Young leaders from Latin America and the Caribbean have a big chance to shine on the world stage. The Ilia Calderón Scholarship 2026 offers full funding for selected people to attend the One Young World Summit in Cape Town, South Africa. This program supports those who are already making real changes in their communities through projects in areas like business, advocacy, education, or the environment.
About the Ilia Calderón Scholarship 2026
The Ilia Calderón Scholarship comes from a partnership with the Jang Calderón Family Foundation. It helps young people who show strong leadership and create real results in their areas. This is the 2026 version, building on past years from 2021 to 2025.
People chosen for the Ilia Calderón Scholarship 2026 will join thousands of others at the One Young World Summit. There, they can share their work, learn from top leaders, make new connections, and grow their skills. The event runs from November 3 to 6, 2026, and focuses on solving big problems like climate change and health.
What is the One Young World Summit?
The One Young World Summit brings together young leaders from almost every country. It acts as a place for talks on leadership, new ideas, and teamwork on global issues. Attendees take part in speeches, workshops, panels, and group projects.
At the summit, you meet people from government, business, media, tech, human rights, and more. This setup helps build skills and partnerships that last. For those from Latin America and the Caribbean, it is a key way to share local solutions with the world.
Benefits of the Ilia Calderón Scholarship 2026
This scholarship pays for everything you need to attend. Here is what winners get:
Full Access to the Summit
You join all events in Cape Town during the summit dates.
Hotel Stay
A private room from check-in on November 2, 2026, to check-out on November 7, 2026.
Travel Costs
Economy flights to and from Cape Town, plus help with getting to your home airport.
Visa Help
They cover visa fees if you need one.
Local Travel
Rides between the hotel, airport, and summit spot.
Meals
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner during the summit.
Language Support
English-to-Spanish translation at main sessions, welcome events, and the close.
These perks let you focus on learning and connecting without money worries.
Who Can Apply for the Ilia Calderón Scholarship 2026?
You need to fit certain rules to apply.
Age Limits
Be 18 to 30 years old by summit time. People over 30 can apply if they have outstanding work. Those under 18 cannot join.
Eligible Countries
You must be from one of these places:
Latin America:
- Argentina
- Bolivia
- Brazil
- Chile
- Colombia
- Ecuador
- Paraguay
- Peru
- Uruguay
- Venezuela
Central America:
- Costa Rica
- El Salvador
- Guatemala
- Honduras
- Mexico
- Nicaragua
- Panama
Caribbean:
- Antigua and Barbuda
- 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
Selection Criteria
Judges look at these points:
- Leadership Proof: Show you lead projects or motivate others for good.
- Community Results: Prove your work helps people in your area.
- New Ideas: Stand out with fresh ways to fix problems.
- Drive for Change: Commit to tackling big issues at home or worldwide.
- Your Reasons: Explain why the summit fits your goals.
Strong answers in these areas boost your chances.
Why Apply for the Ilia Calderón Scholarship 2026
This goes beyond a free trip. It builds your network, skills, and reach. You get to show your project to global leaders, team up across cultures, and gain respect in your field.
Past winners scaled up their efforts after attending. For anyone working in social projects, tech, or green action, this opens doors to partners and funds. It marks you as a top young leader.
Application Deadline
Submit by June 15, 2026. Apply early to avoid last-minute issues. Check the official One Young World site for the form and details.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Ilia Calderón Scholarship 2026?
It is a fully funded opportunity for young leaders from Latin America and the Caribbean to attend the One Young World Summit in Cape Town, supporting impactful projects in business, advocacy, education, or the environment.
Who can apply for the scholarship?
Applicants must be 18-30 years old (or older with exceptional achievements) from eligible countries in Latin America, Central America, or the Caribbean, and demonstrate strong leadership and community impact.
What benefits does the scholarship provide?
Winners get full summit access, hotel stay, economy flights, visa support, local travel, meals, and English-to-Spanish translation during key events.
When is the application deadline?
Applications are due by June 15, 2026; apply early via the official One Young World website to avoid issues.
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