By Marisa Mariella
Stoney Creek News (Jul 12, 2106)

While many teens leave summer plans open-ended, 16-year old Jacob DaCosta has a tight schedule.

Selected as one of 17 young Canadians for the prestigious Youth Ambassador Program, DaCosta will spend three weeks in the United States to learn about civic education, community service, youth leadership, and social inclusion.

“It is both a privilege and an honour to be able to represent my country’s youth in the United States during this ambassador program,” shared DaCosta, a Grade 11 honour roll student at Bishop Ryan Catholic Secondary School.

The program is a three-week exchange designed for Canadians to visit the U.S. by bringing together students, aged 15 to 18, and adult mentors from across Canada. Its goals are to promote mutual understanding, increase leadership skills, and position youth to make a difference in their communities. It will give the ambassadors an opportunity to attend meetings and seminars in Ottawa, Washington, DC and Plattsburgh, New York.

“We look forward to seeing how this opportunity will impact his independence and future career path,” said proud parents Marta and Emanuel DaCosta. “We know that this opportunity will develop his leadership skills.”

Organized by the Center for the Study of Canada at State University of New York in Plattsburgh, the program is sponsored by the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs of the United States Department of State, and supported from Fulbright Canada and the United States Embassy in Ottawa.

The opportunity was advertised at school and students who were interested in pursuing foreign service were invited to apply.