Ilia Calderón Scholarship 2026: Fully Funded Opportunity for Young Leaders from Latin America and the Caribbean to Attend the One Young World Summit in South Africa

Young changemakers across Latin America and the Caribbean now have an incredible opportunity to gain international recognition, connect with world leaders, and amplify the impact of their initiatives through the prestigious One Young World Ilia Calderón Scholarship 2026.

Launched in partnership with the Jang Calderón Family Foundation, this fully funded scholarship is designed to empower exceptional young leaders who are creating innovative and measurable impact in their communities. The scholarship will support selected participants to attend the globally recognized One Young World Summit 2026, scheduled to take place in Cape Town, South Africa, from 3–6 November 2026.

This opportunity is specifically aimed at young leaders from Latin America and the Caribbean who are tackling pressing local and global challenges through entrepreneurship, advocacy, social innovation, education, environmental action, technology, community development, or other impactful initiatives.

About the Ilia Calderón Scholarship 2026

The Ilia Calderón Scholarship has become one of the most impactful opportunities for emerging leaders in the Latin American and Caribbean region. Following successful editions in 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025, the scholarship returns in 2026 with renewed commitment to supporting youth leadership and innovation.

The scholarship seeks to identify young individuals who are not only passionate about social change but who have also demonstrated leadership through concrete action and impactful projects.

Selected scholars will join thousands of delegates, policymakers, entrepreneurs, activists, and global leaders at the One Young World Summit, one of the world’s most influential gatherings for young leaders.

The summit offers participants a unique platform to:

• Share their ideas and initiatives on a global stage
• Learn from internationally recognized leaders
• Build long-term collaborations and partnerships
• Expand their leadership skills
• Gain exposure to innovative solutions from around the world
• Connect with fellow changemakers tackling similar issues

What is the One Young World Summit?

The One Young World Summit 2026 is an international gathering that brings together talented young leaders from nearly every country in the world.

The summit serves as a hub for:

• Leadership development
• Policy discussions
• Social innovation
• Global networking
• Sustainable development solutions
• Youth-driven impact initiatives

Participants engage in keynote sessions, workshops, panel discussions, networking opportunities, and collaborative projects focused on solving major global challenges.

By attending the summit, scholars gain direct access to influential leaders from sectors such as:

• Government
• Business
• Civil society
• Media
• Technology
• Human rights
• Climate action
• Public health

Benefits of the Ilia Calderón Scholarship 2026

The scholarship is fully funded and covers all major expenses related to attending the summit in South Africa.

Selected participants will receive:

1. Full Access to the One Young World Summit 2026

Scholars will participate in all official summit activities in Cape Town.

2. Hotel Accommodation

Recipients will receive hotel accommodation in a private room from:

• Check-in: 2 November 2026
• Check-out: 7 November 2026

3. International Travel Coverage

The scholarship will cover:

• Economy-class round-trip flights to Cape Town
• Domestic transport costs to the international airport

4. Visa Support

Visa costs will be covered where applicable.

5. Local Transportation

Transport between the summit venue and accommodation will be provided.

6. Meals and Catering

The scholarship includes:

• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
  during the summit period.

7. Translation Services

English-to-Spanish translation services will be available during:

• Plenary sessions
• Welcome events
• Closing ceremonies

Eligibility Criteria for the Ilia Calderón Scholarship 2026

To qualify for the scholarship, applicants must meet specific eligibility requirements.

Age Requirement

Applicants must:

• Be between 18 and 30 years old at the time of the summit.

However, applicants older than 30 may still be considered if they demonstrate exceptional impact, leadership, and engagement.

Applicants younger than 18 at the time of the summit are not eligible.

Eligible Countries

Applicants must be nationals of one of the following countries:

Latin America

• Argentina
• Bolivia
• Brazil
• Chile
• Colombia
• Ecuador
• Paraguay
• Peru
• Uruguay
• Venezuela

Central America

• Costa Rica
• El Salvador
• Guatemala
• Honduras
• Mexico
• Nicaragua
• Panama

Caribbean Nations

• 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

Applicants will be evaluated based on several important factors, including:

Demonstrated Leadership

Candidates should have a proven ability to lead initiatives or inspire positive change.

Community Impact

Applicants must demonstrate meaningful contributions to their communities or regions.

Innovation and Creativity

Strong preference will be given to candidates developing innovative and impactful solutions.

Commitment to Social Change

Successful candidates are expected to show dedication to addressing key local or global challenges.

Motivation and Vision

Applicants should clearly explain why attending the One Young World Summit is important for their leadership journey and future goals.

Why You Should Apply

The Ilia Calderón Scholarship is more than just a travel opportunity. It is a transformational leadership experience that can significantly expand a young leader’s influence, network, and impact.

Here are some reasons why this scholarship stands out:

• Fully funded international opportunity
• Access to a global leadership network
• Exposure to world-renowned speakers and mentors
• Opportunity to showcase your initiative globally
• Leadership and professional growth
• International recognition and credibility
• Cross-cultural collaboration opportunities

For young people already driving change in their communities, this scholarship can serve as a major catalyst for scaling their work and increasing their visibility internationally.

Application Deadline

The application deadline for the Ilia Calderón Scholarship 2026 is:

15 June 2026

Interested applicants are strongly encouraged to apply early and ensure all required information is submitted before the deadline.

APPLY HERE

Final Thoughts

The Ilia Calderón Scholarship 2026 represents an outstanding opportunity for young leaders from Latin America and the Caribbean to gain global exposure and become part of a worldwide community of changemakers.

If you are already creating impact in your community through innovation, advocacy, entrepreneurship, education, sustainability, or social action, this fully funded scholarship could be the next major step in your leadership journey.

With international networking opportunities, leadership development, and full sponsorship to attend one of the world’s most prestigious youth summits, the scholarship offers an unparalleled platform for emerging leaders to amplify their voices and scale their impact globally.

For more information about this opportunity, visit here.

Discover more Global Scholarship Opportunities on OFY here.