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HOW TO JOIN
READY TO APPLY?
- Explore our website. Check out our programs and review our admissions requirements.
- Learn more about the Houston Chapter activities by exploring the tabs of this webpage.
- Submit your application (it should take around 30 minutes or less) and pay the $75 application fee to hold your spot. Questions or tech issues? Reach out to our Admissions team at [email protected].
APPLICATION DEADLINES
January 21, 2026 is the Application Deadline to join the Houston Chapter. Late applications may be considered on a case-by-case basis until training starts. Please contact [email protected] for more information.
Missed the local chapter deadline? You can still join us for summer 2026 through the National Chapter and complete training virtually!
Information Sessions
The Houston Chapter will be hosting a virtual information session. This meeting reviews basic program information and chapter specifics such as financial assistance, funding, training, and service learning. More information will be shared here about the date/time. Applicants are required to attend one virtual HQ information sessions. More information can be found here.
Interviews
The Houston Chapter will reach out to schedule a family interview online via Zoom. At least one parent or guardian is required to attend, and the interview lasts approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour. Interviews will start in October.
CONTACT
If you have any questions or would like more information, please contact our Outreach team at [email protected].
ABOUT
The AMIGOS Houston Chapter is part of a 9 Chapter Network that recruits, trains, and supports AMIGOS volunteers and families in their local community. Volunteers from around Houston train together as a group before leaving for their summer experience in Latin America or Colorado. Our board supports volunteers and families with group fundraising, service learning, community building, and overall preparation. Learn more about our Summer Programs here!
HISTORY
Since the Houston Chapter’s incorporation in 1965, over 1,800 youth from Houston and its suburbs have volunteered through the chapter path, fundraising and training locally before the summer.
CUrrent volunteers
Houston Chapter volunteers attend Awty International, Bellaire, Carnegie Vanguard, Chinquapin Preparatory, Cinco Ranch, Clear Creek, Cristo Rey, Cypress Creek, Cypress Falls, East Early College, Eastwood Academy, Elkins, Elsik, Energized for STEM Academy, Friendswood, Harmony Schools, HSPVA, KIPP Schools, Lamar, Memorial, Debakey Health Professions, Rice University, School of the Woods, Seven Lakes, St. Agnes, St. John’s, St. Thomas, Strake Jesuit, The John Cooper School, Kinkaid, The Village School, Woodlands College Park, Xavier Academy, YES Prep Schools, and many more!
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
The Houston Chapter is dedicated to supporting the inclusion of students from diverse backgrounds. Each year, about 25% of volunteers receive financial assistance ranging from $500 to $3,800.
We provide need-based financial assistance with distribution determined by family income, number of dependents, and special financial circumstances. Qualified applicants are selected and received assistance as deductions on family fee payments.
On the application, students should select “Yes” that they intend to apply for financial assistance. Students must select “Yes” to this question in order for the Financial Assistance Application to appear on their dashboard. Then, at the end of the application, they should select, “I request a waiver”.
Applicants applying for financial assistance may request a temporary waiver of the $75 non-refundable application fee. The waiver is temporary while the chapter reviews the financial assistance application and determines an award offer (if any). If the volunteer and family accept the offer to join AMIGOS, they will then be required to pay the $75 non-refundable application fee.
ADDITIONAL FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES
All alumni interested in volunteering again with AMIGOS qualify to apply for the Alumni Award. We highly encourage you to apply for financial assistance.
Alumni and parents of alumni can earn discounts or cash payments for referring the next cohort of AMIGOS volunteers! Learn more about our Alumni Referral Program and sign up to receive your unique referral code.
HOW CAN I HELP?
Randalls Food Market is in partnership with the Houston Chapter of Amigos de las Americas through its Good Neighbor Program. You can designate the organization by linking our account number (#1447) to your Remarkable Card. To do this, simply ask a cashier how to do it (you may be referred to the Courtesy Booth). It’s fast and easy, and just a one-time effort that will pay continuous dividends to our chapter.
Shopping on Amazon? Use this Amazon Smile link and a portion of each purchase will go back to AMIGOS Houston Chapter!
RESOURCES:
- All alumni interested in volunteering again with AMIGOS qualify to apply for the Alumni Award.
- To learn more about program fees, check out the Fees and Financial Assistance webpage.
CONTACT:
- Please reach out to the AMIGOS Houston Treasurer with any questions regarding financial assistance via email at [email protected].
TRAINING
The transformative AMIGOS experience starts before leaving home.
With over 60 years of experience preparing young people for travel and service abroad, AMIGOS training offers unparalleled global youth leadership development. Pre-departure training equips volunteers with the critical thinking, communication skills, and technical knowledge they need to make a meaningful impact across cultures while staying healthy and safe. The Houston Chapter training is youth-led, experiential learning that prepares volunteers for their experiences, builds a community of youth and families with shared values, and develops life-skills to help students succeed beyond AMIGOS.
SERVICE LEARNING
The Houston Chapter incorporates service learning to add depth and first-hand experience to the curriculum. Service learning is a teaching and learning strategy that integrates meaningful community service with instruction and reflection to enrich the learning experience, teach civic responsibility and strengthen communities.
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE TRAINING PROGRAM INCLUDE:
- Unparalleled leadership development
- Cross-cultural awareness and understanding
- Health and safety training
- Opportunities to practice Spanish
- Creating a community of young people with shared values
TRAINING CALENDAR
There will be five training meetings in the spring semester, held on Sunday afternoons.
FUNDRAISING
GROUP FUNDRAISING
The Houston Chapter provides chapter discounts, offers financial assistance, and covers local program costs through fundraising activities. We chose these activities to maximize our ability to provide the AMIGOS experience to all volunteers without regard to family financial circumstances.
Fundraising skills are an important component of AMIGOS training program and raise awareness of AMIGOS programs in the community. Volunteers receive considerable help with regard to fundraising strategies, and the experience gained in this effort will build important skills!
LETTER WRITING CAMPAIGN
Each volunteer is required to send out 100 letters to family, friends, and other personal contacts to request individual tax-deductible donations (the revenue from this effort is pooled). Letters are written by the volunteer with considerable help provided by the chapter during the process. Volunteers may opt out of fundraising by paying the full family fee and fundraising goal out of pocket.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Jarrod Ford
President
[email protected]
Kenneth Held
Vice President
[email protected]
Ron Vlaskamp
Treasurer
[email protected]
Montse Castellanos
Secretary
[email protected]
Linda Piland
Fundraising Coordinator
[email protected]
Tom Brombacher
At-Large
Mary Condron
At-Large
Ann Crowley
At-Large
Joanie Hernandez
At-Large
Sarah Dalton
At-Large
RECRUITMENT AND Training Team
Rachel King Marks
Outreach Coordinator
[email protected]
Rafael Soto
Training Director
[email protected]