Youth Ambassador Program

Youth Ambassadors will engage in eight remote youth leadership training program which will culminate at the 2025 ESUSA Regional Symposium at the Peabody Institute. The cohort will meet in person for a week ahead of the symposium for team building and leadership training before utilizing these skills to bring youth voice to the center of 2 presentations, musical performances, and engagement with the symposium attendees and local students. During the weeklong preparation, the YA cohort will participate in and work with students at the Peabody Innovation Through Music Academy, a summer music camp run by Peabody and Tuned In.

• Meet virtually eight times between February and June 2025 from 7:00-8:00 pm EST.
  • February 10 | YA Session 1 with Program Leaders
  • March 3 | YA Session 2
  • March 17 | YA Session 3
  • April 7 | YA Session 4
  • April 21 | YA Session 5
  • May 5 | YA Session 6
  • May 19 | YA Session 7
  • June 9 | YA Session 8
• Prepare and present two sessions for teachers and administrators related to youth leadership and DEI at the ESUSA Regional Symposium at the Peabody Institute.
• Coach and prepare a collective composition with students at the Peabody Institute Summer Camp and perform the composition at the ESUSA Regional Symposium.

• Maintain an excellent attendance record at Youth Ambassador meetings
• Complete assignments and projects between Youth Ambassador meetings
• Keep in good academic standing and attend their Sistema program
• Demonstrate leadership and commitment within their home Sistema program
• Communicate with cohort peers outside of meeting dates at least once per month

ESUSA Will Provide:

• Coaching and training related to the symposium content to YAs
• $250 stipend to each YA
• All expense paid trip to the ESUSA Regional Symposium at at the Peabody Institute for the YA (travel, room, and board)

ESUSA will select two students from at least six different ESUSA member programs. More than two students may apply from each organization, however only two may be selected. Each organization must commit to support the students throughout the cohort process and sign a commitment form. El Sistema USA reserves the right to select just one student from an organization in outstanding circumstances. If your program does not have two eligible students, you may nominate just one student. Students may play any instrument or be vocalists.

Applications will be reviewed based upon the following criteria: artistic ability,  presentation skills, and originality of thought. We also consider instrument, geographic, gender, and racial diversity of the cohort when selecting the final 12 students. The application review committee consists of Daniel Trahey, Gabrielle Molina, Nema Robinson, Marcus McGee, Karen Cueva, and Monique Van Willingh.

Student applications and the Program Commitment Form are due by 11:59pm PT on Tuesday December 31, 2024. If you have questions or technical issues, please email info@elsistemausa.org.

• Student must be an active participant in an El Sistema USA member program for at least 2 years.
• Student must be a current high school student (grade 9-12).
• Student must be available in person from June 15-21, 2025 and able to travel to Baltimore on Sunday June 15 and return home on Sunday morning, June 21.
• Home ESUSA Program must complete Program Commitment Form

ESUSA is committed to engaging Youth Ambassadors in an experience that enables them to contribute their skills to the conference and also gain valuable knowledge. The goal is for students to carry these newly acquired skills back to their home programs, fostering a more widespread impact beyond the ambassador cohort and the symposium. To achieve this goal, we have chosen to admit two students from six ESUSA programs this year. These six programs will receive additional support and communication from ESUSA in order to help build a more robust leadership program.

El Sistema USA reserves the right to select just one student from an organization in outstanding circumstances. If your program does not have two eligible students, you may nominate just one student.

If your organization has more than two students apply, the committee may only choose two students.

1. Two Minute Musical Expression
   Provide a two-minute video of you performing something that inspires you. It can be anything you wish. There is no need for you to learn something new for this portion of the audition, however, make sure the playing is at the highest level for your ability.
2. Two Minute Spoken Video

   Provide a two-minute video of you speaking about how you currently are, or could be, an ambassador to the ESUSA mission of social impact and equity through music education in your home program and community.

   Examples are: advocating for your peers, mentoring or coaching peers, showing leadership in your section, taking initiative on a project or issue.

3. Two-Minute Video Presentation
   Video yourself giving a two-minute presentation of something you’re interested in. Topics ranging from cooking to pets.

Be prepared to upload a bio (150-200 words) and headshot as well.