Albuquerque Chapter
Serving Central New Mexico families and volunteers since 1970.
About this Chapter
Based in Albuquerque and serving Central New Mexico, our AMIGOS Chapter is part of a 9 Chapter Network that recruits, trains, and supports AMIGOS volunteers and families. Volunteers from Albuquerque, Santa Fe, Los Alamos and area tribal nations train together as a group before leaving for their summer experience in Latin America. Our board supports volunteers and families with group fundraising, service learning, community building, and overall preparation.
Since the Albuquerque Chapter’s incorporation in 1970, over 700 youth from the region have joined the AMIGOS family to realize their strengths and expand their community while supporting our neighbors across the Americas.
Albuquerque Chapter Volunteers Have Attended
Albuquerque Academy
Albuquerque High School
Bosque School
Cibola, Cleveland
College and Career
Early College Academy
East Mountain
Highland
La Cueva
Manzano
Rio Rancho
Saint Pius
Sandia Prep
South Valley Academy
Support the Albuquerque Chapter’s volunteers and families.
Donate NowChapter Contact Information
How to Join
AMIGOS gives you an exciting chance to have an adventure and explore the world outside of a classroom.
Get to Know the Albuquerque Chapter
Check out our programs, review our admissions requirements, and learn more about the Albuquerque Chapter activities by exploring this website.
Apply Online
Submit your application (it should take around 30 minutes or less) and pay the deposit to hold your spot.
Questions or tech issues? Reach out to our Admissions team at admissions@amigosinternational.org.
Interviews
The Albuquerque Chapter will host in-person interviews for the volunteer and family. The chapter will contact the volunteer and family after the application is submitted and reviewed to schedule their interview.
The interview is for the applicant and family. At least one parent or guardian is required to attend. Interviews last 45 minutes to an hour, and it is an opportunity for the chapter to meet the student and family, set expectations, and answer questions about AMIGOS.
Application Deadlines
January 20, 2027 is the Final Application Deadline to join the Albuquerque Chapter. Late applications may be considered on a case-by-case basis until training starts. Please contact outreach@amigosinternational.org for more information.
Missed the local chapter deadline?
You can still join us for summer 2027 through the National Chapter and complete training virtually!
Local Chapter Requirements
Pre-Departure Training
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 Albuquerque Chapter training is youth-led, experiential learning that prepares volunteers for their AMIGOS experience, builds a community of youth and families with shared values, and develops life-skills to help volunteers succeed beyond AMIGOS. Training sessions are facilitated by the Training Team and Albuquerque Chapter Board of Directors.
Training Program Highlights
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
Hands-on training for technical aspects of the program
Training calendar
Training sessions will begin in January and run through May. There will be two sessions per month.
Group Fundraising
AMIGOS Albuquerque 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/Doner Contacts
Each volunteer is required to send out a combination of 100 letters and emails to friends and family, and contact a limited number of prior AMIGOS donors via telephone, to request individual tax-deductible donations (the revenue from this effort is pooled). Letters are written by the student with considerable help provided by the chapter during the process.
While the group needs to raise an average of $2,000 per participant, what each volunteer will be measured by and held accountable to is 100% participation in planned activities. The success of this approach requires the good-faith effort and commitment of each volunteer and family. Families are encouraged to participate, but if requesting to buy out, they can pay out of pocket in addition to the program fee and airfare costs.
Need Assistance?
AMIGOS actively recruits and supports inclusion of volunteers from diverse backgrounds. AMIGOS Albuquerque provides need-based financial assistance with distribution determined by family income, number of dependents, and special financial circumstances. We provide amounts of $500–$1,500 to qualified applicants as financial assistance deductions on the program fee.
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.
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”.
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.
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.
Contact
Please reach out to the AMIGOS Albuquerque Treasurer with any questions regarding financial assistance via email at treasurer.amigosabq@gmail.com.
Board of Directors
Sarah Lopez-Barela
Clyde Layne
At-Large
Jason McKee
At-Large
Get Started with AMIGOS Albuquerque
Explore new cultures, serve communities, and form lasting friendships along the way.
Start Your Application Today
Apply Now
Learn More About Our Application Process
How To Join