Applications for the 2026 - 2027 exchange cycle are open August 2nd, 2025 - November 1, 2025.
- EmailInfo@MilitaryYouthAmbassadors.org
About Us
Military Youth Ambassadors of Utah is a cultural exchange program that provides an opportunity for children of service members from the Utah National Guard and from the Royal Armed Forces of Morocco to come together and forge friendships, strengthen diplomatic relations, deepen foreign collaboration and trust, develop leadership skills, and represent Utah and the United States as official guests in each other’s nations. This is a two week program for two consecutive years.
Mission: Our mission is to facilitate relationships between military youth from Utah and Morocco. In doing so we will cultivate an appreciation for diversity, promote service and leadership, expand state and international partnerships, and foster personal connections. This exchange will benefit our youth, families, communities, state and country; now and for generations to come.
Vision: To be known and recognized as an exceptional cultural engagement program; developing life-long ambassadors for respect and diversity through an annual exchange with Utah and Moroccan youth.
Military Youth Ambassador program is an affiliate of the Utah National Guard. This is a non-profit organization. Donations can be accepted through their website.
The Program
The MYA Program spans two consecutive years and encompasses two-weeks each summer--these are designated "Hosting Year" and "Traveling Year". Utah participants begin the program by hosting a Moroccan youth, followed by travel to Morocco the following year. Participants will typically stay with the host family of the Moroccan youth that stayed with them the previous year.
Military Youth Ambassadors represent, Utah, the National Guard, and the United States. Participants are expected to conduct themselves in a manner that is commensurate with the gravity of this responsibility at all times during the exchange.
In preparation for and during each year of the program, participants and their parent(s)/guardian(s) are expected to participate in various scheduled events, fundraisers and classes.
For any technical difficulties with the form, please reach out to us: [email protected]
2026 - 2027 Exchange Dates
Exact dates are pending, but historically the exchange takes place during the last two weeks of July each summer.Phase 1 - Hosting Year
Utah families welcome Moroccan teens into their homes for a two-week exchange experience. The schedule is a mix of group activities and family days.
- Group Days: Participants join fun adventures and civic tours.
- A tour of the Utah State Capitol
- Lagoon Amusement Park
- Snowbird Resort Summer activities
- Recreation at the National Ability Center in Park City
- Days of ’47 Rodeo
- Camp Williams Challenge Course
- Other special activities and excursions, which may vary from year to year.
In past years, activities have included:
Phase 2 - Traveling Year
Final dates will be announced once confirmed with our Moroccan partners.Utah youth travel to Morocco for a 14-day visit, typically scheduled between early July and early August.
The experience mirrors Phase 1, with Utah teens staying in the homes of their matched Moroccan hosts, participating in cultural activities, and continuing to build lifelong friendships.