Application Deadline
Monday, February 9, 2026

Virtual Orientation
Saturday, February 21, 2026 | 10 a.m.–noon
(You will receive a Zoom link to the virtual orientation upon acceptance to the program.)

Classes at the Museum
Saturdays, February 28–May 30, 2026 | 9 a.m.–2 p.m.
(Morning refreshments and lunch will be provided weekly.)

Spring break
Saturday, April 18, 2026

Induction ceremony and family tours of the Museum
Saturday, June 13, 2026 | 9 a.m.–1 p.m.

Location
United States Holocaust Memorial Museum

Students from 9th through 12th grade from Washington, DC-area schools may apply.

You will need to submit these three items along with your online application:

1. A recent photograph of yourself *
   • Accepted formats: .JPG, .JPEG, .PNG, .GIF, or .EPS
   • Label your photo as: Last Name_First Name_photo
     (Example: Smith_Jane_photo)
2. A letter (or video) of recommendation from a teacher, school administrator, BTLH ambassador, or member of the community
   • Accepted formats: .DOC or .PDF less than 4 MB in size 
   • Label your recommendation as: Last Name_First Name_rec 
     (Example: Smith_Jane_rec)
3. A video essay (approximately two to five minutes long) or a written essay (500 words or more) that answers these questions:
   • Which photograph(s), artifact(s), or video(s) from the Museum’s main exhibition, The Holocaust, or any of the Museum’s online exhibitions, is/are most memorable or important to you and why? 
   • Why do you think it is important to learn about the Holocaust? 
   • What do you hope to accomplish as a BTLH ambassador? 
   • Why is it important for youth to engage with their communities? 
     •  Written essay accepted formats: .DOC or .PDF less than 4 MB in size
     • Label your written essay as: Last Name_First Name_essay 
       (Example: Smith_Jane_essay)
     • Video essay accepted formats: YouTube or DropBox link
     • Label your video essay as: Last Name First Name BTLH video essay

After ten minutes of inactivity, incomplete applications will be saved. You will receive an email confirmation following successful completion of your online application.