HOW TO APPLY
READY TO APPLY?
- Click here to start your application.
- Complete your application. The application should take about 25-30 minutes to complete, and we encourage you to complete it in one sitting. You may need your parent(s) or guardian(s) to support with the application process.
- An AMIGOS representative from the Chicago Chapter will contact you to share more information and set up an interview.
Application deadline
January 17, 2023 is the final application deadline. It is also the financial assistance application deadline. However, financial assistance applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and we encourage you to apply as soon as possible!
INFORMATION SESSIONS
Please watch the pre-recorded video below! If you have any questions, kindly contact Megan Harsh, Outreach Coordinator, at recruitment@amigos-chicago.org to schedule an informational phone call.
INTERVIEWS
The Chicago Chapter will host virtual interviews on December 11 and January 8. Interviews typically last 45 minutes to 1 hour, and will be scheduled between 11am-4pm. The applicant and at least one parent or guardian are required to attend.
CONTACT
If you have any questions or would like more information, please contact Megan Harsh, Outreach Coordinator, via email at recruitment@amigos-chicago.org.
ABOUT
The AMIGOS Chicago Chapter is part of a 13 Chapter Network that recruits, trains, and supports AMIGOS volunteers and families in their local community. Volunteers from the Chicago area 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. Learn more about our Summer Programs here!
HISTORY
During Summer 2021, the Chicago North Chapter and Urban Chicago Chapter merged to form the Chicago Chapter. Since Chicago North’s incorporation in 1973 and Urban Chicago’s incorporation in 2003, over 1,000 youth from Chicago and its suburbs have volunteered through the chapter path, fundraising and training locally before the summer.
CURRENT VOLUNTEERS
Chicago Chapter volunteers attend Evanston Township High School, Glenbrook North High School, Glenbrook South High School, Jones College Prep, New Trier High School, Northside College Prep, Walter Payton College Prep, Whitney Young Magnet High School, Von Steuben High School, and many more!
FEES & FUNDING
The family fee to participate in an AMIGOS Summer Program in the Chicago Chapter varies by project.* Please see the Fees section to the right to review pricing.
The Chicago Chapter covers AMIGOS program costs through a combination of fundraising activities and a family fee contribution. We chose these activities to maximize our ability to provide the AMIGOS experience to all volunteers without regard to family financial circumstances.
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. This effort primarily takes place from February to June. Volunteers receive considerable help with regard to fundraising strategies, and the experience gained in this effort will build important skills!
LETTER WRITING/DONOR CONTACTS
Each volunteer is required to send out a combination of 100 letters and emails to friends and family, 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.
To see some of our fundraising efforts from last year, check out our Summer 2022 CauseVox Campaign here.
Additional funding opportunities
All alumni interested in volunteering again with AMIGOS qualify to apply for the Alumni Award.
FEES
Non-Refundable Application Fee: $50 (fee waived for financial assistance applicants)
Summer program family fees vary by project length:
- 3-week projects: $4,375
- 4-week projects: $4,675
- 6-week projects: $4,875
*Flight costs are not included. Learn more about airfare and travel support here.
If you have any questions, please reach out to the Chapter Co-Treasurers at treasurer@amigos-chicago.org.
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
AMIGOS actively recruits and supports inclusion of volunteers from diverse backgrounds. AMIGOS 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 deductions on the family fee.
The financial assistance application deadline is January 17, 2023. However, we encourage interested applicants to apply as soon as possible while funds are available. Financial assistance applications are reviewed on a rolling basis until the deadline.
TRAINING
The transformative AMIGOS experience starts before leaving home.
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 Chicago 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. Training sessions are facilitated by the Training Team and include guest speakers from the community and the Board of Directors.
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 Kickoff Meeting will be Sunday, February 5th (11AM-2PM)
Training Dates:
- Sunday, February 26th (9AM-5PM)
- Wednesday, March 8th (6-8 PM)
- Wednesday, April 12th (6-8 PM)
- Wednesday, May 10th (6-8 PM)
The Kickoff Meeting and trainings will take place at Haymarket House:
800 W. Buena Ave.
Chicago, IL 60613
Service Dates:
- Sunday, March 12th (4-8 PM) at RMH near Lurie, 211 E. Grand Ave., Chicago, IL 60611
- Sunday, April 16th (location TBD)
- Sunday, May 21st (location TBD)
The Chapter will also host a going away “Despedida” Party in May and a Welcome Home Party in August. Dates and location TBD.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
| Becca Landor President president@amigos-chicago.org |
Kelsey Creamer Vice President vp@amigos-chicago.org |
| Denise Nunes and Lauren Antosz Co-Treasurers treasurer@amigos-chicago.org |
Lilly Ardell At-Large spanishlearning@amigos-chicago.org |
| Emma Green Service Learning Coordinator |
Alanah Fitch At-Large |
| Gracie Gramelspacher At-Large |
Metztli Correa At-Large |
Recruitment & Training Team
| Megan Harsh Outreach Coordinator and Training Director recruitment@amigos-chicago.org training@amigos-chicago.org |