We are so excited to announce The AMIGOS Leadership Award for Summer 2026! This Award grants two standout participants from anywhere in the world up to $6,000 to cover AMIGOS program fees and international flights. Apply today — don’t miss your chance to embark on an unforgettable AMIGOS journey!
Award Details:
Program Fees: Up to $5,000
International Flights: Up to $1,000
Location: Students from the United States, Latin America, or anywhere else in the world are invited to apply.
This award is open to first-time AMIGOS participants* applying through the National Chapter, aged 13–19, who show strong leadership potential, financial need, and a passion for cultural immersion and service. The focus is on empowering diverse young leaders, regardless of academic achievements.
*To learn more about the AMIGOS Alumni Award instead, visit this website. Or, to learn more about the AMIGOS Alumni Referral Program, click here.
Don’t forget to indicate that you will need Financial Assistance. Feel free to request a temporary Application Fee waiver.
Complete the AMIGOS Financial Assistance Application, including the 1040 tax return form, or if you’re from another country, an alternative document demonstrating household income.
A 500-word essay or a video up to 3 minutes explaining:
How will AMIGOS and the program help you grow as a global citizen and a leader?
How do you currently contribute to your local community?
Why should you be one of the Leadership Award winners?
Include a letter of recommendation from an adult mentor, teacher, or community leader speaking about your leadership potential and commitment. Why should you receive the award?
Step 3: Interview
Finalists will be invited to an interview with our team — a unique opportunity to showcase your passion and potential!
To have in consideration:
If you have already received a Financial Assistance Award from AMIGOS and are selected for the Leadership Award, the two awards will not be combined. You will receive the amount associated with the Leadership Award, as this will be the greater award of the two.
The award package for the program fee can be up to $5,000, varying based on the selected project, and winners may need to cover a small portion of the project cost.
The Application Fee can be waived temporarily if requested. It will have to be paid if selected as a winner.
If applying for a project requiring Spanish, we will conduct a few questions in Spanish during the interview to assess language level.
Applicants who are not native English speakers must demonstrate at least an intermediate level of English; there will be no formal exam, but communication ability will be assessed during the interview. Fluency does not need to be perfect, as the program aims to help participants develop their skills.
Both the essay and the video must be submitted in English, but candidates are welcome to use some Spanish if they feel more comfortable.
The letter of recommendation can be written in either English or Spanish.
Are you wondering what we are looking for on a Leadership Award winner?
Demonstrated Leadership in the Community: We look for candidates with hands-on experience in leadership roles or involvement in service projects that impact their communities.
Strong Personal Motivation: We value applicants who can clearly express how this experience would be life-changing for them and how they plan to apply what they learn to their personal and professional growth.
Financial Need Considerations: Preference is given to youth facing financial challenges, offering them the chance to participate in an international experience they might not otherwise afford.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: We aim to create a diverse group of participants, valuing a variety of backgrounds to enhance the cultural learning experience for everyone involved.
Adaptability and Willingness to Grow: Successful candidates are open to stepping out of their comfort zone, living in multicultural environments, learning new languages, and embracing personal growth opportunities.
Apply today and take the first step toward becoming a global leader! You can reach out to [email protected] if you have any questions or concerns.
Meet recent alums who have received AMIGOS Awards and learn how this gave them a chance to experience our programs!
Isaura J., Guatemala
I still can’t find the right words to fully express how grateful I am for the incredible opportunity you gave me.
Every step of this journey was completely worth it. In Costa Rica, without my phone and being able to fully focus on the project, I reconnected with myself, discovered new strengths, and most of all, truly enjoyed being present in the moment.
Although the language was a challenge when it came to integrating with the group, it didn’t stop me from being amazed and learning so much from the Quebradas community. The excursions and the time spent with my host family were the most special parts. Costa Rica is such an admirable country in how it manages its natural resources, and I’m taking home many ideas I’d love to apply in Guatemala — or at least in my own community.
From the bottom of my heart, I can only express gratitude to the entire team. From the very beginning, throughout the application process and while in-country, everyone was incredibly kind and attentive to me. I truly value that.
I hope I fulfilled my role as a volunteer and as a representative of my country with responsibility, enthusiasm, and dedication.
Thank you, AMIGOS, for believing in the power of youth and for fostering leadership through the Leadership Award. But even more, thank you for believing in me.
Step 1: AMIGOS online application.
Step 2: Send via email to [email protected]:
Isaura J., Guatemala
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