Partners connects people and institutions across and within the Americas to create lasting solutions to the hemisphere’s toughest challenges through its Chapters, development programs, and exchange programs.
Explore our map below to learn about Partners’ current Chapters and programs by country.
Regions
United States
Chapters
- Alabama Chapter
Overview
The Alabama Chapter is currently engaged in various projects. Their most extensive service project is the Children's Christmas Shoe Box program. In 2011, the Chapter sent over 700 boxes filled with toys, school supplies, and hygiene products for distribution to impoverished children in Guatemala. They have also hosted exchanges and have plans to initiate a dental program in the near future. Additionally, the Chapter is actively working on recruiting new members.
Leadership
Chapter Email: [email protected]
Position Name Contact Information* President Elizabeth Willingham Contact Treasurer Emylic A. Brown Contact Secretary Patricia Crump Contact *(Users must have a PartnersConnect account to access - log in or create one today!)Useful Links
(Users must have a PartnersConnect account to access - log in or create one today!) - Arkansas Chapter
Overview
The Arkansas Chapter of the Arkansas-East Bolivia Partnership started in 1965 and has sponsored numerous exchanges over the years that have been based on professional expertise and volunteer enthusiasm in the areas of agriculture, culture and the arts, education, health, democratic initiatives, domestic violence, institutional alliances, and volunteerism. The area that had the most exchanges was agriculture (Farmer-to-Farmer) which included projects centered on horticulture---crop production through the use of herbicides for weed control, and insecticides for pest control; increasing dairy production, including the control of brucellosis; the prevention of soil erosion and the decrease in deforestation; and the increase of swine production.
The area of culture included a project focused on the use of masks and puppets in art therapy; the visit of a Bolivian artist who left a painting that is now housed at the Children’s Hospital in Little Rock; the teaching of the Suzuki method for playing violins; and the playing by the University of Arkansas’ orchestra of an original composition written by a visiting Bolivian musician.
In education, in addition to exchanges at all levels from elementary to higher education, there have been four teacher-in-resident exchanges: three English as a Foreign Language from the Centro Boliviano Americano(CBA) and one from Arkansas to the CBA. A professor of American literature is currently involved in providing some workshops/seminars to CBA faculty members.
Activities in the health area have included the establishment of a dental clinic in Santa Cruz, the observance by a gynecologist of techniques for administering and evaluating mammograms, and the observation of surgery and treatment of women with cervical cancer along with the development of a plan by the Santa Cruz and Arkansas Partners for Pap smear screening of women of low and moderate incomes.
Several exchanges in democratic initiatives provided opportunities for the observance of the ways by which democracy is promoted in the U. S., with special attention to the roles of student councils, projects like Kids Voting Arkansas, and efforts to get more women to seek public offices at all levels (local, state, and national). A domestic violence project provided information not only to educational professionals, but also to organizations and others who work with adults and children experiencing domestic violence both in Santa Cruz and in the Beni. An institutional alliance, an initiative involving the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville, resulted in the reduction of fees for students from all over Bolivia which has enabled numerous students to graduate with degrees at all levels (bachelor, master, and doctoral) over the last twelve years.
Over the more recent years, a lot of attention has focused on youth engagement programs. Groups of Youth Ambassadors have been hosted five times , and one U.S. Youth Ambassador along with one chaperon went to Ecuador. Educational exchanges have gotten underway in the area of journalism, with special emphasis on photojournalism and television production.
Leadership
Chapter Email: [email protected]
Position Name Contact Information* President Sharon Garratt Contact Vice-President Margaret Clark Contact Treasurer John Ball Contact Secretary Lorraine Duso Kitts Contact *(Users must have a PartnersConnect account to access - log in or create one today!)Useful Links
(Users must have a PartnersConnect account to access - log in or create one today!) - Colorado Chapter
Overview
The Colorado Chapter has a history of Education and Cultural exchanges, including dance, guitar, teachers of English, and youth programs with the Iracambi Rainforest Research Center. Colorado's goals include expanding all of these activities while strengthening efforts to use athletics for developing social skills.
Leadership
Chapter Email: [email protected]
Position Name Contact Information* President Nicolás Arízaga Contact Vice-President Francis Wardle Contact Treasurer Crystal Scolaro Contact Secretary Stephen Burke Contact Board Member Mary Brennecke Contact Board Member Cathy Healy Contact Board Member Jackie Rivas Contact *(Users must have a PartnersConnect account to access - log in or create one today!)Useful Links
(Users must have a PartnersConnect account to access - log in or create one today!) - District of Columbia Chapter
Overview
The District of Columbia Chapter started its activities in 1968. The Chapter's key priorities are community service, NGO/government relations, connecting educators and youth, and advocacy.
Leadership
Chapter Email: [email protected]
Position Name Contact Information* President Donald Reichley Contact Vice-President Maricy T. Schmitz Contact Treasurer James A. Catto Contact Secretary Marcia C. Loureiro Contact *(Users must have a PartnersConnect account to access - log in or create one today!)Useful Links
(Users must have a PartnersConnect account to access - log in or create one today!) - Florida Chapter
Overview
The Florida-Colombia Chapter was born in 1963 as the “Florida-Colombia Alliance”, but shortly thereafter absorbed into Partners of the Americas when POA was created in 1964. Thus the Florida-Colombia Chapter enjoys being the most senior of all Chapters in the Partners family. It started as the result of a goodwill meeting between the Florida Secretary of State and the President of Colombia, an initiative sponsored by the Organization of American States with the purpose of stimulating economic assistance and social and cultural understanding. Over the years, the “headquarters” of the Chapter has been located at Stetson University in DeLand, where most regular meetings are held.
From the beginning, this people-to-people endeavor has sustained a key relationship with a counterpart Chapter, the Colombia/Florida Chapter for Central and Eastern Colombia in Bogota. A few years ago, a parallel relationship was established with a new Chapter created in Barranquilla at the university of UNINORTE.
Our mission is epitomized in the following observation made in 1996 by founding member and first President of the Chapter, Dr. Jerome Keuper: “For thirty-three years, the Florida-Colombia Partners…has utilized, brightened and solidified people-to-people relations between Florida and Colombia with hundreds of devoted volunteers exchanging training, know-how, assistance and achievements in many areas of life and human endeavor.”
Leadership
Chapter Email: [email protected]
Position Name Contact Information* Executive Director & Treasurer Patricia Galbreath Contact President Harold Silva Contact Vice-President Paul Hunt Contact Secretary Jorge Fabian Gonzalez Ruiz Contact Regional Coordinator Sue Mahan Contact *(Users must have a PartnersConnect account to access - log in or create one today!)Useful Links
(Users must have a PartnersConnect account to access - log in or create one today!)About Partners
- Georgia Chapter
Overview
The original founders on both sides represented government, business, and academia. Between 1972-1983 eleven trips with plane loads of citizens each way, matched families by occupational themes, led to lasting friendships, many of which continue to this day. Although this thread of family and vocational counterparts continues, delegations of administrators, legislators, judges, seminars by business and health professionals in rehabilitation and medicine led to more partnership activities. Most have become self-sustaining, such as physical therapy and rehabilitation (since 1978), business (since 1985), medicine (Pediatric Society exchange), teachers exchange, sports teams, violence prevention. University linkage in Agriculture remains strong since 1969. Several Georgians were Kellogg Fellows.
Leadership
Chapter Email: [email protected]
Position Name Contact Information* Executive Director Harry D. Hollingsworth Jr. Contact President Aletha R. Cherry Contact Immediate Past President John J. Burke Contact Treasurer Matthew Lee, Jr. Contact Secretary Jalaiya Fraser Contact *(Users must have a PartnersConnect account to access - log in or create one today!)Useful Links
(Users must have a PartnersConnect account to access - log in or create one today!) - Illinois Chapter
Overview
The Illinois Chapter is a nonprofit organization that connects Brazil and US through cultural projects.
Leadership
Chapter Email: [email protected]
Position Name Contact Information* President Miguel Olivo Contact Vice-President Marisa Woehlert Contact Treasurer Nan Bjork Sullivan Contact Secretary Margaret Rohter Contact MOSTRA Chair Ariani Friedl Contact Board Member Alex de Miranda Silva Contact Board Member Jose Jaquinto Contact Board Member Patricia Peixoto Contact *(Users must have a PartnersConnect account to access - log in or create one today!)Useful Links
(Users must have a PartnersConnect account to access - log in or create one today!) - Indiana Chapter
Overview
The Indiana Chapter fosters exchanges of professional expertise, community and youth leadership, economic development, cultural engagement, and social assistance. The Chapter connects collaborators, counsels project development, provides orientations and itineraries, facilitates and hosts project visitors, creates project synergies, changes lives.
Leadership
Chapter Email: [email protected]
Position Name Contact Information* President Krista Ricci Contact Vice President for Programming John Taylor Contact Vice President for Resource Development Moacir H. Feldenheimer da Silva Contact Vice President for Cultural Outreach Committee Eduardo Alessandri Contact Vice President for Membership Sallie Fahey Contact Treasurer Daniel Mohr Contact Secretary James Ammeen Contact Chair, Governance Rebecca Rice Contact *(Users must have a PartnersConnect account to access - log in or create one today!)Useful Links
(Users must have a PartnersConnect account to access - log in or create one today!) - Iowa Chapter
Overview
Since 1965, Iowa and Yucatan have sponsored exchanges between the two states.
Leadership
Chapter Email: [email protected]
Position Name Contact Information* President Jeff Wilson Contact Vice-President Sara Huddleston Contact Treasurer William Edwards Contact Secretary Deborah Wooldridge Contact *(Users must have a PartnersConnect account to access - log in or create one today!)Useful Links
(Users must have a PartnersConnect account to access - log in or create one today!) - Kansas Chapter
Overview
Kansas Paraguay Partners and its Paraguayan counterpart, the Comité Paraguay Kansas, is an international volunteer organization promoting people-to-people exchanges between Paraguayans and Kansans.
Leadership
Chapter Email: [email protected]
Position Name Contact Information* President Sonia Cox Contact Vice-President Melissa Birch Contact Treasurer Paul W. Zagorski Contact Secretary Ann Burger Contact *(Users must have a PartnersConnect account to access - log in or create one today!)Useful Links
(Users must have a PartnersConnect account to access - log in or create one today!) - Kentucky Chapter
Overview
Kentucky-Ecuador Partners has been involved in various projects in the Oriente region of Ecuador, including supporting indigenous communities in preserving traditional ceramics, documenting craft traditions, and providing essential supplies. Additionally, they focus on agriculture, cultural exchange, education, and dental health initiatives in both Ecuador and Kentucky, achieving significant improvements in oral health and other areas.
Leadership
Chapter Email: [email protected]
Position Name Contact Information* President Rankin D. Skinner Contact Secretary Coleen Quinn Contact Fundraising Chair Margaret (Peggy) McAllister Contact Communications Chair Austin Cantor Contact Membership Development Chair Susan Cantor Contact Culture Chair Jim Johnson Contact Director at Large David Whiteman Contact Director at Large Kathy Whiteman Contact *(Users must have a PartnersConnect account to access - log in or create one today!)Useful Links
(Users must have a PartnersConnect account to access - log in or create one today!) - Long Island, NY Chapter
Overview
The Long Island, NY Chapter has been based at Farmingdale State College since 1980. Its initial focus was agriculture; however, the activities are more focused on technologies and physical rehabilitation, as well as youth and sports through the A Ganar Project.
Leadership
Chapter Email: [email protected]
Position Name Contact Information* Executive Director Patricia H. Williams Contact President Reynolds Hawkins Contact Vice-President Andrea Thomas Contact Treasurer Dorothy "Dee" Laffin Contact Secretary Odelphia Pierre Contact *(Users must have a PartnersConnect account to access - log in or create one today!)Useful Links
(Users must have a PartnersConnect account to access - log in or create one today!) - Maine Chapter
Overview
The states of Maine and Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil, have enjoyed a partnership since 1967. Through a wide-ranging number of cooperative projects over a period of 45 years, citizens in both states have gained knowledge and appreciation of each state’s history, culture and language. Cooperative projects aimed at improving the lives of people and their communities range from immediate hands-on assistance such as the construction of wells in drought conditions or materials for a Casa do Maine, to meeting basic development needs such as education and cultural exchanges provided by volunteers with technical and professional expertise. The Chapter’s current focus is two-fold: cultural exchanges in the form of visiting visual artists and the exhibition and publication of their works; promoting social justice through a multi-phased domestic violence project aimed at the prevention, protection and treatment of victims.
Leadership
Chapter Email: [email protected]
Position Name Contact Information* President Antonio Rocha Contact Vice-President Faye E. Luppi Contact Treasurer Carlos M. Luck Contact *(Users must have a PartnersConnect account to access - log in or create one today!)Useful Links
(Users must have a PartnersConnect account to access - log in or create one today!) - Maryland Chapter
Overview
Maryland Partners of the Americas was founded January 27, 1965 as Maryland Partners of the Alliance, a chapter of Partners of the Alliance (now Partners of the Americas) that was established in 1964. Partners of the Alliance grew from President Kennedy’s Alliance of Progress initiative of 1961.
Maryland Partners of the Alliance was renamed Maryland Partners of the Americas March 13, 1992. It works in partnership with Rio Partners of the Americas.
The Maryland-Rio de Janeiro Partnership is made up of citizens working together as volunteers to improve the lives of people in the states of Maryland (USA) and Rio de Janeiro (Brazil). One long-running project is a university student exchange program between the University of Maryland and Universidade Federal Fluminense and Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro in the state of Rio de Janeiro. Every other year about 10 students and one or two professors travel to Maryland for a 2-week summer program focused on ecology and natural resources management. In the intervening years, a like group from Maryland travels to Rio. Students from both countries benefit greatly from the program. Another successful exchange program focuses on dance. For more information about Maryland-Rio Partners, please see our posted website.
Leadership
Chapter Email: [email protected]
Position Name Contact Information* President Isabel Furches Contact Vice President for Administration Tal Shehata Contact Treasurer Peter May Contact Secretary Amy Burkett Contact *(Users must have a PartnersConnect account to access - log in or create one today!)Useful Links
(Users must have a PartnersConnect account to access - log in or create one today!) - Minnesota Chapter
Overview
For more than 50 years, Minnesota-Uruguay Partners of the Americas has promoted friendship, cultural understanding and societal development in Uruguay and Minnesota. Women and men from all walks of life--artists, architects, business people, environmentalists, farmers, foresters, government officials, lawyers, teachers, veterinarians, students--are part of the Minnesota-Uruguay Partners family. Our recent work on reforming prison systems has been recognized internationally. A robust exchange of artists and educators is also underway, with scores of travelers going between Minnesota and Uruguay each year.
Leadership
Chapter Email: [email protected]
Position Name Contact Information* Interim President Roger Moon Contact Vice-President Gerard M. Lagos Contact Treasurer Roy Lyford-Pike Contact Secretary Kerry Meaghar Contact *(Users must have a PartnersConnect account to access - log in or create one today!)Useful Links
(Users must have a PartnersConnect account to access - log in or create one today!) - Missouri Chapter
Overview
The Missouri Chapter members include students, business people, teachers and professionals, health professionals, engineers, farmers, home makers, retirees, people from many walks of life. They have memberships in St. Louis, Kansas City, Springfield, Rolla, Columbia, Jefferson City, and places in between. The Chapter's common interests are in Brazil, and in making the world a better place through international friendship and cooperation on a private, individual basis. The Chapter is an informal group working together to form strong and lasting friendships through their involvement in Partners.
Leadership
Chapter Email: [email protected]
Position Name Contact Information* Executive Director Jenifer Pilz Coulibaly Contact President Dan L. Willett Contact Treasurer Nancy A. Price Contact Secretary Bill Capotosto Contact *(Users must have a PartnersConnect account to access - log in or create one today!)Useful Links
(Users must have a PartnersConnect account to access - log in or create one today!) - Montana Chapter
Overview
Founded in 1989, the Montana-Patagonia partnership has initiated and completed many diverse programs. With a major focus on environmental quality, this partnership has included research on hantavirus, sewage and pollution reduction, fish management, projects to control Argentina's red deer population, grazing management, and puma management. Other activities have included public education outreach, voter education, outdoor recreation, helicopter training for emergency preparedness and rescue, and Youth Ambassador exchanges.
Leadership
Chapter Email: [email protected]
Position Name Contact Information* President Richard Douglass Contact Vice-President Brent Lonner Contact Treasurer Melissa Foster Contact *(Users must have a PartnersConnect account to access - log in or create one today!)Useful Links
(Users must have a PartnersConnect account to access - log in or create one today!) - Nebraska Chapter
Overview
The Nebraska Chapter's current focus is on exchanges with Mato Grosso do Sul related to biofuels. The project includes exchange of business leaders in the industry, researchers, and journalists. The Chapter is also planning exchanges in arts and culture and business development. Nebraska cooperates with the University of Nebraska Brazil programs that includes Science Without Borders students and research in Water for Food.
Leadership
Chapter Email: [email protected]
Position Name Contact Information* President Angela Hlava Contact Chapter Liaison Gary Heusel Contact Chapter Liaison Karl Reinhard Contact *(Users must have a PartnersConnect account to access - log in or create one today!)Useful Links
(Users must have a PartnersConnect account to access - log in or create one today!) - New Jersey Chapter
Overview
Every year for 40 years, New Jersey-Haiti Partners has been active. Few other organizations dealing with Haiti have similar longevity, and as a result, the Chapter has been able to make lasting impact on the lives of individuals as well as other organizations.
Leadership
Chapter Email: [email protected]
Position Name Contact Information* Executive Director Jeffrey J. Richter Contact President Laurene Experience Contact Vice-President Nadine Etienne Contact Development Chair Kareen Kircher Contact *(Users must have a PartnersConnect account to access - log in or create one today!)Useful Links
(Users must have a PartnersConnect account to access - log in or create one today!) - North Carolina Chapter
Overview
The North Carolina Chapter is partnered with the Cochabamba Bolivia Chapter. The Chapter has projects and exchanges in the areas of Education, Arts & Culture, Women & Families, Emergency Preparedness, Sports, Health & Medicine, Agriculture, and more.
Leadership
Chapter Email: [email protected]
Position Name Contact Information* President Sallie Abbas Contact Treasurer Judy M. Gibson Contact Membership Chair Aydee la Madrid Aleman Vasquez Contact Advisor L. George Wilson Contact *(Users must have a PartnersConnect account to access - log in or create one today!)Useful Links
(Users must have a PartnersConnect account to access - log in or create one today!) - Oklahoma Chapter
Overview
The Oklahoma Chapter fosters exchanges of professional expertise, community and youth leadership, economic development, cultural engagement, and social assistance. The Chapter connects collaborators, counsel project development, provide orientations and itineraries, facilitate and host project visitors, create project synergies, change lives.
Leadership
Chapter Email: [email protected]
Position Name Contact Information* Vice-President Nick Martinez-Lopez Contact Treasurer Tony Wangler Contact Secretary Trish Forsythe Contact *(Users must have a PartnersConnect account to access - log in or create one today!)Useful Links
(Users must have a PartnersConnect account to access - log in or create one today!) - Oregon Chapter
Overview
The Oregon Chapter is partnered with the Costa Rica Chapter and together they are dedicated to promoting support networks and sharing ideas, knowledge and cultural experiences. Current projects reflect the interests of the members. Members with ideas about how to support Costa Rica are encouraged to present their ideas to the board and to develop a committee to implement that project.
Leadership
Chapter Email: [email protected]
Position Name Contact Information* Director at Large Dave Fenwick Contact President Lee C. Haroun Contact Vice-President James McClain Contact Secretary Gabriella Maertens Contact *(Users must have a PartnersConnect account to access - log in or create one today!)Useful Links
(Users must have a PartnersConnect account to access - log in or create one today!) - PartnersCampus Flintridge Prep
- PartnersCampus University of Vermont
- PartnersCampus University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point
- PartnersCampus University of Wyoming
- Pennsylvania Chapter
Overview
The Pennsylvania Chapter of Partners of the Americas was founded in 1965. Members include a broad range of professions - business, government, education, medicine, and social services.
Leadership
Chapter Email: [email protected]
Position Name Contact Information* President Russell A. Hicks Contact Vice-President Valeri A. Gray Contact Treasurer Thane Martin Contact Secretary Nichele Mason-Arruda Contact *(Users must have a PartnersConnect account to access - log in or create one today!)Useful Links
(Users must have a PartnersConnect account to access - log in or create one today!) - Puerto Rico Chapter
Overview
Leadership
Chapter Email: [email protected]
Position Name Contact Information* President Juan F. Arratia Contact Vice President Angel Arcelay Contact Treasurer Rafael Mendez Tejada Contact Secretary Britney Hopgood Contact *(Users must have a PartnersConnect account to access - log in or create one today!)Useful Links
(Users must have a PartnersConnect account to access - log in or create one today!) - Rochester, NY Chapter
Overview
Rochester Partners was founded in 1981, the same year Antigua and Barbuda became an independent nation. This partnership has had many successful joint projects which have been mutually beneficial including: Beekeeping; Domestic Violence Prevention; Music, Theater, and Dance exchanges; The Pan Project, a collaborative venture between student musicians from Antigua and Rochester, NY; Aim for Abilities, a project to enhance the lives of people living with disabilities; Health Screenings; The Nurses Oncology Program, which has provided training of Antiguan nurses in Rochester in the delivery of chemotherapy.
Leadership
Chapter Email: [email protected]
Position Name Contact Information* President Theresa L. Bowick Contact Treasurer P. Gibson Ralph Contact Secretary Lisa A. Scott Contact *(Users must have a PartnersConnect account to access - log in or create one today!)Useful Links
(Users must have a PartnersConnect account to access - log in or create one today!) - South Carolina Chapter
Overview
For more than twenty five years members of the South Carolina Chapter of Partners of the Americas have promoted friendship, cultural understanding, education and medical advances and entrepreneurship.
Leadership
Chapter Email: [email protected]
Position Name Contact Information* President Jim Lawler Contact Vice-President Yolanda Puente Contact Treasurer Bonnie Mendoza Byrd Contact Secretary Debbie Lawler Contact *(Users must have a PartnersConnect account to access - log in or create one today!)Useful Links
(Users must have a PartnersConnect account to access - log in or create one today!) - Tennessee Chapter
Overview
The Tennessee Chapter was incorporated in 1966. It has historically worked with universities in Venezuela and Amazonas Brazil, but over recent years has expanded connections and programs to Chile, Dominican Republic, and Ecuador. The Chapter has also worked for decades with youth programs and more recently in the area of climate change.
Useful Links
(Users must have a PartnersConnect account to access - log in or create one today!) - Texas Chapter
Overview
Texas Partners of the Americas is the oldest Chapter working to help Latin America through its partnership with Peru. The idea for Partners of the Americas came from a Texan, Dr. Jim Boren, who in the early 1960’s was director of the U.S. Agency for International Development mission in Lima, Peru. At that time, with the Cold War’s pressures, the U.S. Government’s “Alliance for Progress” policy strongly supported assistance for Latin America. Boren’s idea was that a private volunteer committee in a state of the U.S., working with a counterpart in a Latin American country, could strengthen the overall aid effort by carrying on small projects that would directly involve people of both countries and thus create stronger ties.
Boren persuaded friends in Texas to start up a people-to-people program with his friends in Peru. Edward Marcus, then Board Chairman of Neiman-Marcus, became the first Chairman of Texas Partners. Marcus and Boren spread the idea to other states. They also arranged for the U.S. Department of State to fund travel for volunteers working on projects. Funds for the projects themselves came from the Agency for International Development and from private donors and organizations. The committees of the various states and countries organized themselves, eventually forming their present international organization, Partners of the Americas, with headquarters in Washington, D.C.
Leadership
Chapter Email: [email protected]
Position Name Contact Information* President Iliana Queirolo Diaz Contact Vice-President Carol P. Fimmen Contact Treasurer Lyda C. Arevalo-Flechas Contact Assistant Treasurer Vanessa Rojas Diaz Contact Secretary Patricia Ferguson Contact Secretary Linda Ramirez Contact *(Users must have a PartnersConnect account to access - log in or create one today!)Useful Links
(Users must have a PartnersConnect account to access - log in or create one today!) - Utah Chapter
Overview
The Utah Chapter has recently focused on educational and youth cultural projects. It has had exchanges in the areas of teaching English as a foreign language and providing relevant instruction for children living in poor communities. The Chapter is currently engaged in planning projects with an emphasis on providing interventions and supports for individuals with autism and their families.
Leadership
Chapter Email: [email protected]
Position Name Contact Information* President Scott Ferrin Contact Vice-President Millie B. Wetterberg Contact Treasurer Daniel R. Judd Contact Secretary Barbara Culatta Contact Chair for Membership Development Robin Escobar Contact *(Users must have a PartnersConnect account to access - log in or create one today!)Useful Links
(Users must have a PartnersConnect account to access - log in or create one today!) - Virginia Chapter
Overview
The Virginia Partners of the Americas, Incorporated is a non-profit, non-political organization. Virginia is partnered with Santa Catarina, Brazil. The purpose of this partnership is to enhance the quality of life for citizens from both states by conducting exchanges of professional, knowledgeable and skilled people to address specific programs in economic, social, cultural, educational, and healthful; development by helping people learn to help themselves.
Leadership
Chapter Email: [email protected]
Position Name Contact Information* President Maggie Bassett Contact Vice President for Programming Glenda M. Snyder Contact Vice President for Membership Allan Mills Contact Treasurer Theresa Brion Contact Secretary Patrick Hughes Contact *(Users must have a PartnersConnect account to access - log in or create one today!)Useful Links
(Users must have a PartnersConnect account to access - log in or create one today!) - Washington State Chapter
Overview
The Washington Chapter's mission revolves around fostering and maintaining a sense of community between the residents and institutions of Washington State and Chile. This mission is achieved by facilitating the exchange of expertise, cultural insights, and friendships. All initiatives within this people-to-people partnership are collaborative endeavors designed to mutually benefit both regions. By engaging in projects spanning education, social development, healthcare, environmental stewardship, emergency management, economic growth, and the arts, the Washington Chapter creates a platform for its volunteers and supporters to champion international cooperation and foster cross-cultural comprehension. Through these efforts, they not only enrich their own lives but also contribute positively to the well-being of individuals across the hemisphere.
Leadership
Chapter Email: [email protected]
Position Name Contact Information* President Paula Laschober Contact Vice-President Patricia Mazuela Contact Treasurer Barbara Houplin Garcia Contact Secretary Tim Hilliard Contact *(Users must have a PartnersConnect account to access - log in or create one today!)Useful Links
(Users must have a PartnersConnect account to access - log in or create one today!) - West Virginia Chapter
Overview
The West Virginia Chapter of the Partners of the Americas has been chartered and functional for the last 45 years. During those years the Chapter has gone through a number of changes and has matured. The first years were marked with an emphasis on agricultural programs with West Virginia University Extension Services providing the leadership. Throughout of nearly four decades the primary leadership has come from the legal and higher education arenas. Three universities have been the primary champions- West Virginia University, Marshall University and the University of Charleston with support from a variety of public education school systems, the West Virginia legal community as well as the medical community.
Today the West Virginia Chapter is more diverse than ever with the key players coming from higher and public education, the legal community, local and state government, the arts and cultural communities and a plethora of ordinary citizens interested in promoting an open and knowledgeable global community.
Leadership
Chapter Email: [email protected]
Position Name Contact Information* President Douglas J. Walters Contact Vice President for Administration Arnold E. Brigode Contact Vice President for Programming Robin C. White Contact Treasurer Sueli Grazielle D. Carper Contact Secretary Betty Knighton Contact *(Users must have a PartnersConnect account to access - log in or create one today!)Useful Links
(Users must have a PartnersConnect account to access - log in or create one today!) - Wisconsin Chapter
Overview
The Wisconsin Chapter of Partners of the Americas (W/NP) adheres to a straightforward yet highly effective mission: facilitating practical and sustainable improvements in people's quality of life. This mission is realized through a network of people-to-people programs that focus on fostering cultural awareness and community development. This extensive effort includes the establishment of 100 Learning Centers in Nicaragua and various projects spanning healthcare, agriculture, personal development, micro-lending, and community programs. The primary beneficiaries of these initiatives are the residents of Nicaragua residing near the W/NP Learning Centers, where they gain valuable skills that positively influence their quality of life.
Simultaneously, these endeavors have a significant impact in Wisconsin, as W/NP affiliates engage in program development and collaborative efforts to support the Learning Centers. Their participation leads to an enhanced appreciation for the value of aiding others. Annually, between five to seven sea van containers and four to six emergency service vehicles are shipped between the two regions. This underscores the existence of a vital mutual and reciprocal relationship between Wisconsin and Nicaragua, emphasizing the interdependence required to achieve outcomes that significantly impact thousands of people in need.
Given the limited resources available in Nicaragua, the cooperation of individuals in Wisconsin is crucial to sharing what they have and collectively enhancing the quality of life for both communities. This partnership underscores the idea that not only Nicaraguans benefit, but also the people of Wisconsin. Through involvement, individuals in Wisconsin recognize the value of extending a helping hand and the substantial difference their efforts can make. For instance, the Wisconsin and Nicaraguan youth engaged in youth exchanges, contributed to bookmaking for libraries, or participated in the Bike/Hike event, demonstrating exceptional leadership and accountability that resulted from their sustained participation.
W/NP offers actionable options that encourage individuals to think about their communities and the broader world. In some instances, it integrates "international" involvement as a fundamental aspect of life. Encouraging the next generation of leaders to address local and global disparities across neighborhoods and nations is in the best interest of everyone involved.
Leadership
Position Name Contact Information* Executive Director Amy Bowen-Wiza Contact President Betty J. Pionek Contact Vice-President Connie Lefebvre Contact Treasurer Keith Roeske Contact Secretary Lorraine W. Danczyk Contact *(Users must have a PartnersConnect account to access - log in or create one today!)Useful Links
(Users must have a PartnersConnect account to access - log in or create one today!)
100,000 Strong in the Americas
The 100,000 Strong in the Americas (100K) Innovation Fund expands opportunities for higher education institutions to create partnerships and launch innovative student exchange and training programs. This opens access to underrepresented student populations, improves workforce development training, increases public-private investment, and strengthens people-to-people ties between the United States and Latin America and the Caribbean.
Education exchanges have long been used as a tool to foster international cooperation and promote technical, linguistic, and intercultural skills development for students to operate in an increasingly globalized world. Created in 2013 by the White House’s National Security Council, the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs, Partners of the Americas, and NAFSA: Association of International Educators, the 100K Innovation Fund is an impactful hemisphere-wide education initiative that creates dynamic regional collaboration across the private sector, foundations, government entities, NGOs, and academia to support higher education partnerships and increase the number and diversity of students in the Americas who have access to innovative training and exchange programs.
Unlike traditional scholarship programs, which support individual students or faculty, the 100K Innovation Fund stimulates innovation at the institutional level and provides critical funding on a competitive basis to higher education institutions across the Americas to build partnerships that result in innovative student exchange and training programs that are scalable and sustainable. To learn more about 100K Innovation Fund grants and other opportunities, visit https://www.100kstrongamericas.org.
$9.8Million in grants awarded25Countries and 49 U.S. states and territories benefited from grant programs572Higher education institutions formed partnerships for international collaboration7,100+Student and faculty beneficiariesCareer Development and Grant Opportunities for U.S. Exchange Alumni
In a partnership with the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs of the U.S. Department of State, Partners of the Americas offered opportunities to U.S. exchange alumni to leverage the unique skills they developed during their time abroad. As an alum of a U.S. government-sponsored international exchange program, alumni have important knowledge and skills to bring to the table.Career Connections and the Citizen Diplomacy Action Fund were sponsored by the U.S. Department of State and implemented by Partners of the Americas in partnership with the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs.
20Virtual professional development events50+U.S. government-sponsored exchange programs represented1,000+Alumni served through Career Connections seminars150+Citizen Diplomacy Action Fund grants awardedCareer Connections: Seminars for U.S. Exchange Alumni
Career Connections Global+ was a series of virtual professional development sessions bringing together U.S. alumni of U.S. government-sponsored exchange programs with expert career coaches, professionals from diverse fields, and international leaders. These sessions provided invaluable opportunities to network with leaders in your community.
To participate in Career Connections Global+, attendees had to be U.S. citizen exchange alumni and registered for an account on the International Exchange Alumni website at http://www.alumni.state.gov.
Exchange alumni accessed
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- A virtual main stage with an exclusive look at navigating your way to a career in public service;
- Programming on professional development and the state of international careers;
- Live Q&As with career coaches and mentors;
- Virtual discussions, panels, and receptions;
- Exchange alumni community gatherings.
Career Connections was sponsored by the U.S. Department of State and implemented by Partners of the Americas in partnership with the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs.
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Citizen Diplomacy Action Fund for U.S. Alumni
The Citizen Diplomacy Action Fund competition provided small grants to teams of at least one U.S. citizen alum and either one U.S. OR international citizen alum of U.S. government-sponsored exchange programs to carry out public service projects using the skills and knowledge they gained during their exchange experiences.
Projects could have been carried out virtually, in the United States, its territories, or overseas only when appropriate and in accordance with national and local guidance on COVID-19 safety.
The Citizen Diplomacy Action Fund for U.S. Alumni was sponsored and funded by the U.S. Department of State, with implementation support by Partners of the Americas.
Eligibility
- Projects had to be submitted by teams of two or more exchange alumni of U.S. government-sponsored programs. See the list of eligible programs here.
- The primary project team lead (Team Lead 1) had to be a U.S. citizen alum over age 18.
- All team members had to have their International Exchange Alumni account verified and activated on alumni.state.gov.
2021 Competition Project Themes
Promoting Media Literacy Education - Projects advanced media literacy education to prepare informed citizens and foster a strong democracy.
Protecting the Environment - Projects supported healthy, environmentally conscious populations by strengthening education, increasing understanding, and fostering sustainable practices.
Bolstering Outreach to Underserved Communities - Projects built strong, engaged communities that benefit from the international exchange by ensuring that all people can access our globalized world by promoting inclusion, economic empowerment, and community resilience.
Fostering Alumni Network Development - Projects strengthened the return on investment in international exchanges by building networks, sharing stories of international exchange, and advancing the professional development of alumni.
Building Community through Arts, Sports, Language, and Technology - Projects fostered strong civic engagement by strengthening education, civic participation, economic empowerment, peacebuilding, or community resilience through programs using new technology, the arts, sports, and language.
Questions?
Learn more about the winners of the Fall 2020 Competition.
Learn more about the winners of the Rapid Response CDAF Competition.
The Citizen Diplomacy Action Fund was sponsored by the U.S. Department of State and implemented by Partners of the Americas in partnership with the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs.
Education and Culture
People-to-people relationships have the power to break barriers, build friendships and change the world.
When people from different backgrounds connect, it presents an opportunity to be immersed in a new culture, learn a new language and exchange ideas. These relationships often lead to enduring partnerships based on mutual understanding, respect, and shared interest.
Our Education and Culture program connects people and institutions and supports small projects that promote service in the community and enhance cross-cultural understanding and cooperation between the United States and Latin America and the Caribbean. The program has been supported by funding from the U.S. Department of State since 1983.
The Education and Culture Program is sponsored by the U.S. Department of State with funding provided by the U.S. Government and administered by Partners of the Americas.
2,202Professional exchanges20,500+VolunteersRelated Stories
See AllSmall Project Assistance Sub-Awards
Our members come up with innovative solutions to community-based challenges. We award the funds to support them.
Our small project assistance sub-awards support local community development initiatives across the Americas. They build bridges across borders, exchange expertise, and partner with communities to create lasting change. Projects can be an outcome of or in alignment with a travel exchange.
Funds are available to support community development projects that are planned and executed in collaboration with local partners. This program is funded by the U.S. Department of State.
- 32 small project assistance sub-awards awarded since 2021.
For a full description of the Education and Culture late 2023 opportunity, review the Request for Proposals (RFP) below:
The next round will open in mid to late 2024.
Below, find the dates of the previous round:
Open Application September 20, 2023 Deadline November 30, 2023 at 11:59pm Eastern Time Notification Around February 1, 2024 Award Period March 1 - August 31, 2024 Report Deadline September 30, 2024 Applicant Eligibility:
- All applicants and project activities must be based in one or more of the following countries:
Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Grenada, Guatemala, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Jamaica, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Saint Kits and Nevis, Saint Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago, the United States, Uruguay, and Venezuela. - All applicants must be a Partners Chapter or Organizational Member, with a bank account and a UEI number. Learn more about how to become a member here.
- The projects must meet one of the competition's themes:
- Access to Education
- Economic Growth
- Fostering Strong Democracies
- Inclusion of Underserved Communities
- Media Literacy/Countering Disinformation
- Protecting the Environment
- Cost-Share must match the funds requested in the Education and Culture subaward funding.
- Activities and expenses (award period) should take place after March 1, 2024 and conclude prior to August 31, 2024. No extensions.
- Funding cannot be used for any activities or expenses incurred before or after your award period.
- Subawards of USD$3,000
- Must have at least 30 participants
- Subawards of USD$16,500
- Must have at least 100 beneficiaries with substantial impact
Proposals from Chapters and Organizational Members who have not received a subaward in the last two years (2022, 2023) will be prioritized. All are encouraged to apply.
Themes 2023:
- Access to Education
Projects increase access to quality education through advocacy, capacity development and technical assistance. Projects may target early education, inclusive education for students with disabilities, or other problems communities face regarding access to quality education. Projects that only focus on providing food or building infrastructure for schools cannot be funded.- Example: In Butanuka Preschool Phase 4: Community Involvement (CDAF grant, not Education and Culture sub-award), teachers from Butanuka Community Preschool and local health workers visited homes of each of the 112 children in the preschool, strengthening the relationship between home and school and teaching parents about child development, health, and nutrition. Seeds, watering cans, hoes, and other equipment was purchased for kitchen gardens for each of the preschool families. A local agronomist met with the parents to teach them how to create their kitchen gardens and care for them. They also worked in the kitchen garden of a local organization. U.S, educators met with the preschool teachers and director on Google Meet on four occasions to teach them about child development, positive discipline, teaching with small groups, play in the early childhood classroom, and making books with children. A new kitchen was built with cost share funds.
- Economic Growth
Projects enhance inclusive economic opportunity and prosperity within the participant's community; expand partnerships that enables greater regional stability; encourage inclusion; and develop small business capacity. Projects should include ethical programming including mentorship, campaigns, or workshops to empower women, young people, people with disabilities, Indigenous populations, or other underrepresented communities.- Example: Youth Employment Program (Implementing Chapter - Cochabamba, Bolivia) - This project empowered youth by supporting their economic and professional growth. The Chapter improved employability by strengthening digital literacy skills, job search preparation, and more.
- Example: Empowering the Indigenous Artists of the Xingu (Citizen Diplomacy Action Fund project in Brazil) equipped Indigenous artists with the necessary resources and skills for them to continue their craft in the midst of a pandemic, which left the artists economically vulnerable since a majority of them rely on urban centers to sell their benches and provide a steady stream of income. With the purchase of new materials to produce these benches, the artists were able to perfect their techniques and produce their benches more rapidly. By equipping them with the skills to create social media sites to sell their benches, their potential vendors and ultimately income increased. Their online presence has also contributed to more opportunities, such as the Sao Paulo Art Fair and Belo Horizonte Art Show. With the income earned, these artists have been able to invest in their community, supporting families who are more vulnerable due to the pandemic.
- Fostering Strong Democracies
Projects promote strong democracies that emphasize liberty, equity, and justice by providing civic and governance education. Projects should emphasize citizen rights and autonomy. Projects may include informational campaigns, workshops, curricula development, or events to teach the roles and responsibilities of governments and citizens. They may also include ways to be safely involved in fostering strong democracies that offer essential public services through such as through campaigning, volunteering, engaging with political leaders, and more. Projects that support specific political parties or candidates cannot be funded.-
Example: Podcasting for Democratic Development (Citizen Diplomacy Action Fund grant, not Education and Culture) worked with ten civil society organizations to put them through an intensive training and collaboration program to enable them to produce high-quality podcasts. The goal was for these podcasts will reach people throughout Mongolia, as well as its diaspora community. They also created legacy materials so that the podcast training is available for groups beyond our initial ten focus organizations. They were particularly focused on targeting youth to build civic engagement and awareness.
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- Inclusion of Underserved Communities
Projects highlight and/or seek to improve the inclusion of Indigenous persons, African Descendants, women and girls, LGBTQI+ persons, and other underserved communities through art and community engagement. Initiatives may involve building mentorship programs to promote social change, engaging community members in active self-expression as a means of community engagement, and/or amplifying the voices and issues of underrepresented communities.- Example: The Raíces Learning Circle (El Salvador/US/Canada) project was a beautifully enriching exchange between Indigenous elders in El Salvador and folks from the Salvadoran diaspora living in the U.S. and Canada. The core component of this project was a series of eight virtual classes, each led by three Indigenous elders and one youth in their community, and attended by a group of 30-40 students. Each class began with content about the Náhuat culture and spirituality then covered basics of the Náhuat language. The success of this project was reflected in the deep connections made between the Salvadoran diaspora and our Indigenous elders. The students expressed that the experience allowed them to develop a stronger cultural identity and the elders shared that they felt valued and supported by the group, which was a transformative experience because they have been subjected to so much erasure and repression throughout their lives.
- Example: The Raíces Learning Circle (El Salvador/US/Canada) project was a beautifully enriching exchange between Indigenous elders in El Salvador and folks from the Salvadoran diaspora living in the U.S. and Canada. The core component of this project was a series of eight virtual classes, each led by three Indigenous elders and one youth in their community, and attended by a group of 30-40 students. Each class began with content about the Náhuat culture and spirituality then covered basics of the Náhuat language. The success of this project was reflected in the deep connections made between the Salvadoran diaspora and our Indigenous elders. The students expressed that the experience allowed them to develop a stronger cultural identity and the elders shared that they felt valued and supported by the group, which was a transformative experience because they have been subjected to so much erasure and repression throughout their lives.
- Media Literacy/Countering Disinformation
Projects advance democratic ideals that promote media literacy education to keep citizens informed and reinforce the importance of a free press. Projects may include initiatives to support digital and media literacy education, strengthen critical thinking skills, boost effective communication skills, providing a voice for underrepresented audiences, introduce tools and techniques for identifying mis- and disinformation, or develop the skills necessary for creating accurate and reliable media content.- Example: The Well Versed Program (CDAF grant, not Education and Culture sub-award) provided music education and equipment to artists in Abuja, Nigeria to grow their knowledge in media literacy through songwriting AND bring their art to life. The educational component consisted of intensive classes led by experienced and talented artists. The courses focused on elements from writing and producing songs, to using current events to create more potent lyrics, to the ability to identify and understand bonafide news. The equipment component consists of a complete music recording kit delivered to partners at Accountability Lab. The US Embassy in Abuja helped coordinate multiple exciting events with us at Accountability Lab to draw attention to the program. They produced 3 incredible music videos and songs based around current events, and artists continue to access the recording gear to make new music.
- Example: The Well Versed Program (CDAF grant, not Education and Culture sub-award) provided music education and equipment to artists in Abuja, Nigeria to grow their knowledge in media literacy through songwriting AND bring their art to life. The educational component consisted of intensive classes led by experienced and talented artists. The courses focused on elements from writing and producing songs, to using current events to create more potent lyrics, to the ability to identify and understand bonafide news. The equipment component consists of a complete music recording kit delivered to partners at Accountability Lab. The US Embassy in Abuja helped coordinate multiple exciting events with us at Accountability Lab to draw attention to the program. They produced 3 incredible music videos and songs based around current events, and artists continue to access the recording gear to make new music.
- Protecting the Environment
Projects support environmental growth and resiliency for communities impacted by natural disasters. Projects should empower participants on environmental mitigation and conservation practices, especially in communities with the greatest susceptibility to climate change, rather than solely build infrastructure. Projects may promote sustainable development through mentorship, the sharing of multi-community expertise, or other capacity building training.- Example: Young EcoLeaders of the Brazilian rainforest provided field-based environmental education for school children for youth and community empowerment (Implementing Organization: Amigos de Iracambi Inc.).
Application Resources:
- Recorded Webinars:
- Informational Session 2023 (English) Monday, October 2, 2023 2-3pm ET - Watch the recording here.
- Informational Session 2023 (Spanish) Tuesday, October 25, 2023 2-3pm ET - Watch the recording here.
- Intro to Submission Portal (WizeHize) (Zoom) - January 2022. In this session, we learned how to create a profile and proposal for an Education and Culture sub-award on the new virtual platform, WizeHive. View the recording here.
- Budget Creation and Management (Zoom) - January 2022. Creating a budget is hard. So is managing one. In this session we learned the basics of how to create a competitive budget proposal and how to stick to it, document it, and submit accurate financial reporting after your sub-award. View the recording View the recording here..
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- Note: This recording is for the last sub-award round. Now funding for personnel and fringe is allowed with proper documentation (including Level of Effort - LOE).
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- Frequently Asked Questions
- Funding Guidelines and Instructions for the Budget Template
- Past Grantees - Learn more about past projects.
- Contact Us Form
Proposal Portal:
Direct Link: https://webportalapp.com/sp/poa_education_and_culture_program
The Education and Culture program is supported by funding from the U.S. Department of State and implemented by Partners of the Americas in partnership with the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs.
Travel Grants
Just one trip, the right people, and great ideas can spark enduring partnerships between communities in the Americas.
Travel is powerful: It shatters prejudices and opens individuals up to new cultures, ideas, and ways of thinking. Travel is often a means to connect the right people and ideas necessary to enact social change. This program is funded by the U.S. Department of State with implementation support by Partners of the Americas.
Each year, we award professional travel grants through our Education and Culture program to members of Partners of the Americas. The grants fund international travel for qualified members to visit other Partners of the Americas Chapters and Organizational members to work together on areas of mutual interest, supporting public diplomacy. Applicants who have not traveled and Chapters that have not had travelers are encouraged to submit an application!
In accordance with the U.S. Department of State priority areas, we fund travel grants activities that closely align with one or more of the following goals through public diplomacy:
- Civil Society Engagement
- Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA)
- Environmental Protection and Resilience
- Inclusive Economic Growth and Entrepreneurship
- Language Learning/Language Teaching
- Leadership Capacity Building
- Media Literacy/Countering Disinformation
Other travel themes (such as art) can be funded, but must be closely tied to 1 or more of the above themes. It is recommended to only pick 1-2 themes. A strong proposal is clear and concise.
Sessions and Recordings
Recordings:
Informational and Networking with Potential Travel Grant Hosts and Travelers: A Roadmap to Professional Exchange - January 2024 - Watch the recording (30 minutes) and view the slides
Goal Setting Strategies for Travel Grants: Roadmap to Professional Exchange - Watch the recording (30 minutes)
Join member Dawn Wooten and others from across the Western hemisphere for a virtual session to learn about and practice SMARTIE goal setting (Strategic, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound, Inclusive, and Equitable). This interactive experience will empower you to align your professional exchange aspirations with program objectives, fostering impactful connections and enhancing your grant application's success. Join us to master the art of goal setting and unlock unparalleled opportunities for cross-continental collaboration and professional growth.
Travel Grant Alumni Panel - Watch the recording - from February 16, 2023
Travel Grant Requirements
Travel Timeline
Open application: December 15, 2023 - February 15, 2024
Review a PDF version of the application here. All applications must be submitted using the form above.
Travel must be between:
Travel grants fund trips that include a minimum of 10 days of professional activities between:
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- July 15 - August 15, 2024
Hosts should be a Partners of the Americas Chapter and/or Organizational Member.
The exchange should be between the United States and one of the following countries:
Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Grenada, Guatemala, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Jamaica, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Saint Kits and Nevis, Saint Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago, Uruguay, and Venezuela.
Applicant Eligibility
ALL Traveler Applicants must...
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- Be a citizen of the country where they reside - it must be a country listed above
- Travel to a Partners Chapter or Organizational Member
- Have an account on PartnersConnect
- Be 18+ at the time that the application is submitted
- Have a valid passport for 6 months post-travel
- Submit the online application with all required documents, by the application deadline
- Have host approval prior to submission
- Not have received a travel grant in the past 5 years
- Not have received a U.S.-funded international exchange grant in the past 2 years
- Not be a Partners of the Americas employee
- Write a proposal in line with 1+ theme of the program. Strong proposals focus on 1-2 themes, not more.
- Civil Society Engagement
- Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA)
- Environmental Protection and Resilience
- Inclusive Economic Growth and Entrepreneurship
- Language Learning/Language Teaching
- Leadership Capacity Building
- Media Literacy/Countering Disinformation
ONLY Applicants from Latin America and the Caribbean must be...
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- Able to receive a U.S. J-1 Visa
- Learn more about the J-1 visa process at travel.state.gov
- Proficient in spoken and written English at the time of application
- Able to receive a U.S. J-1 Visa
COVID-19 Policy
All travelers participating in face-to-face activities must comply with all CDC, federal, and state/local regulations on COVID protocols. It should be remembered that the situation is fluid. Travelers should have a contingency plan in the event the exchange pivots to a virtual platform.Travelers must report any positive case to the Partners home office as soon as possible. An at home test or rapid test will suffice. For travelers concerned about obtaining a test, please consult with your host.
Language Policy
Applicants may apply in English, Spanish, or Portuguese. To ensure compliance with J-1 visa requirements for northbound participants from Latin America and the Caribbean, applicants should have the capacity to utilize English. An interview conducted in English will be incorporated as a part of the review process for candidates who present strong proposals.Resources to support you in your English Language development:
- Advice and sample questions
- Many Partners members are passionate about English education. You can ask your host or someone in their Chapter to see if they would be able to speak with you on a regular basis for practice. This could be 30 minutes/week.
Application Resources
- Contact Us using this Inquiry Form. This form can be used for sub-awards and travel grants inquiries.
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- List of Interested Hosts
- Looking for a host? Check this list to see if there is a good fit!
- SMARTIE Goals Information
- Travel Grant Guidelines (In English, Spanish, and Portuguese)
- Travel Grant Informational Session Recording (September 2023)
- Travel Grant Alumni Panel Recording (February 16, 2023)
- Travel Grant Agenda Template
- Example Exchanges:
- PDF version of the application. Applications must be submitted using the Formstack form. Applications cannot be accepted by email. If you have an accessibility accessing or completing the application, please reach out to us using the Inquiry Form.
Alumni Resources
As a recipient of an Education and Culture Travel Grant, you are an alum of a U.S.-funded exchange program. This allows you access to a variety of resources, available on alumni.state.gov. After your trip, you will be able to access this platform where you can find the following:
- Funding Opportunities
- Research Tools
- Events
- Career Center
- Network of #ExchangeAlumni from around the world.
The Education and Culture program is supported by funding from the U.S. Department of State and implemented by Partners of the Americas in partnership with the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs.
Past Programs
Buenos Aires Youth Leaders Virtual Exchange Program
The Buenos Aires Provincial Youth Leaders Program (BAYL) brought together 22 youth and three mentors (adult participants) from across the province of Buenos Aires, Argentina to build understanding between the people of the United States and Argentina, increase leadership skills, and prepare youth to be positive agents of change through service.
The program engaged youth in an international exchange to learn about new cultures, build understanding among their peers, and participate in community service. Additionally, the program provided new experiences and resources to program participants so that they can build on new knowledge gained through the exchange and utilize the talents and energy of youth in their home communities. Throughout the program, youth served as ambassadors of their own country and learned to become more active and engaged global citizens.
Goals:
- Promote mutual understanding between the people of the U.S. and the people of Argentina;
- Prepare youth leaders to become successful professionals and responsible citizens contributing to their communities;
- Equip participants with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to lead change by influencing peers and to be actively engaged in addressing issues of concern in their schools and communities upon their return home; and
- Foster relationships among youth from different ethnic, racial, religious, and national groups and create hemispheric networks of youth leaders, both within Argentina and internationally.
Program Design:
The program began weekly virtual exchange activities, which focused on program themes. These themes included civic education, social impact through enterprise, and youth leadership. Activities incorporated reflection, discussion, and action planning through the virtual exchange component to activate and energize participants to contribute to their communities.
After actively engaging online to learn core skills, participants met their peers at an in-person camp to further create memories and build a sustainable network. Over three nights and four days, the in-person camp experience concluded the program with recreational activities, team-building exercises, an opportunity to reflect on the impact of the program, and a celebration of everyone’s achievements.
Upon returning home from the in-person camp experience, the youth implemented a community project with support from their peers, BAYL mentor, and program staff. Additionally, they received guidance on how to remain connected to the virtual exchange community they are a part of.
Check out the 2022 Buenos Aires Youth Leaders finalists here.
The Buenos Aires Provincial Youth Leaders program is sponsored by the U.S. Department of State and implemented by Partners of the Americas in partnership with the U.S. Embassy of Buenos Aires.
25Youth15+Collaborators50+Hours of youth leadership trainingMeta Engineer for the Week
Inspiring the next generation of STEM enthusiasts!
Partners of the Americas was pleased to partner with Meta to bring and increase the Engineer For The Week program’s reach and impact to the Americas.
Engineer For The Week Vision
We believe in a world where all learners have equitable access and opportunity to build their futures.
Engineer For The Week Mission
Meta’s Engineer for the Week demystified engineering for learners historically underrepresented in STEM and inspired them to use technology for social impact.
About the Program
From 2018-2023, EFTW engaged over 2,000 facilitators who have reached 47,000 learners in 50 US states, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico as well as in 25 countries.
In March 2022, the program was localized to Spanish and expanded to Latin America.
To bring Engineer For The Week to student learners across the Americas, Partners of the Americas recruited facilitators to spend approximately 15-20 hours with 10-20 student learners to help guide and implement one of three project types: Chatbox for Change, Play for Impact, and Products with Purpose.
When we refer to “facilitators,” we referred to anyone who plays a role in their communities serving today’s youth. These can be teachers, volunteers, college-aged students, and those who identify as youth development practitioners.
As a special bonus, the first 200 facilitators to sign up and complete the program received a stipend of between 800-870 USD.*
Program Implementation Process
Questions? Check out our Frequently Asked Questions!
Informational Webinars - July 2022
Please send any questions to [email protected].