Applications for the 2027 Young Ambassador's Program are now open! Please see the details and application links below.
Clearwater Sister Cities (CSC) has sponsored a summer middle school Japanese cultural exchange since 2001. This program is designed to enhance a student’s tolerance, self-reliance and global understanding through participation in the Japanese culture with an appreciation of the customs, history and traditions.
Our students are called Young Ambassadors as they represent the best of American youth as they interact with Japanese dignitaries, citizens, teens and families. The Young Ambassadors are required to attend a series of orientation meetings which are designed to help the student learn some customs and the culture of Japan, how to travel abroad without their parents and family and to become more self-reliant.
By making presentations to the Mayor and City Council of Nagano and to CSC upon their return, the students gain self-confidence and learn the art of public speaking. The cultural trips throughout Japan immerse the Young Ambassador in the history and culture of the country. The homestay in Nagano gives the Young Ambassador the opportunity to make memorable friendships and to become personally involved with the language and culture of the residents of Nagano, our Sister City since 1959.
Through this program, our Young Ambassadors become more global and learn that we are alike in many ways, even though our cultures are so different.
The Young Ambassador Program will last about 2 weeks. One week will consist of tourist visits to cities such as Tokyo, Kyoto, Nara, Osaka, and Hiroshima. The other week will involve a a homestay, school visits, and cultural experiences in Clearwater's sister city, Nagano.
YOUNG AMBASSADOR REQUIREMENTS
1. Current middle school student in the Tampa Bay Area
2. Have a current CSC Family Membership (as students and their guardian will attend orientation and events together)
3. Complete the 2027 YA Application. There are two types of open student applications. Only one application per student will be accepted. You must decide which type of application to use before you submit.
A) In partnership with the City of Clearwater, one scholarship of $3,500 is available for Clearwater student. Applicants must reside in incorporated Clearwater and their grades must be a B average or higher.
The deadline for the City of Clearwater Scholarship is January 9, 2027 [Click to access the application]
B) The General application is open to all middle schoolers in the Tampa Bay area. Additional funding is available through the CSC Board and details can be found in the application.
The deadline for the General YA Application is January 9, 2027 [Click to access the application]
4. Submit letters of recommendation (2), your personal essay, and two (2) photographs of yourself to YAexchange@clearwatersistercities.org.com by the deadline.
5. Be availible for the following dates:
Interviews - January 16, 2027
Meet & Greet Potluck + Orientation #1 - February 6, 2027
Orientation Meeting 2 - March 6th
Orientation Meeting 3 - April 10th
Orientation Meeting 4 - May 15th
Wrap Up Presentation Party - late July or early August
YOUNG AMBASSADOR CHAPERONES
Each year, we bring on one or two new chaperones for the Young Ambassador Middle School Exchange Program. CSC seeks chaperones who are passionate and experienced in helping students engage in cross-cultural activities, gain new skills, and build confidence through new experiences. Chaperones are expected to actively support the Young Ambassador Program through student recruitment, interviews, orientations, fundraising, and other activities before and after the exchange. While in Japan, they represent Clearwater Sister Cities, stay with host families, participate in school and cultural activities, and oversee students’ daily schedules, needs, and well-being.
Chaperone Requirements
Must be at least 25 years old at the departure date
Must have a current valid US Passport
Must have or be able to clear a Level Two Background Check
Must have experience working with student/youth groups
Must sign and submit a CSC Code of Conduct
Must be a member of Clearwater Sister Cities
Must heed to all travel restrictions
If selected, must be able to attend all of the required gathering dates (see number 5 in the student section above), including student interviews.
Chaperone Application
Applications are due by December 5, 2026 and interviews will be held on December 12, 2027.