The U.S. Embassy in Romania, together with the American Councils for International Education, invites Romanian students aged between 18 and 27 who are members of a student association to apply for the sixth edition of the Kennedy Academy for Students. The program focuses on democracy, civic education, and active community participation, and will take place from December 15-19, 2024, in Bucharest.
Although Romania’s NGO sector has grown in recent decades, it still faces challenges due to a lack of leadership skills and proper institutionalization. This program offers a unique opportunity for 15 participants to learn about leadership and civic engagement. With an emphasis on improving English communication skills and promoting democratic values, the program aims to develop active leaders in civic spaces who can bring about positive change in their communities. Participation is free of charge, and 15 young people will be selected through an online application process. Students will attend workshops, seminars, and institutional visits. The sixth edition of the Kennedy Academy will also include an online component held prior to the in-person event, with trainers from the U.S.
The Kennedy Academy for Students is dedicated to visionary and creative students who aim to make tangible changes in their organizations or communities. This requires not only passion but also an understanding of how civil society operates, the public system, and the interaction between these associations and public institutions at the national level. At the end of the program, students will have the opportunity to share their new knowledge with peers, colleagues, and professors and to implement their own ideas through local civic projects within their organizations or communities.
Eligibility Criteria:
The competition is open to young people who meet the following cumulative conditions:
- Have Romanian citizenship;
- Are between 18 and 27 years old at the start of the program (December 15, 2024);
- Are currently enrolled as students, master’s, or Ph.D. candidates in rural or urban areas, in any field of study;
- Are members of a Romanian student association/NGO;
- Have at least an intermediate level of English proficiency;
- Are creative, civically engaged, and have good academic results;
- Show interest in the program’s themes;
- Are willing to organize at least one local civic project between December 2024 and February 2025.
Interested individuals are invited to apply online by November 3rd (11:59 PM RO time) by accessing the application form: https://forms.office.com/r/xyjx7R4Bqg
For more information about the event and the online application, visit: https://www.romania.americancouncils.org/kennedy-academy-for-students-ro.