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.
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. Program staff transitioned to the Alaska Conservation Foundation and World Wildlife Fund (WWF) became a partner.
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 this time, 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 will serve from January 2023 to Spring 2024.
In January 2023, the fourth cohort of Arctic Youth Ambassadors met in Anchorage for an in-person program orientation and will spend the next 18 months engaging in meetings with policymakers, speaking opportunities at events, projects that align with their interests, and more.
Keep up with the fourth cohort on Facebook or Instagram!