HOW TO APPLY
READY TO APPLY?
- Click here to start your application.
- Complete your application. The application should take about 25-30 minutes to complete, and we encourage you to complete it in one sitting. You may need your parent(s) or guardian(s) to support with the application process.
- An AMIGOS representative from the Houston Chapter will contact you to share more information and set up an interview.
APPLICATION DEADLINE
January 17, 2023 is the final application deadline. It is also the financial assistance application deadline. However, financial assistance applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and we encourage you to apply as soon as possible!
INFORMATION SESSIONS
The Houston Chapter is finalizing its information session schedule. More details will be posted soon! In the meantime, please contact Emma Reagan, Texas Outreach Manager, at ereagan@amigosinternational.org to schedule an informational phone call.
INTERVIEWS
The Houston Chapter is finalizing its interview schedule. More details will be posted soon!
CONTACT
If you have any questions or would like more information, please contact Emma Reagan, Texas Outreach Manager, via email at ereagan@amigosinternational.org.
ABOUT
The AMIGOS Houston Chapter is part of a 13 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!
FEES & FUNDING
The family fee to participate in an AMIGOS Summer Program in the Houston Chapter varies by project.* Please see the Fees section to the right to review pricing.
The Houston Chapter covers program costs through a combination of family payments and fundraising activities. This approach allows us to keep costs to families low while teaching valuable fundraising and community outreach skills. Volunteers receive considerable help with regard to fundraising strategies, and the experience gained in this effort will build important skills!
LETTER WRITING FUNDRAISING 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.
ADDITIONAL FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES
All alumni interested in volunteering again with AMIGOS qualify to apply for the Alumni Award.
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!
FEES
Non-Refundable Application Fee: $50
Summer program family fees vary by project length:
- 3-week projects: $4,375
- 4-week projects: $4,675
- 6-week projects: $4,875
*Flight costs are not included. Learn more about airfare and travel support here.
FEES INCLUDE
- Training materials and workshops
- Secondary short-term international medical insurance
- Program excursions
- Food, lodging, and transportation in Latin America
- Supplies for community project and extracurricular activities
- 24-hour On Call Emergency Management System
- Travel hotline and support
Click here for more information about our Fees & Funding.
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
The Houston Chapter of AMIGOS 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. To apply for financial assistance, indicate yes on your application and be prepared to provide proof of income. Apply here!
The financial assistance application deadline is January 17, 2023. However, we encourage interested applicants to apply as soon as possible while funds are available. Financial assistance applications are reviewed on a rolling basis until the deadline.
Please contact the Chapter Treasurer at treasurer@amigos-houston.org for more information.
TRAINING
The transformative AMIGOS experience starts before leaving home.
With over 55 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
- Hands-on training for technical aspects of the program
- Extensive health and safety training
- Opportunities to practice Spanish
- Creating a community of young people with shared values
TRAINING CALENDAR
Bienvenida (Welcome Party): January 22nd, 2-4pm
Training 1: February 5th, 3-5pm
Training 2: February 26th, 4:30-6:30pm
Training 3: March 5th, 3-5pm
Training 4: April 2nd, 3-5pm
Training 5: April 23rd, 3-5pm
Despedida (Goodbye Party): TBD, tentatively May 14th
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
| Jarrod Ford President President@amigos-houston.org |
Mike Brombacher Vice President Vice-President@amigos-houston.org |
| Melissa Alvarez Secretary Secretary@amigos-houston.org |
Ron Vlaskamp Treasurer Treasurer@amigos-houston.org |
| Ann Crowley Chapter Office Houston@amigosinternational.org |
Emma Reagan Texas Outreach Manager Ereagan@amigosinternational.org |
| Linda Piland Fundraising Coordinator Fundraising@amigos-houston.org |
Tom Brombacher Hospitality Coordinator |
| Anil Kapoor At Large |
April Hearne At Large |
| Mary Condron At Large |
Alessandra Ferrajoli At Large |
| Brenda Rios At Large |
Cameron Goff At Large |
| Kenneth Held At Large |
Martha Lewis At Large |
| Sabrina Kesler At Large |
Training Team
| Amber Corder Training Director Training@amigos-houston.org |