In 2015, the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service decided to create a program to get youth engaged in Arctic policy during the U.S. Chairmanship of the Arctic Council.
They partnered with Alaska Geographic staff to recruit youth and provide organizational support.
The first cohort was selected and attended an orientation summit in January 2016. Under the U.S. Chairmanship of the Arctic Council, the Arctic Youth Ambassadors created many connections by sharing their experiences of life as Arctic citizens. They ended their ambassadorships in May 2017 at the Arctic Council Ministerial meeting.
The program was a success and a second cohort was selected and formed to serve under the U.S. Chairmanship of the Conservation of Arctic Flora and Fauna (CAFF) Working Group. Their focus was on youth engagement in biodiversity focused panels, events, and continuing to create awareness about the Arctic. They served from 2018-2020.
The third cohort was underway in March of 2020, when the pandemic hit. All in-person plans were canceled, and the program shifted to being completely virtual. Due to the incredible ambassadors in the third cohort, they were still very successful in completing a number of projects, including a virtual tourism panel.
During cohort 3, program staff transitioned to the new host organization Alaska Conservation Foundation and World Wildlife Fund (WWF) became a partner.
During the time after the third cohort, program staff and partners completed a number of visioning sessions with program alumni. Through this process, a five-year strategic plan was implemented. With the completion of cohort three, an alumni group emerged to help guide the program planning for the next cohort.
Based on the visioning and new strategic plan, Arctic Youth Ambassador program staff and partners planned for the fourth cohort of Arctic Youth Ambassadors that served from January 2023 to August 2024. Their cohort secured a grant that provided more opportunities for local engagement in community/cultural exchanges which will continue on into the fifth cohort!
In the Fall of 2024, the recruitment for the fifth cohort will occur with an in-person orientation for new Ambassadors in January 2025. Keep up with the program by signing up for our newsletter or following us on Facebook and Instagram!