If you’re a young grassroots leader, activist, or social innovator, you already know that finding the resources to match your ambition can feel like an uphill battle.For young Afro-descendant leaders across Latin America and the Caribbean who are driving real change in their home communities, an absolute game-changer of an opportunity has just landed.
In a partnership, the Jang Calderón Family Foundation and the Ilia Calderón Scholarship have officially opened applications for 2026. This prestigious initiative is on a mission to elevate exceptional Afro-descendant changemakers tackling tough social, economic, or environmental challenges. Two selected scholars will receive an all-expenses-paid ticket to the One Young World Summit 2026 in Cape Town, South Africa, from November 3 to November 6, 2026.
What is the One Young World Summit?
It is the world’s premier forum for young leaders, bringing together the brightest minds from over 190 countries. In Cape Town, you won’t just be sitting in the audience. You will be in the room collaborating directly with global CEOs, Nobel Peace Prize laureates, and prominent world leaders. The summit acts as a massive accelerator for social impact, offering a space to network with global peers, share your local innovations, and tap into elite mentorship that can help scale your community project into a massive movement.
What the Scholarship Covers
Money should never stand in the way of groundbreaking leadership. Because this is a fully funded opportunity, the scholarship ensures you can focus entirely on growing your network and soaking in the experience without worrying about the bill.
The comprehensive financial package covers everything:
- Summit Access: Full entry to all One Young World Summit 2026 panels, workshops, and high-level networking events in Cape Town.
- Travel & Transport: Your round-trip economy flights to South Africa are fully covered, along with seamless ground transit between the airport and your accommodation, and daily transport to and from the venue.
- Lodging & Meals: You will get a private hotel room in Cape Town (checking in on November 2 and out on November 7) along with full catering (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) for the duration of the summit.
- Logistics Support: The scholarship even covers your visa application fees where applicable, making the travel process as smooth as possible.
- Accessibility Services: Language won’t be a barrier to your success. The program provides live translation services from English to Spanish during all plenary sessions and major ceremonies.
Who is Eligible to Apply?
To secure one of the two highly competitive slots, you need to meet a specific set of criteria designed to find the region’s most dedicated, action-oriented leaders:
1. Age Demographics
Applicants are generally between 18 and 30 years old at the time of the summit. However, the committee values real-world impact over rigid rules. If you are slightly over 30 but can demonstrate an exceptional, proven track record of community transformation, you are still highly encouraged to apply.
2. Regional Nationality
You must be a citizen and resident of an eligible nation within Latin America or the Caribbean. This includes, but is not limited to, countries like Colombia, Venezuela, Mexico, the Dominican Republic, Haiti, and Jamaica.
3. Proven Local Impact
The selection committee wants to see action, not just good intentions. You need to showcase a clear, documented history of leadership and local innovation. Your work should directly address critical issues—whether you are fighting climate change, pioneering local economic programs, or championing social justice and human rights in your territory.
How to Apply and Key Deadlines
Opportunities like this do not come around every day, and competition will be fierce.
Important Reminder: The absolute deadline to submit your online application is June 15, 2026. Because the selection process requires deep, thoughtful insights into your ongoing community work, leadership vision, and organizational impact, please do not wait until the final weekend to apply. Gathering your documentation, articulating your vision, and polishing your essays takes time. If you are ready to take your local impact to the global stage and represent the incredible spirit of Afro-descendant leadership, head over to the official One Young World application portal today. Cape Town is waiting for your story.
