American Foreign Service Association - National High School Essay Contest

Topic: CHALLENGES FACING THE FOREIGN SERVICE IN THE 21ST CENTURY

A major objective on the tenth anniversary of this contest is to help you and other young Americans better understand how the men and women of the Foreign Service serve and defend our critical national interests around the globe, possibly leading many participants to consider international careers in service to our country.

Value of Award: $2,500 for student, $500 for student's high school, and a trip to Washington, DC for the winner and their family to meet with the Secretary of State (or a high-level designated stand-in, such as the Deputy Secretary of State).

Deadline for Submissions: April 15, 2010

Please see www.afsa.org/essaycontest for further information and details.

The United States Meets Europe: A Forum for Young Leaders is an active network of individuals interested in strengthening and supporting transatlantic relations. The next USAME Weeklong Seminar will take place in New York City & Washington from 18th - 24th April 2010 and will focus on the following theme:

"New Priorities, New Strategies: Soft Power, Cultural Diplomacy and American Foreign Policy" - In addition to looking in greater detail at the history and development of cultural diplomacy, the next USAME Weeklong Seminar will look at how the priorities of U.S. foreign policy have changed since the end of the Cold War and are continuing to evolve. This will provide a framework for discussions on contemporary transatlantic relations, and for comparing and contrasting foreign policy priorities in the U.S. and Europe.

Further information about the next Weeklong Seminar, including the online application form, can be found here.

Any inquiries regarding the program can be sent to usame@culturaldiplomacy.org