2025 Highlights: Historic Impact, New Programs, More!

On behalf of the entire AMP Global Youth family, thank you for your incredible support and generosity in 2025. Your belief in our mission has directly empowered young leaders around the world—equipping them with the skills, knowledge, and connections they need to build a brighter future.

Because of you, we delivered another outstanding year of Global Scholar in Washington, D.C. and online, and proudly launched a transformative new edition in Atlanta, GA.

Scroll down for program highlights and a glimpse of what’s ahead in 2026.

The urgency—and the opportunity—to amplify bold, brilliant youth leaders has never been greater. Let’s keep going, together!

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS:

Global Scholar: Washington DC
Based at Georgetown University
In July, our flagship Global Scholar program kicked off with transformative leadership workshops, powerful seminars with global experts and youth advocates, and deep dives into some of today’s most pressing issues—from global security to education. Scholars also enjoyed plenty of time to explore Washington, D.C. This year’s cohort represented communities across the U.S. and around the world, with 40% of participants joining us from abroad.

• “This program was the best experience of my life. My world view and perspective completely changed and I am totally grateful for the people I met and the opportunity to get out of my comfort zone. I learned so much and now I really want to help youth step up and become great leaders.”
• “Joining Global Scholar was like opening a new window to the world… You’ll discover more about yourself and your role in the world than you expect — and you’ll leave with people who’ll keep walking with you.”
• “It was such an amazing opportunity — I made close relationships and learned so much. One of the best experiences of my life.”

Speakers included: Fadimata Walet Inorene, Care; Giulia McPherson, Global Campaign for Education; Nishant Roy, Chobani; Prof Elizabeth Chacko, George Washington University; Victor Orozco, World Bank, & More!

Global Scholar: Atlanta, GA and Montgomery, AL
Based at Emory University and the Legacy Museum
In 2025, we launched an extraordinary new program based in Atlanta, GA, featuring transformative travel to the Legacy Museum and historic civil rights sites in Montgomery, Alabama. Scholars visited the Carter Center and CARE USA in Atlanta, explored the MLK National Historic Site, and experienced campus life at Emory University before heading to Montgomery to engage deeply with the Legacy Museum and related memorials. Overall, this powerful journey has quickly become a cornerstone of our work to activate and inspire youth leaders.

• “The Global Scholar experience taught me how to use my unique perspective to understand broader social issues — and to build meaningful connections with others working to create change.”
• “It’s a great learning experience — both in becoming a global leader and in meeting amazing new people. I had the best time being here and learning how to lead.”
• “I loved my Global Scholar experience. I met wonderful people and learned so much.”

Speakers included: Gael Nzeyimana and Emily Broussard, the Carter Center; Amanda Moll, CARE USA; Tad Roach, The Legacy Museum, & More!

Global Scholar: Virtual 
Pioneers in virtual youth programming, Global Scholar continues to deliver a powerful online experience that brings young people from around the world together for meaningful conversations, transformative skill building, and energizing activities that uplift and inspire. This year’s virtual cohort included participants from across the U.S., as well as Syria, Russia, Pakistan, and India.

The international environment made the virtual program incredibly unique. Even online, I connected with students from around the world, shared ideas, and learned more than I imagined.”

• “This has been one of the most enriching online experiences I’ve ever had. The shared connection of creating change during our virtual sessions was precious. I loved how we learned and grew through games and metaphors… Thank you to the entire AMP community — diverse, empathetic, and endlessly enthusiastic.”
• “I loved how the curriculum was structured and how diverse the speakers were. I’ll never forget the Appalachian Media Institute — their story and message completely transformed how I think about storytelling.”
• “What I liked best was the respect and fairness shown to every participant. The activities — especially the shoe storytelling and the fun toast-making session — were creative and meaningful.”
• “I loved the breakout rooms where we shared ideas with people from around the world.”

Speakers included: Eduarda Zoghbi, Brazilian youth climate leader; Nyombi Morris, Ugandan youth climate leader; Tommy Anderson and youth leaders from American Media Institute / Appalshop; Moiz Rehan, Pakistani youth leader; Megan Wilson, Peace Corps & more!

Global Scholar Impact
Across our programs, participants reported meaningful increases in their sense of:
Global Citizenship & Awareness
Empowerment, Confidence & Agency
Leadership Skills & Tools
Taking Action and Change Making
Community, Connection & Collaboration
Identity & Understanding
Inspiration & Motivation

• “The biggest thing I’ve taken away is a deeper understanding of global citizenship, systems thinking, and how to grow as a changemaker step by step.”
• “I’ll never forget the team from the Appalachian Media Institute. Their story, message, and power completely transformed how I think about storytelling — I related to them even from the other side of the world.”
• “I can’t get over what Aris said: ‘We are the ones we’ve been waiting for.’ It reminded me that change starts in a space of safety, admiration, and connection.”
• “I’ve taken away the power of youth in change-making — both as individuals and in larger systems. The world needs young people who want to lead and use their voices.”
• “This experience was more than just a summer program; it was an intense week where I learned how to be a global citizen in a completely different and incredible way… I will never forget these days and this experience, which I hope will open doors for my future.”
• “This program taught me to ‘start local, be global’ and bring all parts of my identity into my work. Saadallah’s project showed me how unique perspectives build projects that speak across borders.”
• “I learned how much agency we actually have — I can write a petition, email my representatives, and talk to policymakers. That was a huge shift for me.”

Global Scholar Impact and Need: By the Numbers
This year, AMP was proud to engage 72 students across all program sessions, including an extraordinary international cohort from Brazil, Syria, Pakistan, Russia, India, and Peru. We also awarded more than $33,000 in scholarships, reinforcing our deep commitment to ensuring these opportunities remain accessible to youth from diverse backgrounds.

To sustain and expand this impact, we aim to raise $20,000 to support programming through summer 2026 and strengthen our long-term sustainability. Your gift will fuel additional scholarships, power our student leadership team, support student-led projects, and cover essential program infrastructure. Donate here!

Thank you in advance for your support. Together, we are building a vibrant, resilient community of youth leaders committed to a brighter, more just future for all.

Alumni: Bringing Change Back Home
Alumni return to their communities equipped with powerful skills, fresh perspectives, and renewed confidence. Here’s a snapshot of the incredible impact they’ve already begun making at home after completing the program.

This summer, Leeya didn’t just learn about food justice, she got her hands in the soil. Working with farms and community gardens across New Jersey, Leeya helped harvest nearly 9800 pounds of fresh produce. That’s over 38,000 servings for local shelters and food banks! She says: “When you’re out there picking eggplant and zucchini, and you know they’re going to someone who really needs them, that’s powerful.” Leeya says her AMP experience helped ignite her commitment to community leadership, and she’s just getting started. “I was inspired by my summer experience in the Global Scholar program, and I’m grateful for the ongoing mentorship from Aris over this past year.”

Joao, a 2025 Global Scholar alum from Brazil, says the program didn’t just change how he thinks, it changed how he leads. “My favorite part of the program was acknowledging the real power of youth and the massive change that we can do in this world together. Connecting with people from different cultures and experiencing college life was truly life-changing.” Joao reminds us that youth power is real and when we act together across borders, we unlock something bigger than any one of us.

Global Scholar 2024 Alum Benazir has found her voice as a filmmaker and storyteller, starting with sharing her experience as an Afghan refugee in the US. In spring 2025 she posted a powerful video on AMP’s social media sharing the reflections of her and other girls in Afghanistan on the importance of education, and what life was like when that right was denied to them.

Not every changemaker leads with a bullhorn. Some lead with rhythm, vision and verse. Meet Axel, a 2025 Global Scholar alum, poet and the Project Lead for our winter Power Up Conference. Axel brings both heart and hustle to our team: championing youth political participation, uplifting LEGTQIA+ rights, and shaping a future where youth lead. Yet what makes Axel’s leadership unforgettable is their artestry. Through poetry and activism, Axel maps the emotional terrain of what it means to grow up, speak out, and build community in a complex world.

As the founder, Director and Host of the Refugee Voice, Arwa is turning lived experience into leadership. A refugee herself, she launched this podcast to challenge erasure and reclaim the narrative because too often, refugees are spoken about but rarely heard from. She shares: “Storytelling isn’t just memory, it’s power. It’s how we reclaim identity, spark empathy, and resist invisibility. Every voice we amplify is a stand against silence.”

“Youth belong in every room where decisions are made.” This fall, Ulysses Matricciani – AMP Student Leader and Global Scholar alum (2022) represented AMP Global Youth at the United Nations General Assembly High-Level Plenary Meeting commemorating the 30th anniversary of the World Programme of Action for Youth. Ulysses engaged with world leaders, youth delegates and change-makers from around the globe. His journey is just one reflection of how AMP shows up for youth – by trusting them, uplifting their voices, and putting real power behind their ideas.

Power Up 2025: Media & Disinformation
The 2025 virtual Power Up Conference explored the urgent themes of media literacy and strategies for countering disinformation. Designed and led by AMP student leaders, the event featured insightful conversations with experts Renee Hobbs and Yonty Friesem from the Media Education Lab, along with dynamic workshops on media literacy facilitated by AMP leaders Tova and Dhahi. A big thank-you to Claudia, Zainab, Dhahi, and the entire planning team for creating such a powerful and timely event!

Coming Up in 2026!
State of Global Youth Report 2026: Trust, and Rebuilding our Social Fabric.
This academic year, AMP youth leaders are spearheading our second State of Global Youth Report, focused on Trust. Youth researchers in the U.S., Syria, Russia, and Brazil are conducting surveys, leading interviews, and analyzing findings on how young people define trust, who they trust, and how trust can be rebuilt. Findings will be presented at Power Up 2026 in early February. Join us!

Issue Analysts are tackling timely topics youth care about.
Our youth writing team continues to unpack key issues—from teens and AI to sectarianism and social belonging—through thoughtful analysis on the AMP blog. Check it out: www.AMPGlobalYouth.org

Susie Coakley represents AMP on UNESCO’s SDG4 Youth and Social Network Survey
Longtime AMP leader Susie Coakley is supporting UNESCO’s global survey on the future of public service professions and representing AMP at their international convening in early 2026.

AMP’s 25th Anniversary! America’s 250th!
As AMP approaches its 25th anniversary—and as the United States approaches its 250th—AMP leadership is preparing major initiatives to revisit our founding goals and boldly imagine what comes next for both our organization and our global community. Stay tuned for exciting updates in early 2026!