Application Guide
How to Apply for Tech Youth Program Coordinator
at Legacy International
🏢 About Legacy International
Legacy International is a nonprofit with over 40 years of experience delivering leadership, professional, and youth exchange programs, headquartered in Bedford, Virginia. It partners with the U.S. Department of State and Virginia Tech on Tech Youth, a prestigious initiative that empowers high school students through technology, entrepreneurship, and cultural exchange. Working here means joining a mission-driven team dedicated to building global leaders and fostering cross-cultural understanding.
About This Role
As the Tech Youth Program Coordinator, you will manage the logistics, communication, and execution of a 15-month exchange program for approximately 90 high school participants from the U.S. and 12 other countries. You will coordinate virtual preparation, a 20-day U.S. exchange, Community Action Projects, and follow-on engagement, ensuring a seamless and impactful experience for all participants. This role is pivotal in developing the next generation of tech-savvy, globally-minded leaders.
💡 A Day in the Life
A typical day might involve coordinating with Global Ties organizations to finalize host family placements, updating the program calendar, and leading a virtual workshop for participants on entrepreneurship. You might also review applications for the next cycle, manage the program budget, and prepare materials for the upcoming U.S. exchange. Expect frequent communication with participants, partners, and the Legacy International team, all while working remotely and maintaining Eastern Time hours.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who Legacy International Is Looking For
- Experience coordinating youth exchange programs, preferably with high school students, including virtual and in-person components.
- Strong logistical and organizational skills, with the ability to manage complex schedules, travel arrangements, and multiple stakeholders.
- Comfortable working remotely and collaborating across time zones, with regular availability during Eastern Time business hours.
- Willingness and ability to travel approximately three weeks during the summer for the U.S. exchange, and potentially additional travel.
- Passion for technology, entrepreneurship, and youth leadership development, with cultural sensitivity and adaptability.
📝 Tips for Applying to Legacy International
Highlight any experience with U.S. Department of State exchange programs or similar government-funded initiatives, as this is a key partnership.
Emphasize your ability to manage virtual and in-person program logistics, including your familiarity with tools like Zoom, Google Workspace, and project management software.
Demonstrate cultural competence by mentioning specific experiences working with international youth or diverse groups.
Explicitly state your availability for the required summer travel and confirm you live in the continental U.S. and can work Eastern Time hours.
Show your understanding of Legacy International's mission by referencing their 40+ year history and how you align with their values of empowering emerging leaders.
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
['Your direct experience coordinating youth exchange or educational programs, particularly those involving international participants and technology themes.', 'Your ability to handle logistics for a 20-day U.S. exchange, including travel, accommodations, and activities for 90 high school students.', 'Your comfort with remote work and flexibility to travel, as well as your commitment to working Eastern Time hours.', "Your passion for fostering global leadership and cross-cultural understanding, and how you would contribute to Tech Youth's goals."]
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → Explore the Tech Youth initiative on the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs website to understand its goals and structure.
- → Read about Legacy International's other programs and their 40-year history to grasp their organizational culture and impact.
- → Learn about Virginia Tech's Center for Engineering Excellence and Discovery and how they contribute to Tech Youth.
- → Research Global Ties organizations across the U.S. to understand their role in hosting international participants.
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Failing to demonstrate specific experience with youth exchange programs or high school students, as this is a core requirement.
- Not addressing the travel requirement or indicating reluctance to travel for three weeks in the summer.
- Submitting a generic cover letter that doesn't mention Tech Youth, Legacy International, or the unique aspects of this program.
📅 Application Timeline
This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.
Typical hiring timeline:
Application Review
1-2 weeks
Initial Screening
Phone call or written assessment
Interviews
1-2 rounds, usually virtual
Offer
Congratulations!
Ready to Apply?
Good luck with your application to Legacy International!