Prospective Youth and Family Information

Revised May 2026​

🌍 Program Overview

The Military Youth Ambassadors of Utah (MYA), a nonprofit affiliated with the Utah National Guard, empowers military-connected youth (ages 13–17) to become global leaders and citizen diplomats. Through a two-year exchange with the Royal Armed Forces of Morocco, Utah teens host a Moroccan peer one summer, then travel to Morocco the next.

​

One-to-One Pairing: Each Utah teen is paired with a Moroccan teen from a military family, creating lasting bonds.

• Summer 1 (Utah, 2 weeks): Moroccan teens live with Utah host families, sharing family life, outdoor adventures, cultural and civic activities, and service projects.

• Summer 2 (Morocco, 2 weeks): Utah teens reunite with their match, live with a Moroccan family, and experience Moroccan hospitality, culture, and daily life.

 

🌟 What Teens Say

• “It was unforgettable — the best two weeks of my life.”

• “I didn’t just meet people; I gained a second family.”

• “It was life-changing — I grew in confidence and independence.”

• “Don’t be shy — friendships take time, but they’re worth it.”

 

🌟 What Parents Say

• “This program was life-changing — my teen came home more confident, independent, and empathetic.”

• “It was like welcoming a new family member into our home.”

• “Our family bonds with Moroccan youth were unforgettable.”

 

💡 What You’ll Gain

• Adventure: Group outings such as Lagoon, Snowbird Resort, Days of ’47 Rodeo, Moroccan city tours, mosque tour, camel ride, and beach outing on the Moroccan coast.

• Friendships: A lifelong bond with your Moroccan match and group friends.

• Growth: Learn independence, adaptability, and global perspectives.

• Leadership: Represent Utah and the U.S. as a citizen ambassador.

 

⚠️ What Youth Should Expect 

• Busy schedules and full days of activities.

• Group expectations: punctuality, respect, and participation.

• Family-style living — you’ll become part of your Moroccan host family’s daily life.

 

⚠️ Family Commitments

• Provide a private bedroom and transportation to group activities or carpool locations during the hosting year.

• Participation in all required group events and preparation meetings.

• Provide meals respectful of Muslim dietary restrictions (no pork, only Halal chicken and beef, no restrictions on seafood or vegetarian foods)

 

🛠 Tips from Alumni

• Be open, patient, and flexible — challenges make you stronger.

• Take breaks when you need to, but always rejoin the group.

• Learn a few French or Arabic phrases

• Try new foods and experiences — they’ll be the highlights you remember.

 

✅ Why Families Join MYA

Parents consistently report joy in watching their children grow as leaders, friends, and citizen diplomats. Many describe it as a “once-in-a-lifetime” opportunity not just for their teen, but for the whole family.

 

Key Info

• Eligibility: Ages 13–17 from Utah National Guard military families (current or former). Youth should be in 8th to 11th grade at the time of interview.

• Costs: Participation fees: 

  • Hosting year: $750

  • Traveling year: price of plane ticket, typically $1,700–$2,500.

• Financial Aid: Scholarships available — don’t let cost stop you from applying!