NEW YORK CITY – In a prestigious ceremony celebrating diaspora excellence, more than forty young Dominican professionals and students residing across the United States were honored with the National Youth Award in the category of Outstanding Young Dominican Abroad. The fourth edition of this recognition event was orchestrated by the Dominican Republic’s Ministry of Youth, with collaborative support from the Dominican Consulate General in New York and the Institute of Dominicans Abroad (INDEX).
The awards spotlight individuals who have demonstrated remarkable accomplishments across various sectors including education, scientific research, community development, and professional practice. These contributions have significantly benefited both Dominican communities overseas and institutions within their host countries.
Distinguished attendees included Dominican Consul in New York Jesús Vásquez, Youth Minister Carlos Valdéz, and INDEX Vice Minister Celinés Toribio, alongside numerous institutional representatives and community members.
Authorities emphasized that the award serves as an official state mechanism to acknowledge young Dominicans abroad who maintain robust academic, social, and professional connections with their communities. Officials also revealed substantial growth in program participation, with nominations surging from 57 applicants in 2023 to 272 in 2026—68% of which originated from young Dominicans living in the United States.