ABOUT
AMIGOS believes in the power of young people to change the world. We provide extraordinary opportunities for youth to design and lead projects in collaboration with US and Latin American peers and partner organizations across the Americas. Our strong partner network, built over 50 years, enables authentic engagement with communities across the region.
The AMIGOS Houston Chapter recruits, trains, and supports AMIGOS participants and their families from the greater Houston area. Participants from around Houston train together as a group before leaving for their summer experience in Latin America. Our volunteer board supports participants with packing, pre-departure immunizations, fundraising, and overall preparation.
TRAINING
With 50 years of experience preparing young people for travel and service abroad, AMIGOS training offers unparalleled global youth leadership development. Pre-departure training equips participants 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 participants for their experiences, builds a community of youth and families with shared values, and develops life-skills to help participants 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
THE TIME COMMITMENT FOR TRAINING ACTIVITIES INCLUDES:
- Monthly training sessions, usually Sunday afternoons from 2:00 to 5:30
- One overnight retreat
- Service learning component
- Supplemental Spanish activities
- Four online assessments to determine readiness for the summer
WHO ARE WE?
The Houston Chapter of AMIGOS trains and supports about 40 local youth each year. 2014-2016 participants attend these Houston high schools and colleges:
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
If you would like to host a presentation on AMIGOS programs, please let us know!
Board of Directors
| Tania De Souza Co-President President@amigos-houston.org |
Jarrod Ford Co-President President@amigos-houston.org |
| Jarrod Ford Secretary Secretary@amigos-houston.org |
Ron Vlaskamp Treasurer Treasurer@amigos-houston.org |
| Mike Brombacher Vice President VicePresident@amigos-houston.org |
Chris Colucci Reuben Parent Coordinator Parent-Coordinator@amigos-houston.org |
| Kenneth Schneider Fundraising Coordinator Fundraising@amigos-houston.org |
Connie Rodriguez Diversity/Outreach |
| Tom Brombacher Hospitality Coordinator |
Michael Brombacher Webmaster |
| Fadel Ruiz Financial Aid |
Ann Crowley Chapter Office houston@amigosinternational.org |
| Amaya Bremauntz Recruiting |
Shannon Martin At Large |
| Paula Bottecelli At Large |
LeeAnne Dilabio At Large |
Training Team Members
| Elle O’Brien Training Director Training@amigos-houston.org |
Kristina Dickman Trainer Training@amigos-houston.org |
HOW TO APPLY
Ready to start your application?
1. Click here to start your application. Make sure to select that you are applying for the Houston chapter.
2. Complete your application and pay your $50 application fee. If you are applying for financial aid, complete the financial aid section within the application.
3. Complete an interview (details below).
Deadlines
October 29, 2017: Financial aid applications due
December 10, 2017: Applications for Summer 2018 participants with local training in the Spring
April 15, 2018: Applications for Summer 2018 participants with Gateway Training in the summer
COUNTRY EXPO INFO SESSION
Join us to learn more about AMIGOS programs and hear from recent alums about specific project choices!
October 8, 2017
2-4 pm
Southside Clubhouse
3743 Garnet St, Houston, TX 77005
interviews
Scheduled Interview Sessions:
- October 8, 2017
- November 11, 2017
Click here to schedule your interview.
Once you apply, we will be in touch to arrange an in-person interview. If you are unable to attend a scheduled interview session, additional options are available. If you have any questions, please contact Lauren Wappelhorst.
contact
Questions? Contact please contact Lauren Wappelhorst.
PRICING
The cost to participate in AMIGOS programs with the Houston Chapter is $6,275. 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.
PROGRAM Pricing
Family Fee: $3,800 (Payment plans available. Alumni receive a $365 discount.)
Application Fee: $50 (Non-refundable and not included in the Family Fee.)
Fundraising Goal: $2,475 (Learn more about fundraising here.)
FEES INCLUDES
- Training materials and workshops
- Round-trip international airfare
- 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
FEES DO NOT INCLUDE
- Immunizations and pre-travel medical examinations
- Passport/visa fees
Due Dates and Payment Options
- Participants pay their family fees beginning December 15, 2017. The fee must be paid by April 15, 2018.
- Fees can be paid online or by mail. Payment plans are available.
*Participants may opt-out of fundraising by paying the full fee of $6,275.
Pricing AT-a-Glance
Family Fee: $3,800
Application Fee: $50
Fundraising Goal: $2,475
*Round-trip international airfare included.
FINANCIAL AID
The Houston Chapter of AMIGOS is dedicated to supporting the inclusion of participants from diverse backgrounds. Each year, about 25% of participants receive financial aid 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 aid, complete the AMIGOS application by clicking here. Award announcements are distributed and announced on a rolling basis.
Please contact houston@amigosinternational.org with any questions.
FUNDRAISING
All participants are required to fully take part in each fundraising activity as fundraising skills are an important component of AMIGOS training program and raise awareness of AMIGOS programs in the community. Participants receive considerable help with regard to fundraising strategies, and the experience gained in this effort will definitely build important skills!
LETTER WRITING Fundraising Campaign
Each participant 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 participant with considerable help provided by the chapter during the process. Materials are given out in December and the letters are due at the first training meeting in January.
INDIVIDUAL DONATIONS
CORPORATE GIVING
GRANTS
PARTNERS
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!
CALENDAR
INFO SESSIONS
INTERVIEW DAYS
COUNTRY EXPO INFO SESSION
October 8, 2017
2-4 pm
Southside Clubhouse
3743 Garnet St, Houston, TX 77005
APPLICATION DEADLINES
TRAINING CALENDAR
All training meetings are located at Southside Club House, 3743 Garnet St. 77005 (except for the Brazos Bend overnight retreat in February)
Sunday, January 7
2-5:30 PM
Training Meeting #1
Sunday, January 21
2-5:30 PM
Training Meeting #2
Sunday, February 11
2-5:30 PM
Training Meeting #3
Sunday, February 25
2-5:30pm
Training Meeting #4
March 3-4
8 AM Saturday – 11 AM Sunday
Overnight Retreat #5, #6
Brazos Bend State Park
Sunday, April 8
2-5:30pm
Training Meeting #7
Sunday, April 22
2-5:30 PM
Training Meeting #8
Sunday, June 3
3-5pm
Ticket Party
Parent Meetings
TBA
Media
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