HOW TO APPLY
READY TO APPLY?
- Click here to start your application.
- Complete your application.
- An AMIGOS representative from the Houston Chapter will contact you to set up an interview.
APPLICATION DEADLINES
February 13, 2022 is the Final Application Deadline.
INFO SESSIONS
Click here to register for an online info session! Please be sure to attend a Summer Program Info Session.
INTERVIEWS
Interviews will be held on a rolling basis. Once you attend an information session and complete your application, a representative from the Houston Chapter will contact you to schedule your family interview.
CONTACT
If you have any questions or would like more information, please contact Krista at kboscoe@amigosinternational.org.
ABOUT
The AMIGOS Houston Chapter is part of a 20 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 with packing, pre-departure immunizations, fundraising, and overall preparation. Learn more about our Summer Programs here!
Houston 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
FEES & FUNDING
The cost to participate in an AMIGOS Latin America Summer Program in the Houston Chapter is $4,375*.
The cost to participate in an AMIGOS Western Colorado Program in the Houston Chapter is $5,475*.
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!
*Flight costs are not included. Learn more about airfare and travel support here.
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 of $2900 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
Latin America Project Family Fee: $4,375*
Western Colorado Project Family Fee: $5,475*
*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!
Please contact the Chapter Treasurer at treasurer@amigos-houston.org for more information.
TRAINING
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
The Houston Chapter is currently finalizing the Spring 2022 Training Calendar.
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 |
Krista Boscoe Interim Outreach Coordinator kboscoe@amigosinternational.org |
| Linda Piland Fundraising Coordinator Fundraising@amigos-houston.org |
Kenneth Schneider At Large |
| Tom Brombacher Hospitality Coordinator |
April Hearne At Large |
| Mary Condron At Large |
Alessandra Ferrajoli At Large |
| Brenda Rios At Large |
Nadia Valliani At Large |
| Anil Kapoor At Large |
|
Training Team
| Amber Corder Training Director Training@amigos-houston.org |