National Museum of the American Latino Seeks Graduating High School Seniors for 2022 Young Ambassadors Program

The Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Latino is now accepting applications for its 2022 Young Ambassadors Program (YAP) scheduled June 19 through Aug. 5. YAP is a national program for graduating high school seniors that fosters the next generation of community-conscious Latino leaders in the arts, sciences and humanities. The program receives support from Ford Motor Company Fund.

Students interested in the arts, sciences or humanities, with a focus on Latino communities and cultures, are selected to travel to Washington, D.C., for a five-week program that begins with a weeklong seminar at the Smithsonian. During that time, students visit the Institution’s Latino collections, see behind the scenes and benefit from one-on-one engagement with curators, collections managers, archivists and experts from various museum fields. Following the week in Washington, students participate in a four-week interdisciplinary internship in museums and cultural and science institutions in 18 cities across the U.S. and Puerto Rico, including Smithsonian-affiliated organizations.

Students are selected based on their demonstrated interest in and commitment to excellence in the arts, sciences and humanities as well as their academic record, leadership experience and dedication to education and community service. The program includes meals and accommodations for the duration of the one-week training seminar, round-trip travel to Washington, D.C., and a program stipend following the four-week internship. Additional information and application instructions are available at www.latino.si.edu/YAP. Eligible students are encouraged to apply by April 22.

“We are excited to continue providing our young leaders with skill-building training that exposes them to a wide array of academic disciplines and encourages the exploration of Latino history and identity,” said Eduardo Díaz, interim director of the National Museum of the American Latino. “We hope this experience further unlocks their potential as they grow and understand more of the Latino experience in the United States.”

“Ford Motor Company Fund is proud to join forces with the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Latino in support of the Young Ambassadors Program,” said Yisel Cabrera, senior manager, Economic Mobility, Ford Motor Company Fund. “It’s rewarding to be a part of an effort that propels exceptionally talented young Latinos to achieve their fullest potential.”

About the National Museum of the American Latino

The Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Latino advances the representation, understanding and appreciation of Latino history and culture in the United States. The museum provides financial resources and collaborates with other museums to expand scholarly research, public programs, digital content, collections and more. The Molina Family Latino Gallery of the National Museum of the American Latino will be the Smithsonian’s first gallery dedicated to the Latino experience. The legislation creating the National Museum of the American Latino at the Smithsonian passed Dec. 27, 2020. For more information, visit latino.si.edu.

About Ford Motor Company Fund

As the automaker’s philanthropic arm, Ford Motor Company Fund has been supporting underserved and underrepresented communities for more than 70 years. Working with dealers and nonprofit partners in more than 50 countries, Ford Fund provides access to opportunities and resources that help people reach their full potential. Since 1949, Ford Fund has invested more than $2.2 billion in programs that support education, promote safe driving, enrich community life and encourage employee volunteering. For more information, visit www.fordfund.org or join us at @FordFund on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

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