How does the Ulster Project work?

Under the sponsorship of the various US city Ulster Projects, teens (half Catholic and half Protestant; half girls and half boys) from their paired Northern Irish communities come to the United States to live in private homes for a month.  The teens live with host families who are of the same gender and same side of the Catholic/Protestant "faith line" and are matched by a committee by the participating American churches.

Accompanied by adult counselors, the Northern Irish participants range in age from fourteen to sixteen years, having been evaluated and selected by their teachers and clergy for their leadership potential.  At this age, the youth have not committed themselves to any underground militant group and are old enough to profit from this experience.

During the month, the entire group of Northern Irish and American teens meet almost daily for activities, including encounter sessions, social activities, community service projects, and worship.

Because the Project works so well developing mutual trust and friendships among the Northern Irish youth and their families, participating Northern Irish leaders plan reunions and meetings after the youth return to Ireland, encouraging the continuation of those friendships formed during the Project month.