Q: WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF JOINING THE CANDIDATE PROGRAM?

A: There are many benefits to joining! Here are a few highlights:

1. Develop Communication skills such as networking, interviewing, and speaking about your strengths!

2. Make friends with other girls you may not have otherwise known. Candidates develop lifelong bonds with other candidates and community members.

3. Increase confidence! By receiving customized mentorship and strengths-based coaching, you will finish the summer with greater self-confidence. 

4. Earn volunteer hours and give back to the community as you learn more about what it means to serve and to be a leader.

5. Opportunity to earn an educational scholarship and professional wardrobe if selected as an ambassador.

6. Opportunity to represent Lino Lakes at the Minneapolis Aquatennial and potential for additional scholarship and wardrob.

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​Q: WHAT are the eligibility requirements?

A: Below are the eligibility requirements for registering for the summer 2023 candidate program:

1. Female

2. Graduated or will graduate high school in 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025, or 2026

3. Never been married nor pregnant and do not live with a significant other

4. Available to attend required events on August 3rd (morning), August 7th (evening) and August 9th, 2024

5. Currently live (while not at college), work, attend church, or go to school in Lino Lakes, Blaine, Centerville, Circle Pines, or Lexington, Minnesota OR graduated from Centennial High School and currently live elsewhere in the Twin Cities area.

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Q: What activities and events are part of the candidate program?

A: The candidate program is made up of 4 primary types of events: Networking, Volunteering, Personal Development, and Just for Fun. Networking events build your networking skills and increase confidence in social settings. Volunteering events provide opportunities to give back to the community and meet local kids and community members. Personal Development events help you hone your individual strengths and provide coaching to improve your speaking and interviewing skills. Just for Fun events are just that - fun opportunities to bond with your new friends! 

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Q: I'M INVOLVED IN OTHER ACTIVITIES and/or HAVE A JOB - CAN I STILL JOIN?

A: Absolutely! We are flexible with schedules. Communication is key! 

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Q: I'M NOT SURE THAT I WANT TO BE SELECTED AS AN AMBASSADOR - CAN I STILL JOIN?

A: Of course! This program is open to anyone interested in the benefits of participating. The focus is on the experience rather than the end result. All candidates serve as 'short-term' ambassadors over the summer and can decide whether or not the continuation of the program as an ambassador is something that you would want to pursue or not. If you do choose to pursue the full year ambassadorship, you can make the selection panel aware of your desire. They will select three ambassadors from among the candidates to continue the experience for the following year in an official capacity representing the City of Lino Lakes and the Blue Heron Days festival. 

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Q: what is the cost to join?

A: There is a $50 registration fee which covers the cost of a candidate shirt and nametag (due 6/5/2024) by mailed check or Venmo @LinoLakes-Ambassadors). Additionally, candidates will need to bring specific attire for certain events including black pants (not leggings) with no holes, a business professional outfit, and one formal prom-style dress. 

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Q: HOW ARE new ambassadors selected?

A: There is a selection panel which is responsible for selecting three new ambassadors from among the candidates. Panel members will attend events to observe and get to know the candidates as well as conduct a formal interview of each candidate. Formal questionnaires will be provided to candidates midway through the summer which will ask questions regarding interest in being an ambassador, and these responses are provided to the selection panel prior to interviews. They are looking for young women who are enthusiastic about the program, are strong role models, work well as a team, exhibit leadership potential, and are willing to prioritize the one-year ambassador commitment. As this is not a pageant, there are no talent or beauty components though professionalism and poise will be considered. 

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q: HOW DO I SIGN UP?​

A: Click the link at the top of this page to complete the registration form! This will take approximately 10 minutes. Forms are due by June 14, 2023 and the program is guaranteed to the first 20 participants with paid registration fee. Additional registrants will be considered as space and resources allow. Upon submitting your registration, you will receive a welcome email within a few days with more information on the schedule and what to look forward to this summer. If you have any questions, you can reach us using the 'Contact Us' form on this site or you can direct message us on Instagram or Facebook!