Leader Selection

What kind of background checks are done for delegation leaders?
Following is a list of what we check for each program leader:

1. Social Security Check — Validates applicant's SSN and finds prior names used and additional addresses.

2. County Criminal — Checks current county criminal records in county of residence plus additional counties at our request.

3. Federal Conviction Search — Search for criminal convictions at the appropriate U.S. District Court based on the applicant's name.

4. National Criminal Record — Searches over 200 million criminal records, covering all 50 states and Washington, D.C.

5. Sex Offender Registry — Searches 49 individual state sex offender registries.

6. INTERPOL Most Wanted — Searches for individuals that are wanted by national jurisdictions.

We evaluate every leader record that comes back with a crime noted. We will remove a leader if he or she has any assault or violent crime in their past as well as any crime related to a child. We will also remove a leader for other convictions- every situation is handled individually.

How many leaders travel with the delegation?
On a national level, delegations average one delegation leader per 10 students. We choose delegation leaders in much the same way we select Student Ambassadors. Interested candidates submit an application and letters of recommendation and are interviewed by People to People program staff. Selection of delegation leaders is based on teaching experience, past work with young people, travel experience, and enthusiasm for the program.

Every delegation is also accompanied by a delegation manager who serves as the program guide and arranges for the day-to-day activities of the students while they are overseas.

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