RENO -- In a continuing effort toward the realization of a global Nevada, the Northern Nevada International Center (NNIC) is looking for high school students with leadership potential as part of the fifth Algerian Youth Leadership Program.

The program promotes cross-cultural dialogue between Nevada and Algerian high school students and includes all-expense paid sessions in Washington, D.C., San Francisco, Calif., and Lake Tahoe, Calif., and work with professors and students at the University of Nevada, Reno’s Reynolds School of Journalism and Center for Advanced Media Studies.

“Nevada high school students will partner with the best and brightest Algerian youth to foster a global exchange of community activism, civic education and leadership,” said Carina Black, executive director for the Northern Nevada International Center. “Participants work alongside students and professors to learn digital media engagement through community outreach and engage in critical thinking workshops, diplomatic discussions and ongoing community service projects from May through October.” 

This year, both Algerian and Nevada youth will travel to Sierra Nevada Journeys’ locations with education program in Portola, Calif., Lake Tahoe, and finally to San Francisco, and Washington D.C. All travel costs for the 2013 Algerian Youth Leadership Program are currently awaiting congressional approval and will be funded by a grant through the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, the main sponsor for this leadership program. If approved, expenses will be paid for selected applicants that are eligible to attend.

“Previous participants have developed strategic skills that helped prepare them for college and life,” said Todd Felts, a professor in the Reynolds School of Journalism. “It is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that not only helps build a more global perspective, but helps us all realize a better Nevada.”

Applications will be accepted now through March 29 for Nevada student leaders wishing to participate in the program.

More information can also be found at https://www.facebook.com/AYLP2013.