a successful review will attend a Reception in Washington DC hosted by the Northern Ireland Bureau where they will be formally made Young Ambassadors by representatives from the British and Irish Consulates.

The aim of the Young Ambassador Program is to establish a network of informed and influential individuals throughout North America who can actively represent various aspects of the culture of the northern part of Ireland throughout their lives. Northern Ireland also provides a developing model for community reconciliation which is relevant to many cities in North America. Ambassadors will develop a meaningful and on-going relationship with individuals and agencies from Northern Ireland and represent them when appropriate.

The Young Ambassadors Program is a program promoted by the Friends of Saint Patrick in North America and supported by Foras na Gaeilge (the Irish language body) the Ulster Scots Agency (the body representing the Scots Irish culture and traditions) and the Northern Ireland Bureau in Washington DC.