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Are you an educator, artist, or innovator with experience in Jalisco, Mexico?
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Description
This group exchange will bring together nine educators, curriculum developers, cultural managers, artists, and edtech specialists with experience in Jalisco, Mexico, who work with youth in urban and rural communities. Jalisco is consolidating as a national hub for sustainable energy generation and distribution, sustainable tourism, and environmental and digital innovation. However, young people lack access to STEAM and tech education that would allow them to participate in these opportunities.
Through a seven-day exchange program in Florida and Washington, DC, participants will explore U.S. models of innovation in education, sustainability, and workforce development. They will co-create five open-source bilingual (English/Spanish) STEAM learning modules that combine science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics with creative and cultural approaches. These modules will be piloted in Jalisco and shared across the Hemisphere to strengthen youth employability and competitiveness.
ProSociedad based in Jalisco, Mexico is planning and facilitating this exchange program.
Who should apply?
The participants are professionals with at least three years of experience in education, culture, technology, or social entrepreneurship in Jalisco, Mexico. They have a strong track record of community impact, particularly with youth from underserved or Indigenous backgrounds. Participants bring the capacity to scale results through schools, NGOs, or entrepreneurial projects, and are committed to Jalisco’s growth as a hub for innovation. They will build on existing initiatives and dedicate time to co-develop and implement new educational modules after the exchange.
General Eligibility (All Exchanges):
- Be 18 years old or older by the time the program begins
- Be a citizen and resident of Mexico
- Not a Partners of the Americas employee
- Eligibility to obtain a U.S. J-1 visa (including proficiency in English)
- Have a valid passport for six months post-travel
- Be able to attend the virtual and in-person programming
- Ability to submit the application online by the application deadline
- Priority will be given to applicants who have not received a US-government funded exchange grant in the past two years.
Eligibility for the ProSociedad Exchange specifically:
- Have at least 3 years of continuous professional or community experience in Jalisco.
- Demonstrate proven experience in one or more fields: education, science communication, arts and culture, educational technology, or social entrepreneurship linked to sustainability.
- Have experience working with youth (ages 15–29), especially Indigenous, rural, low-income, or underrepresented groups.
- Demonstrate how participation in EcoCreatives will strengthen and expand existing initiatives rather than serve as a starting point.
- Have functional English proficiency (able to participate in group discussions, site visits, and workshops).
- Be available to participate in the entire program and dedicate time post-exchange for module co-creation and piloting (In person exchange dates: February 8-15, 2026)
The ideal candidate may:
- Demonstrate collaborative leadership and soft skills such as assertive communication, teamwork, conflict resolution, and openness to collective learning.
- Integrate a STEAM approach, combining science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics into holistic learning experiences.
- Use arts, culture, and creative storytelling as tools to inspire others environmental awareness and cultural transformation.
- Have experience in science communication and media outreach (podcasts, blogs, community radio, social media, campaigns) to amplify educational impact.
The Education and Culture Program is sponsored by the U.S. Department of State with funding provided by the U.S. Government and supported in its implementation by Partners of the Americas.