Ilia Calderón Scholarship 2026 | Fully Funded One Young World Summit in South Africa

Applications are now open for the Ilia Calderón Scholarship 2026, a fully funded opportunity for outstanding young leaders from Latin America and the Caribbean. The scholarship allows selected participants to attend the prestigious One Young World Summit 2026 in Cape Town, South Africa, where they will connect with global leaders, innovators, policymakers, and changemakers from around the world.

The scholarship is funded by the Jang Calderón Family Foundation in partnership with One Young World and aims to support young individuals who are leading social impact initiatives and creating positive change within their communities.

About the Ilia Calderón Scholarship

Named after award-winning journalist and news anchor Ilia Calderón, this scholarship recognizes emerging leaders who demonstrate courage, innovation, and commitment to addressing social challenges.

Selected scholars will join thousands of delegates from over 190 countries at the One Young World Summit, gaining access to leadership training, networking opportunities, and global discussions on the most pressing issues facing the world today.

Scholarship Details

• Host Organization: One Young World
• Supported By: Jang Calderón Family Foundation
• Summit Location: Cape Town, South Africa
• Program Type: Leadership Summit
• Scholarship Coverage: Fully Funded
• Eligible Regions: Latin America and the Caribbean
• Age Requirement: 18–30 Years
• Application Deadline: 15 June 2026

Financial Benefits

The Ilia Calderón Scholarship 2026 covers all major expenses, including:

• Full participation in the One Young World Summit 2026
• Round-trip economy class airfare to South Africa
• Hotel accommodation in a private room
• Daily meals during the summit
• Ground transportation between accommodation and summit venue
• Airport transfers
• Visa application fee support (if required)
• Access to networking events and leadership sessions
• Translation services for selected sessions (English–Spanish)

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

Age Requirement

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

Nationality

• Be a citizen of an eligible country in Latin America or the Caribbean.

Leadership Experience

• Demonstrate strong leadership skills and potential.

Social Impact

• Be actively working on a social, educational, environmental, or community-based initiative.

Commitment to Change

• Show dedication to solving local or global challenges and creating measurable impact.

Selection Criteria

Applications will be evaluated based on:

• Leadership achievements
• Innovation and creativity
• Impact of community initiatives
• Commitment to long-term social change
• Ability to contribute to discussions at the One Young World Summit

Why Apply for the Ilia Calderón Scholarship?

The scholarship provides much more than financial support. Scholars will have the opportunity to:

• Meet world leaders, entrepreneurs, and activists
• Build an international professional network
• Share their ideas on a global stage
• Learn from internationally recognized speakers
• Develop leadership and communication skills
• Represent their communities at a prestigious global event

Required Documents

Applicants may need to provide:

• Online application form
• Personal details and background information
• Leadership and volunteer experience
• Description of social impact project
• Motivation statement
• Supporting documents (if requested)

How to Apply for the Ilia Calderón Scholarship 2026?

Interested candidates must submit an online application through the official One Young World scholarship portal. Applicants should carefully explain their leadership journey, community impact, and future goals.

Since the scholarship is highly competitive, candidates are encouraged to highlight measurable achievements and demonstrate how their work contributes to positive social change.

Application Deadline

The last date to apply for the Ilia Calderón Scholarship 2026 is 15 June 2026.

Final Thoughts

The Ilia Calderón Scholarship 2026 is an incredible fully funded opportunity for young leaders from Latin America and the Caribbean to attend the One Young World Summit in South Africa. Through international exposure, leadership development, and networking opportunities, scholars can amplify their impact and contribute to meaningful change on a global scale.

If you are passionate about leadership and social impact, don’t miss this opportunity. Submit your application before 15 June 2026 and take your leadership journey to the next level.