RALEIGH-DURHAM AMBASSADOR PROGRAM IS AT CAPACITY FOR THE 2026-2027 ACADEMIC YEAR
You would be applying for the 2027-2028 academic year. Ambassadors will begin the program February 2027.
The Path to Leadership Starts Here
The Youth Leadership Foundations Ambassador Program is a premier leadership incubator for students in the Raleigh-Durham area. We are looking for mature, service-driven leaders ready to influence their peers and the RDU community.
Eligibility Requirements
To be considered for the 2026–2027 cohort, applicants must:
- Grade Level: Only open to students entering the 11th Grade (Tier 1) or 12th Grade (Tier 2) for the 2027–2028 school year.
- Academic Standing: Maintain a minimum cumulative 2.50 GPA (Tier 1) or 2.75 GPA (Tier 2).
- Conduct: Be in good academic and behavioral standing with no major disciplinary actions.
- Commitment: Willingness to recruit at least two (2) new youth each year and attend all monthly sessions.
Note: Applicants who do not meet these requirements will not be considered.
Ambassador Program Fees & Investment
While the full program tuition is waived via a $500 Leadership Scholarship, a total fee of $200 applies to cover candidate vetting and official gear:
- $100 Candidate Vetting & Processing Fee: Due upon submission of the online application (Non-refundable).
- $100 Enrollment & Onboarding Fee: Due only if you are accepted into the program.
- This fee covers your official Ambassador Gear: Polo, tshirt and Identification Badge.
Note: The Candidate Vetting & Processing Fee & Enrollment & Onboarding Fee are one-time non‑refundable fees.
Required Forms
After submitting your application and the $100 Candidate Vetting & Processing Fee, you must ensure the following documents are submitted. Note: These forms must be sent directly to Camp S.W.A.G. by the school counselor or registrar; students/parents may not submit these personally.
1. School Verification Form
Must be submitted by a school counselor/school authorized staff member to official verify GPA and conduct.
👉Download School Verification Form:
Note: The School Verification Form must be received before an interview can be scheduled.
2. Letter of Recommendation Form
Two (2) Letter of Recommendation Forms are required:
- One (1) from a schoolteacher AND
- One (1) from a coach, counselor, principal, pastor, work supervisor, or community member
👉 Download Recommendation Form
(Recommenders may also submit a traditional letter on official letterhead.) Two recommendations are still required, regardless of format.
Deadline for Documentation:
To maintain our rolling admissions schedule, please adhere to the following documentation requirements:
- School Verification Form: This form must be received by Camp S.W.A.G. before an interview can be considered or scheduled. We strongly suggest providing this form to your school counselor or registrar immediately upon submitting your application to avoid delays in the vetting process.
- Two (2) Letters of Recommendation: These must be received by Camp S.W.A.G. within 7 business days after your completed interview to move your file to the final selection committee. Your candidacy will not be presented to the Selection Committee for an admission decision until both recommendations are received.
- Proactive Submission: We strongly recommend distributing all forms to your teachers and counselors the same day you submit your application. This ensures your School Verification is processed in time to secure an interview and your recommendations are on file for the final selection committee review.
- Official Submission Policy: All forms must be sent directly to Camp S.W.A.G. by the school official or recommender; documents submitted by students or parents will not be accepted.
What Happens After You Apply
1. Your Application Enters Review
- Once you have submitted your online application and paid the $100 Candidate & Vetting Fee, your candidacy for the 2027–2028 Leadership Ambassador Program enters the initial review phase. To keep your application moving forward, please follow these steps:
2. School Verification Required
- Your School Verification Form must be completed by your school counselor or school official. This form confirms your GPA, attendance, conduct, grade level, and overall eligibility. We cannot schedule an interview until this form is received and reviewed. Applications without a School Verification Form cannot move forward.
3. Eligibility Review (5–7 Business Days)
After we receive your application, fee, and School Verification Form, your file is reviewed for:
- Eligibility
- Accuracy of information
- Alignment with the Ambassador Program
Once your qualification and verification form are confirmed, you are on your way to a virtual interview! Keep an eye on your inbox—within 5–7 business days, you’ll receive an email with a link to schedule your virtual interview so we can get to know you better.
4. Interview (Invitation Only)
- Interviews are not guaranteed. Only applicants who meet eligibility requirements and pass the initial review will be invited to interview.
- Your virtual interview will focus on your readiness for the Ambassador Program, including leadership qualities (11th grade) or management readiness (12th grade).
5. Recommendations Due After Interview
- If you complete an interview, your two required recommendations must be submitted within 7 business days of your interview:
- One from a teacher AND
- One from a mentor, coach, supervisor, pastor, community leader, employer, etc.
These must be submitted directly to Camp S.W.A.G. by the adults completing them. Applications missing recommendations cannot proceed to final review.
6. Acceptance & Enrollment Fee
- If you are selected for the Ambassador Program, you will receive an official Letter of Acceptance via email with a link to pay the $100 Enrollment Fee & Onboarding Fee and next steps.
- To secure your Ambassador spot, you must pay the $100 Enrollment Fee within 3 business days of acceptance. Spots are not held without payment. Be sure to check your spam/trash/promotional email folders.
Note: Please check your Spam/Trash folder regularly and add Leadership@cswag.org to your email contacts.
Youth Leadership Foundations Ambassador Application
Non‑Discrimination Policy
Camp S.W.A.G. (Students With Ambitions & Goals) is committed to providing an inclusive, welcoming, and equitable environment for all participants, families, staff, and volunteers. Camp S.W.A.G. does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, gender expression, religion, age, sexual orientation, disability, medical condition, or family structure in the provision of services, programs, activities, or employment opportunities.
Any participant or parent/guardian who believes they have experienced discrimination or harassment based on any protected characteristic should report the concern to Camp S.W.A.G. staff immediately. All reports will be reviewed promptly, handled confidentially to the extent possible, and addressed in accordance with Camp S.W.A.G.’s policies and procedures. Retaliation against anyone who makes a good‑faith report is strictly prohibited.