Ilia Calderón Scholarship: Your Path to the One Young World Summit 2026

Ilia Calderón Scholarship: Your Path to the One Young World Summit 2026

The Ilia Calderón Scholarship offers a unique opportunity for young leaders from Latin America and the Caribbean to attend the prestigious One Young World Summit in Cape Town, South Africa. This fully-funded scholarship aims to support individuals aged 18 to 30 who are actively involved in impactful initiatives within their communities. If you are a young changemaker looking to connect with global leaders and gain new perspectives, this scholarship could be your next step.

Understanding the Ilia Calderón Scholarship

Building on its success in previous years, the Ilia Calderón Scholarship is once again partnering with the Jang Calderón Family Foundation and One Young World. The goal is to identify and support two promising young leaders who are driving positive change. The scholarship covers all essential costs for attending the One Young World Summit 2026, making it an accessible opportunity for those who might otherwise face financial barriers.

What the Scholarship Covers

Participants selected for the Ilia Calderón Scholarship will receive a comprehensive package designed to ensure a smooth and enriching experience at the Summit. This includes:

• Summit Access: Full participation in the One Young World Summit 2026, held in Cape Town, South Africa, from November 3rd to 6th, 2026.
• Accommodation: Private hotel room in Cape Town from November 2nd to November 7th, 2026.
• Travel: Economy class airfare to and from Cape Town, including domestic travel to the international departure airport.
• Visa Support: Coverage of visa application fees, if required.
• Local Transport: Transportation between the accommodation and the Summit venue.
• Meals: All meals, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner, provided by the hotel and during the Summit.
• Translation Services: English to Spanish translation for plenary sessions, the welcome event, and the closing event.

Who Can Apply: Eligibility Criteria

To be considered for the Ilia Calderón Scholarship, candidates must meet specific age and nationality requirements, as well as demonstrate certain leadership qualities.

Age and Nationality Requirements

• Age: Applicants must be between 18 and 30 years old at the time of the Summit (November 3-6, 2026).
• Eligible Nationalities: Citizens of the following countries are eligible:
• Central America: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama.
• Caribbean: Antigua and Barbuda, The Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Cuba, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Grenada, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago.
• South America: Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Ecuador, Colombia, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay, Venezuela.

Candidate Evaluation Criteria

Beyond the basic requirements, applicants will be assessed based on their potential and demonstrated commitment to making a difference. Key evaluation points include:

• Community Impact: Evidence of commitment and potential benefits for their communities or territories.
• Initiative Relevance: The importance and impact of the initiatives they lead or participate in.
• Leadership Capacity: A proven ability to lead and inspire others.
• Issue Addressing: How well their work addresses significant local and/or global issues.
• Innovation and Track Record: A history of generating impactful and innovative ideas.
• Motivation: A clear desire and motivation to participate in the One Young World Summit.

How to Apply

Interested candidates can submit their applications through the official One Young World portal. The deadline for applications is June 15, 2026. It is recommended to prepare your application materials in advance, ensuring you clearly articulate your achievements and aspirations.

For detailed application instructions and to access the application form, please visit the Ilia Calderón Scholarship page on the One Young World website.

Conclusion

The Ilia Calderón Scholarship presents a significant opportunity for young leaders in Latin America and the Caribbean to gain international exposure, develop their skills, and connect with a global network of change-makers. By covering all expenses, it removes financial barriers, allowing passion and potential to take center stage. If you meet the criteria and are dedicated to creating positive change, this scholarship could be a transformative experience.