The Internet Society Youth Ambassadors Program is an annual, fully funded initiative that selects fifteen young, passionate individuals (aged 18-30) to participate in a 12-month training trajectory. Benefits include deepened subject expertise through online Internet governance training, mentorship from key Internet leaders, and the opportunity to attend a significant, fully funded global Internet event. Applicants must be between 18 and 30, have high proficiency in English, and be able to dedicate a minimum of 4 hours per week. The application submission deadline is 2 December 2025.
Fully Funded Internet Society Youth Ambassadors Program 2026 In Global Leadership Summary Table
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Program Name | Internet Society Youth Ambassadors Program |
| Host Institution | Internet Society (ISOC) |
| Category | Fully Funded Global Leadership and Advocacy Training |
| Eligible Participants | Young leaders aged 18–30 (globally) |
| Program Focus | Internet Governance, Advocacy, and Leadership Development |
| Duration | 12 months (minimum 4 hours per week commitment) |
| Award Value | Fully Funded travel to a global Internet event, Mentorship, Specialized Training |
| Application Deadline | 2 December 2025 |
2026 Internet Society Youth Ambassadors Program
The Internet Society (ISOC) Youth Ambassadors Program is an annual initiative selecting fifteen young, passionate individuals to participate in a transformative 12-month training program. This opportunity is designed to equip the next generation of Internet leaders with the collaborative and innovative skills required to promote and defend the principles of an open, globally connected, secure, and trustworthy Internet.
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Program Benefits and Support
The 12-month program provides comprehensive benefits focused on networking, skill acquisition, and exposure to high-level global policy discussions. Benefits are structured across three key tiers: Global Exposure, Specialized Training, and Networking/Mentorship.
Tier 1: Global Exposure and Advocacy (Fully Funded)
This tier provides the most valuable and career-defining benefit: fully funded participation in a major global Internet event, providing real-world advocacy experience.
- Fully Funded Global Event Attendance: Attend a significant Internet event (e.g., IGF, Policy Forum) specifically selected for you according to your preferences, profile, and location. This includes coverage for travel, accommodation, and related expenses.
- Engagement and Collaboration: Engage and collaborate directly with key Internet stakeholders—including governments, civil society, technical experts, and the private sector—from around the world.
Tier 2: Specialized Training and Skill Development
This tier focuses on developing both the technical knowledge base (Internet governance) and the necessary soft skills (advocacy and leadership) crucial for effective global participation.
- Deepened Subject Expertise: Access specific Internet governance online training designed to deepen your subject expertise.
- Skill Broadening: Broaden your core professional skills in areas critical for global policy, including advocacy, communications, project management, and leadership.
- Community Impact: Develop the skills and connections needed to make a greater impact in your local community, country, and region.
Tier 3: Networking and Mentorship
This tier provides access to the powerful, established network of Internet Society members and leaders, ensuring sustained professional growth long after the program concludes.
- Mentorship: Be formally mentored by key Internet leaders and experts who guide you through the program and beyond.
- Knowledgeable Network: Join an international network of knowledgeable Internet leaders who actively support Internet Society’s mission and advocate for protecting the Internet.
- Peer Relationships: Benefit from sharing networks, learning from each other’s approaches, working together, and forging peer relationships that significantly enhance your collective impact as future Internet leaders.
Eligibility Requirements for the Youth Ambassadors Program
Applicants must meet all the following mandatory criteria to be considered for the 15 available positions in the 2026 cohort.
- Age Requirement: Be between the ages of 18 and 30 at the date of the submitted application.
- Language Proficiency: Have a high level of reading, speaking, and writing skills in English.
- Communication Skills: Be comfortable with public speaking and communicating complex policy positions.
- Technical Access: Have continuous access to the Internet during all phases of the program, as well as the appropriate equipment (computer/device).
- Time Commitment: Be able to dedicate a minimum of 4 hours per week during the entire 12-month program duration.
- Availability: Have the availability to take part in weekly meetings and webinars, which usually take place between 11h and 16h UTC.
- Travel Capability: Be able to travel internationally and hold a valid passport.
- Program History: Must not have been previously selected as an Internet Society’s IGF Ambassador, IGF Youth Ambassador, Youth@IGF Fellow, or Youth Ambassador.
Selection Process (Two Phases)
The annual selection process is rigorous and highly competitive, ensuring that the 15 most aligned and highest-potential candidates are selected.
- Phase 1: Online Application Review
- A selection committee composed of Internet Society staff, alumni, and leadership reviews all applications.
- The review is conducted without identifying demographic information attached to select the best candidates to move forward.
- Candidates are scored primarily on their alignment with the Internet Society’s mission and vision, and the work they’ve already done building, promoting, and defending the open Internet.
- Phase 2: Online Internet Governance Course
- The highest scoring applicants from Phase 1 are invited to take a specialized online course on Internet Governance.
- Participants are divided into three classes, each with a dedicated tutor to facilitate the learning process.
- The 15 top-rated students upon completion of this course are chosen as the Internet Society Youth Ambassadors for the program year.
Application Timeline
The application window is brief, and applicants must submit their materials by the firm closing date.
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| 18 November 2025 | Online application submissions open |
| 2 December 2025 | Application submissions close |
| January 2026 | Final selection and program kick-off |
Application Deadline: 2 December 2025
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is the total duration of the Youth Ambassadors Program?
The program spans a total duration of 12 months, during which selected ambassadors participate in online training, mentorship, and advocacy work.
2. Is there an age restriction for applicants?
Yes, applicants must be between the ages of 18 and 30 years old at the date they submit their application to be eligible for the program.
3. What is the minimum weekly time commitment required?
Ambassadors must be able to dedicate a minimum of 4 hours per week to mandatory meetings, webinars, and program activities throughout the 12-month duration.
4. What language proficiency is mandatory for the program?
A high level of reading, speaking, and writing skills in English is mandatory, as the program activities, training, and global events are conducted in English.
5. What kind of event do the ambassadors attend?
Ambassadors attend a significant, fully funded Internet event (e.g., a major policy meeting or conference), which is selected based on the individual ambassador’s profile, preferences, and location.
6. Can I apply if I have previously been a Youth@IGF Fellow?
No, the program explicitly states that applicants must not have been previously selected as an Internet Society’s IGF Ambassador, IGF Youth Ambassador, Youth@IGF Fellow, or Youth Ambassador.
7. How does the program define “Fully Funded Programs” benefits?
“Fully Funded” refers primarily to the coverage of the costs associated with attending the selected global Internet event, including international air travel, accommodation, and related expenses.
8. What is the purpose of the second phase in the selection process?
The second phase requires the highest-scoring applicants to take an online Internet Governance course. This phase serves as the final selection tool, with the 15 top-rated students being chosen as the Youth Ambassadors.
9. When do the weekly meetings and webinars usually take place?
Weekly meetings and webinars are typically scheduled between 11:00 UTC and 16:00 UTC. Applicants must confirm their availability within this time window.
10. What criteria are used to score candidates in the initial application review?
Candidates are scored based on their alignment with the Internet Society’s mission and vision and the work they have already completed promoting and defending an open, globally connected, secure, and trustworthy Internet.
