Local teenagers have a chance to experience Japanese culture through the YMCA Teen Leadership Institute. Teens currently in grades 8-12 will travel to Kobe, Hiroshima and Kyoto this summer from July 22-Aug. 7, 2010.

Applications are now being accepted through March 31 and group selection will take place in early April.

Participants learn important leadership skills, cultural sensitivity, history and language through home stays, visiting historical places and interacting with teens their own age. There are 14 spots available in the Annual YMCA Teen Leadership Institute, a 45–year-old international partnership between the YMCA of Greater Seattle and Kobe YMCA.

The subsidized cost for the program (including pre-trip training, airfare, transportation, food, lodging and activities) is $2,750. Financial assistance is available to the extent possible for those in need.

An information meeting about the trip will be held at 7 p.m. Thursday, March 24 at the Coal Creek Family YMCA, 13750 Newcastle Golf Club Road, Newcastle.