The following criteria will be required of all applicants to the program:

1. Resident of the Vail Valley and enrolled in the 11th Grade as of the date of this application. (all other things equal, preference will be given to Town of Vail residents)

2. Academic Excellence

3. Community Involvement/service

4. Unquestionable Integrity

5. Sporting achievements; skiing/riding prowess of knowledge of the sport is important but not required.

6. Independence and confidence in all aspects of this Sister Cities Exchange.

7. Timely completion of application

If chosen, the Vail Youth Ambassador agrees to

1. Represent Vail in Australia positively with integrity and commitment.
2. Host a Benalla or Mansfield Shire Exchange Student in your home for 6 weeks during December/January
3. Commit to work or volunteer in Benalla or Mansfield Shire for 6 weeks during June/July
4. Be introduced to the Vail Town Council at an evening meeting with the student ambassadors from Benalla and Mansfield.
5. Send a least two e-mails or letters to the Vail Valley Exchange during your stay in Australia, updating the community on your activities. Photos are helpful as well and may be posted on the Vail Valley Exchange Web site for promotional purposes.
6. Meet with the community officials in Australia who are responsible for administrating the student exchange program in their community.
7. Write an article describing your experience in Australia for publication in the Vail Daily upon your return
8. Attend the informational presentation of the Vail Youth Ambassador Program to the incoming junior class the following September.