The New Jersey Division on Civil Rights is inviting high school students with a passion for civil rights to apply to the 2024-2025 Youth Ambassador Program.
The Youth Ambassador Program empowers the next generation to work to eliminate bias and discrimination in their communities. DCR offers youth ambassadors mentorship, education and leadership opportunities to encourage students to act as community change agents through education on the Law Against Discrimination.
Youth ambassadors participate in civil rights-related conversations, learn to amplify their voices, serve as community liaisons to DCR and develop a rich understanding of civil rights. They will be divided into small groups and, together, identify a topic related to the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination. As a culmination of their participation in the program, they will create a small magazine that will be independently created and circulated.
By participating in this program, youth ambassadors will:
- Gain a foundational understanding of the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination.
- Develop a strong sense of civic responsibility, awareness of civil rights and leadership skills to take on new challenges.
- Develop an understanding of how to facilitate a discussion, participate in research and productively work as a part of a team.
- Develop the confidence and skills to effectively communicate their ideas and collaborate with diverse groups of peers to achieve optimal project outcomes.
The New Jersey Division on Civil Rights Youth Ambassador Program is open to all New Jersey high school youth, entering 9-12 grade, interested in exploring civil rights issues. Up to 50 youth ambassadors will be admitted into the program, based upon the following criteria:
- Interest in civil rights.
- Passion for making a positive change on a community level.
- Interest in personal and leadership development.
- Availability to attend bimonthly virtual Monday meetings at 6 p.m.
The announcement includes information on how to apply to be an ambassador for the program.
Learn more in in the full announcement. Any questions can be sent via email.