In 2018, the BCFR participated in the inaugural ACFR Young Leaders Initiative by sending two outstanding Birmingham-area college students to Washington, D.C. for a series of high level briefings and workshops. Our Birmingham Young Leaders were joined by 16 other participants from across the country.
Discussions were hosted by the State Department, the U.S. Institute of Peace, CSIS, and the Heritage Foundation, among others. Participants benefitted from an off-the-record dinner conversation with a recent Afghan Ambassador to the U.S., and were able to begin to build a national network of mentors and peers.
In 2019, the BCFR sent two additional students to D.C. for another exceptional program. Due to COVID-19, the 2020 YLI was postponed to 2021.
We look forward to sending one or more highly qualified college students to D.C. for this year’s conference, to be held August 11-14, 2021. Applications are due no later than 5pm on Monday, June 28th.
To be considered, applicant must:
Be a rising sophomore-senior, currently enrolled in a Birmingham-area college or university
Have demonstrated interest in foreign policy, national security, and/or the diplomacy
Have demonstrated leadership potential and excellent communication skills
Be able to attend entire conference in D.C.
Be available for interview with BCFR Board
Chosen participants must commit to reporting on the YLI to the BCFR at a future committee meeting. Participants will be expected to help promote the BCFR and YLI after the program, and stay engaged with the BCFR in a meaningful way.
