HOW TO APPLY
How to apply:
AMIGOS has suspended our in-person programs for Summer 2020. However, we have developed an exciting new virtual program: The Community Impact Project! Through this 6-week initiative, you will connect across cultures, design positive service projects, and support your community during the COVID-19 pandemic. For more information on the Community Impact Project and how to register, visit our website.
ABOUT
The AMIGOS Ohio Chapter is part of a 25 Chapter Network that recruits, trains, and supports AMIGOS volunteers and families in their local community. Volunteers from the Northeast Ohio area train together as a group before leaving for their summer experience in Latin America. Our board supports volunteers with packing, pre-departure immunizations, fundraising, and overall preparation. Our chapter accepts participants September through December of the fall prior to each summer experience. During the months of January through June, Ohio Chapter volunteers will take part in local training and fundraising events as they prepare for their AMIGOS experience.
Ohio Volunteers Attend:
Archbishop Hoban • Case Western Reserve • Chippewa • Green • Hawken • Hudson • Kent State • Norton • Solon • St. Vincent-St. Mary • Stow Munroe • Theodore Roosevelt • University of Akron • University of Mount Union
FEES & FUNDING
The Ohio Chapter covers AMIGOS 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. All volunteers 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. Volunteers receive considerable help with regard to fundraising strategies, and the experience gained in this effort will build important skills!
LETTER WRITING/Online Giving Campaign
Each volunteer is required to send out a combination of letters and emails to friends and family as well as local businesses, 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. With the support of the chapter, volunteers also set up online giving platforms to collect additional donations through social media.
Additional funding opportunities
All alumni interested in volunteering again with AMIGOS qualify to apply for the Alumni Award. More info here.
Fees
Family Fee: $2,975 (Payment plans available)
Application Fee: $50 (Non-refundable and not included in the Family Fee)
FEES INCLUDE
- Round-trip international airfare
- 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.
DUE DATES AND PAYMENT OPTIONS
- Volunteers pay their family fees beginning December 2019. The fee must be paid in full by April 15, 2020.
- Fees can be paid online or by mail. Payment plans are available.
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
AMIGOS actively recruits and supports inclusion of participants from diverse backgrounds. AMIGOS provides needs-based financial assistance with distribution determined by family income, number of dependents and special financial circumstances. We provide financial assistance to qualified applicants as deductions on the family fee. The deadline for financial assistance applications is November 4th. Please contact Chapter President for additional information.
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE FAQ
- Applicants must apply by November 4th to be considered for financial assistance
- Decisions made on a rolling basis
TRAINING
The transformative AMIGOS experience starts before leaving home.
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 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 Ohio Chapter AMIGOS 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 students succeed beyond AMIGOS.
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:
- Sunday trainings (1pm-5pm) at Kent State University (approximately twice a month from December-April)
- Two overnight retreats (late January and early April)
- Four online assessments to determine readiness for the summer
TRAINING CALENDAR
TBD
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
| Gregg Courtad Co-president President@amigos-ohio.org |
Melissa Creamer Co-president President@amigos-ohio.org |
| Claudia Brobst Secretary |
Jon Koral Treasurer Treasurer@amigos-ohio.org |
| Liz Erickson Alumni Coordinator info@amigos-ohio.org |
Angela Lowery Recruitment and Training Recruitment@amigos-ohio.org |
| Barb Hilovsky Fundraising Coordinator |
Rachel Jamison At Large Board Member |
| Liz Bray Assistant Treasurer |