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The United States Embassy Youth Council (USYC) is now accepting applications for the 2023 cohort. The deadline for submitting the application is 11:59 PM (GMT +5:45), December 10, 2022.
The U.S. Mission designed the USYC as a professional development and mentoring program to assist the council members in developing leadership skills to solve critical issues in their communities. Throughout the duration of their membership term, council members participate in networking opportunities, work on community engagement projects, and attend important strategic events. The U.S. Embassy Kathmandu has a cooperative agreement with We Inspire Nepal (WIN), a youth-led social change non-profit organization, to manage the USYC program.
Every year, approximately fifty-five individuals, between 20-30 years old, are accepted to the Council. We strongly encourage as many people to apply as possible for this upcoming cohort. Priority will be given to applicants from marginalized and underrepresented communities in Nepal.
After the initial round of applications closes, the U.S. Embassy and WIN will recommend the strongest candidates to proceed to the second phase. During this phase, applicants will be requested to provide additional information on their strengths, suitability for the program, and achievements. Finally, a panel will select the top 50-55 applicants to be the members of the USYC for the 2023 cohort.
USYC is a professional engagement program under the US Embassy’s Public Affairs Section and is designed to assist members to further their civil and societal engagement through a variety of training programs, projects and events that they can participate in. We Inspire Nepal (WIN), a social organization, will be assisting in the management of the USYC. Historically, USYC members have been able to participate in community engagement initiatives, panel discussions, personal and professional development programs, and so on. Holistically then, the program attempts to empower Council members to take advantage of the USYC platform, and thus become active and informed members of our community. Young, dynamic individuals between the ages of 20-30 years comprise the Council. As a member of the council, one will have access to a growing network of young change-makers in Nepal who are dedicated to improving their communities.
The USYC - Nepal experience also involves partaking in a Civic Engagement Project (CEP). Such Civic Engagement Projects are initiated and executed by the council members in groups and receive funding from the American Embassy. The CEP primarily attempts to enable members to collectivize with one another, and lead a community engagement program that they feel can create a tangible difference in Nepali society. When working on the CEP council members will be closely advised by mentors from the American Embassy. The CEP is part of the broader USYC experience, alongside all other opportunities that attempt to increase and enable the engagement of Council Members with the community and civil societies.
USYC started in 2011 A.D. Formerly it was known as the Ambassador’s Youth Advisory Council.
Young, dynamic individuals between the ages of 20-30 years comprise the Council. As a member of the council, one will have access to a growing network of young change-makers in Nepal who are dedicated to improving their communities.
You can apply for small grants that can help you execute a civic engagement project in your community.
You are cordially invited to attend programs and events on a wide range of themes, including guest speakers, panel discussions, video conferences, training, and other activities to strengthen your personal and professional growth.
Also, you will get the opportunity to connect directly with the US Embassy.
Applicants must be Nepalese citizens aged between 20 to 30 years old based in Nepal.
1. Nepalese citizens between the ages of 20-30.
2. Students, professionals, experts, opinion leaders, activists, and passionate individuals willing to make a difference.
3. Those that will commit to active engagement in the Council for the one-year duration of the batch. We understand that people have professional, academic, and personal commitments, the Council is supplementary to it, but will demand a degree of active engagement in programs and events.
4. Encourages applicants from the LGBTQI+ community, Dalit, and religious and ethnic minority communities.
1. Young Professionals
2. Experts on different issues
3. Young Politicans
4. Students
5. Activists
6. Young change makers and leaders
7. Individuals from LGBTQI+ community
8. Individuals from Dalit, and religious and ethnic minority communities.
You can apply by filling up the application form. You can go through this Link: http://bit.ly/USYC2021-22.
The selection process will take place in two phases. The first phase is a general application process consisting of an application form while the second phase is a more advanced process. After closing the first phase of applications, U.S. Embassy and WIN will shortlist the best of the best candidates to go to the second phase. In the second phase, shortlisted applicants will be requested to provide additional information. Based on the information provided in the original application, and the additional information provided during the second phase, a selection panel will recommend top 50-55 applicants to be the members of the USYC for 2023 batch.
Youth Council members serve for one year.
After one year, members will formally end their commitment to the Youth Council and become the USYC Alumni. However, interested members who would like to continue their involvement with the council can continue engaging themselves in a number of opportunities.
Yes, council members are selected from all across Nepal.
Yes, we encourage members of all political parties to apply for the Youth Council.
We understand that most members are studying and/or working full time. Based on your schedule and interests, you can participate several hours per week, or just a few hours per month. Some of the programs are optional while some are mandatory to attend.
However, we encourage those applicants who can commit to the majority of the activities happening throughout the year either in the holidays or during workdays.
As a council member, you have access to a growing network of young change-makers in Nepal from diverse fields and backgrounds who are committed to improve their communities. You can apply for embassy funding to complete a civic engagement project in your community. Additionally, you are invited to the U.S. Embassy programs, guest speakers, panel discussions, video conferences, and other activities on a wide variety of issues. You are also able to participate as a volunteer during the US embassy events.
No. We encourage potential members to apply regardless of English ability. However, a number of events or programs are likely to take place in the English language, and it is advantageous to at least have a basic degree of English speaking and writing skills.
- Workshops/Conferences/Trainings
- Guest speakers session
- Retreats
- Civic Engagement Projects
- Social events
- Skill building programs
- Fun events
- Networking events
-Social exposure
Civic Engagement Projects, CEP's are the impactful ideas, campaigns or projects that are innovated by the USYC members and executed in diverse communities to produce significant impact.
Five to eight ideas are selected every year out of variety of project ideas proposed by the USYC members. The selected project ideas are known as the Civic Engagement Projects and are given small amount of seed money for the execution.
No. Council members do not get any financial benefits or stipends during the tenure.
Yes. However, the youth council expects to carry a year-long journey with the selected members.
The deadline for application is 10th December, 2022.
The US Embassy's Public Affairs Section funds the council. It is currently managed by We Inspire Nepal (WIN) .
The final result has been announced.
Feel free to contact us, if you have any queries.
Email:weinspirenepal@gmail.com / info@weinspire.org.np
Contact: 01-4485120
Ram Chandra Marg, Battisputali, Kathmandu, Nepal, 44600