The Korea Society is now accepting applications from prospective Youth Ambassadors for the 2011-2012 Project Bridge Program. Since 1993, The Korea Society, in conjunction with the Los Angeles-based Pacific Century Institute, has coordinated an annual year-long intercultural outreach program for high-school juniors and seniors. The program will select 16 student Youth Ambassadors and two adult group leaders from New York City and Los Angeles to take part in a year-long series of bi-weekly meetings, a weekend retreat, and a fully subsidized 10-day study tour to Korea. The program aims to raise future leaders in communities and introduce them to U.S.- Korea relations with an emphasis on cultural and racial sensitivity and a firm understanding of Korea. High-school junior or senior students attending New York City and Los Angeles public schools are eligible to apply for this program. Applications will be accepted through October 24, 2011.

Once selected, participants will meet regularly for educational workshops that focus on topics such as Korean history, language, modern society, and U.S.-Korea relations, as well as the history of race relations in the U.S. and the 1992 riots in Los Angeles. Participants gain insights into Korea, learn leadership skills, and develop intercultural understanding. The highlight of Project Bridge is a fully subsidized ten-day study tour of Korea, which is held in April during the spring recess, and includes visits to numerous historical sites as well as a homestay with Korean high-school students.