Authentic immersion and service programming empowers young people to become lifelong leaders in our global community.
30,000 alumni worldwide
Programming in 17 countries across the Americas
Local chapters in 14 cities across the United States
58 years as the expert in international youth leadership and service programming
300+ partnerships with schools and universities, government ministries, international development agencies, and local nonprofits
1,514,870+ service hours completed by volunteers
According to the World Economic Forum, young people are facing a “learning and skills crisis” and “demand opportunity and an education which allows them to build their skills and contribute to their own societies.”
The U.S. Department of Labor says that youth need the following experiences to gain skills and competencies to meet the challenges of adulthood.
AMIGOS relies on the support of our donor community to drive our programs forward. In 2022, we are raising $1.4MM to underwrite and fund our programming. Every year, we distribute $300,000+ through our Financial Assistance Program. In addition to need-based and merit-based awards for U.S. students to join our open enrollment programs, AMIGOS increases access through the following:
Donor Funded Programs
AMIGOS currently operates The Social Impact Accelerator: Powered by Capital Plus Financial, The Classroom Community Impact Project, and the Youth Ambassadors Program, which are underwritten by private donors and federal grant awards. These fully donor-funded programs have allowed AMIGOS to innovate and develop new program models to reach even more youth across the Americas.
The Partnerships Fund
The Partnerships Fund allows AMIGOS to reach U.S. students who would not be able to participate without the financial and pre-program support provided by both AMIGOS and our partner organizations. The Partnerships Fund is made possible by donations from Scott and Cathi Roberts, the Weatherspoon Charitable Fund, and two anonymous donors.
Latin American Youth
Since the 1990s, we have sponsored students from countries throughout Latin America to join our summer programs. Over the last decade, this enrollment has expanded into our Youth Ambassadors Program, Gap Program, Social Impact Accelerator Program, and more.
Increasing Accessibility through the AMIGOS Chapter Network
There are 14 active local AMIGOS chapters across the United States. Chapters boards are primarily made up of dedicated volunteer board members. They facilitate the pre-departure training activities and build community by connecting students to local service initiatives. The chapter network also helps to make AMIGOS accessible through group fundraising efforts, supplemental financial assistance awards, and pre-departure support.
Our programs create a lasting impact on alumni in our program pillars of personal leadership, cultural competence, and commitment to service. Alumni make a positive impact on their communities through both their personal and professional lives. They enter all career fields but with higher concentrations in public service and diplomacy, public health and medicine, international business and law, primary and higher education, and nonprofits and social justice.
Alumni report the following outcomes through leadership and experience surveys:
98% increased cultural competency
96% improved Spanish language skills
94% improved self-confidence, communication skills, and problem-solving skills
91% developed skills and qualities attractive to future employers
90% increased ability to be effective leaders and support others
83% inspired to be more actively involved in their own communities
