In 2020, we had more great applicants for our scholarship and were prepared to send two amazing youth to Sestri Levante – one had planned to do a project on dance and one had planned to do a project comparing wheelchair accessibility in the U.S. and Italy. Sadly, the pandemic forced us to cancel the planned exchange for last year. This year, we again are unable to send youth ambassadors overseas, but we have stayed in touch with the two students that were offered the scholarship in order to try and offer other ways of staying involved in the meantime.
One of the involvement opportunities we’ve offered is a virtual photo exchange being coordinated by the Santa Cruz-Sestri Levante subcommittee. We have invited all scholarship applicants from last year to participate. One photograph of their choice from the virtual exchange will be entered in the 2021 Young Artists and Authors Showcase organized by Sister Cities International and should follow this year’ theme: United in Hope. Furthermore, the subcommittee is looking into subsidizing Italian lessons for some of the students.
With the availability of vaccinations becoming more widespread, and with the loosening of travel restrictions on the horizon, we anticipate being able to send students in person to Sestri Levante next summer to act as youth ambassadors between our two cities! Your continued support helps secure those opportunities!
Donations in any amount are very much appreciated – $5, $10, $25 all add up! Like last year, we’ll be offering a special incentive. In honor of Gralen’s birthday, from now through April 30, for donations of $100 or more we will send you a bottle of wine from Wilson Family Vineyards in appreciation of your generous support!
All donations are tax deductible as part of the Santa Cruz Sister Cities Support group programs. Santa Cruz Sister Cities Support is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization (Tax ID #770575231).
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Gralen Eidam Wilson Youth Ambassador Scholarship 