Project Bridge
Established in 1993 in the aftermath of the Los Angeles Riots (Sa-I-Gu), the Kids to Korea program was launched with the support and leadership of Ambassador Donald P. Gregg, PCI Chair Emeritus and former U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Korea, to help young people develop a deeper understanding of cultural differences and build meaningful connections across communities. Over the years, the program evolved and was renamed Project Bridge, growing through valued partnerships with organizations that share PCI’s commitment to intercultural understanding and youth leadership.
PCI has been an integral part of this history from the program’s early years, working alongside The Korea Society to bring the program to young people in Los Angeles. In 2019, the Maureen and Mike Mansfield Center at the University of Montana joined the collaboration, further expanding the program and bringing new perspectives to its intercultural dialogue.
Beginning in 2026, PCI will continue the Project Bridge Youth Ambassador Program independently, building on more than three decades of experience, relationships, and lessons gained through these collaborations. As PCI moves forward on its own, it remains committed to preserving the core vision of Project Bridge while continuing to develop the program in ways that reflect the needs and experiences of today’s young people.
The goal of Project Bridge is to foster greater understanding and respect among cultures and communities while equipping young people with the knowledge, confidence, and leadership skills to help bridge cultural divides and promote positive individual and societal change.
A Year of Learning, Leadership, and Cultural Exchange
Throughout the academic year, Youth Ambassadors participate in bi-monthly workshops and activities designed to strengthen leadership skills and deepen their understanding of Korea, Korean-American history, and intercultural relations.
Program topics include:
· Leadership development, presentation, and public speaking
· Intercultural understanding, including race, ethnicity, nationality, and culture
· Korean history, culture, language, economy, and contemporary issues
· The 1992 Los Angeles Riots (Sa-I-Gu) and their lasting impact on the Korean American community
· Community service and civic engagement
The highlight of Project Bridge is a fully subsidized, 10-day educational study tour of South Korea, where Youth Ambassadors have the opportunity to experience Korea firsthand and put their classroom learning into practice.
During the study tour, Youth Ambassadors:
· Interact with Korean high school students and young people
· Meet with Korean government, business, academic, and community leaders
· Explore Korea’s history, culture, and contemporary society
· Develop greater cross-cultural awareness and international etiquette
· Experience Korean customs and daily life through cultural immersion
Upon returning to Los Angeles, Youth Ambassadors complete the program with a final presentation and graduation. Through their year-long experience, they emerge as more informed, confident, and mindful young leaders—better prepared to serve as bridges between cultures and contribute to positive change in their communities and beyond.
Program Activities
Throughout the year, Project Bridge Youth Ambassadors participate in:
· Bi-monthly workshops on Korean history, culture, contemporary issues, youth leadership, multicultural understanding, communication, and community relations
· Field trips and educational activities
· A fully subsidized, 10-day educational study tour of South Korea
· Final presentations and graduation
Applications are now open for the Los Angeles Project Bridge 2026-2027 Youth Ambassadors program (deadline: October 23, 2026)
Please visit this link for more information.
Please follow us on Facebook and Instagram for latest updates on Project Bridge LA.
PCI has been an integral part of this history from the program’s early years, working alongside The Korea Society to bring the program to young people in Los Angeles. In 2019, the Maureen and Mike Mansfield Center at the University of Montana joined the collaboration, further expanding the program and bringing new perspectives to its intercultural dialogue.
Beginning in 2026, PCI will continue the Project Bridge Youth Ambassador Program independently, building on more than three decades of experience, relationships, and lessons gained through these collaborations. As PCI moves forward on its own, it remains committed to preserving the core vision of Project Bridge while continuing to develop the program in ways that reflect the needs and experiences of today’s young people.
The goal of Project Bridge is to foster greater understanding and respect among cultures and communities while equipping young people with the knowledge, confidence, and leadership skills to help bridge cultural divides and promote positive individual and societal change.
A Year of Learning, Leadership, and Cultural Exchange
Throughout the academic year, Youth Ambassadors participate in bi-monthly workshops and activities designed to strengthen leadership skills and deepen their understanding of Korea, Korean-American history, and intercultural relations.
Program topics include:
· Leadership development, presentation, and public speaking
· Intercultural understanding, including race, ethnicity, nationality, and culture
· Korean history, culture, language, economy, and contemporary issues
· The 1992 Los Angeles Riots (Sa-I-Gu) and their lasting impact on the Korean American community
· Community service and civic engagement
The highlight of Project Bridge is a fully subsidized, 10-day educational study tour of South Korea, where Youth Ambassadors have the opportunity to experience Korea firsthand and put their classroom learning into practice.
During the study tour, Youth Ambassadors:
· Interact with Korean high school students and young people
· Meet with Korean government, business, academic, and community leaders
· Explore Korea’s history, culture, and contemporary society
· Develop greater cross-cultural awareness and international etiquette
· Experience Korean customs and daily life through cultural immersion
Upon returning to Los Angeles, Youth Ambassadors complete the program with a final presentation and graduation. Through their year-long experience, they emerge as more informed, confident, and mindful young leaders—better prepared to serve as bridges between cultures and contribute to positive change in their communities and beyond.
Program Activities
Throughout the year, Project Bridge Youth Ambassadors participate in:
· Bi-monthly workshops on Korean history, culture, contemporary issues, youth leadership, multicultural understanding, communication, and community relations
· Field trips and educational activities
· A fully subsidized, 10-day educational study tour of South Korea
· Final presentations and graduation
Applications are now open for the Los Angeles Project Bridge 2026-2027 Youth Ambassadors program (deadline: October 23, 2026)
Please visit this link for more information.
Please follow us on Facebook and Instagram for latest updates on Project Bridge LA.