NBC News correspondent Luke Russert and Obama chief campaign manager David Plouffe examine presidential leadership styles and stress importance of giving back

SPOKANE, Wash., April 27 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- People to People Ambassador Programs, the leader in global educational travel experiences, today announced Presidential Leadership: In the Footsteps of Presidents Obama and Lincoln, a new summer travel program that provides students the opportunity to learn important leadership skills by following the political footsteps of Presidents Obama and Lincoln. The program features unique insight from NBC News correspondent Luke Russert, who reports on youth issues for NBC Nightly News, The Today Show and MSNBC; and political strategist David Plouffe, best known as the chief campaign manager for Barack Obama's 2008 presidential campaign. Students taking part in this historic travel experience will also participate in a community service project with Chicago Cares, the city's largest hands-on volunteer organization that serves the needs of children, adults, seniors, the environment, the hungry and homeless.

"We developed this historic summer program based on overwhelming customer interest following the success of our Inaugural Program," said Peg Thomas, president People to People Ambassador Programs. "In today's difficult economy, families asked us for alternative travel experiences for students to learn and grow, with perhaps shorter time frames. We feel this compelling new program fills that need and more. Those who take advantage of this opportunity will get an inside look at Presidents Obama and Lincoln, hear from experts they can relate to and learn practical ways to instill change in their own communities."

Presidential Leadership: In the Footsteps of Presidents Obama and Lincoln takes place August 2-8, 2009 on the campus of the University of Chicago with a day-trip to Springfield, Illinois. The program is available to students from the sixth grade up to juniors in college. Students can earn 10 service-learning hours during the program with an additional 55 classroom hours for high school students or one social studies credit for college students.

"I'm excited about being an integral part of this unique opportunity with People to People Ambassador Programs," said Luke Russert, NBC News correspondent and one of the featured speakers. "I had the privilege to cover the historic 2008 election and look forward to sharing what I learned from that experience."

Parents and students interested in learning more about Presidential Leadership: In the Footsteps of Presidents Obama and Lincoln can visit www.peopletopeople.com/obama. For additional information about People to People Ambassador Programs visit www.peopletopeople.com.

About People to People Ambassador Programs

People to People Ambassador Programs is the most recognized and respected educational travel provider and has provided more than 400,000 citizens of the world the opportunity to promote peace through understanding. The Ambassador Programs include Citizen, Student, Sports and Leadership to promote international and domestic programs for professionals, students, athletes, and the leaders of tomorrow.

Participation in a People to People Ambassador Program contributes directly to personal success in a globalized world and fosters international friendships. Our hands on, unique, educational travel programs provide access to people and places beyond compare, and combine unique cultural experiences with personal interaction to create global impact.

The Ambassador Programs serve as the exclusive educational travel provider of People to People International (PTPI), the nonprofit, Kansas City-based organization founded by President Dwight D. Eisenhower to promote peace through understanding worldwide. PTPI and Ambassadors Group are united in their mission of bridging cultural and political borders through education and exchange.

About Ambassadors Group

Ambassadors Group, Inc. (Nasdaq: EPAX) is a socially conscious, education company located in Spokane, Washington. Ambassadors Group is the parent company of People to People Ambassador Programs, World Adventures Unlimited, and Book Rags, an educational research website. The company also oversees the Washington School of World Studies, an accredited travel study and distance learning school. Additional information about Ambassadors Group and subsidiaries is available at http://ambassadorsgroup.com.

SOURCE Ambassadors Group, Inc.