We plan to admit a cohort of between 20-25 high school student leaders from across the United States.

Our financial aid will be entirely need-based. The application form includes questions that request the student to explain the context of their need-based financial aid application and then to upload their parents’ 2021 income tax statement.

For this pioneer cohort only, we can consider seniors who have just graduated by summer 2023.

We take the safety and security of our participants and our team very seriously so we have taken significant steps towards ensuring this. First, we visited all the sites and accommodations the participants and our team will visit and reside in. Second, we will have a local counterpart in all of the islands we will visit: Manila, Dumaguete and Cagayan de Oro. Our staff and these partners together, we will have a ratio of about 3-4 students for each staff member. Finally, we will require parents and students to participate in a mandatory pre-trip orientation to ensure norms, expectations, communications and operational details related to the trip will be discussed and implemented accordingly.

Yes. April 22, April 29, May 5, and May 13. All online sessions will be 60-90 minutes per session. We are currently finalizing a time that would work best for our participants across all US time zones.

The program fee covers (1) four online sessions of 90 minutes each taught by top-notch faculty in identity exploration, Filipino history and culture, FilAm history and leadership, (2) food, accommodations and transportation within the localities visited including airport transfers, i.e. bus or van, throughout the 15 day Philippine immersive experience (3) all costs related to visits to important historical and heritage sites and museums like entrance fees, as well as engagement with young people and significant leaders and organizations and (4) dedicated and competent team who will take good care of the participants.

For more information, email info@philippinelivingheritage.org.

(1) International travel to and from the United States and Manila, (2) domestic airfare from Manila to Dumaguete to Cagayan de Oro and back to Manila, (3) health insurance for the entire 15 days while in the Philippines, (4) incidentals such as vitamins and medicines, (5) immigration related costs as well as (6) any costs outside of the July 1-15 immersive experience are NOT covered by the program fee.

Building community is an integral goal and outcome of our programs. Success in this endeavor will necessitate the joint efforts from our team and our participants. We intend to build an ecosystem that will transcend the program experience and that will build a lifelong bond of support, friendship and mentorship. A few weeks after the trip, we intend to gather all participants together to debrief and discuss next steps. We are also hoping to put together alumni-specific programs and mentorship opportunities for all cohorts. We want our program graduates to remain engaged, supportive and thriving, including for example organizing/co-organizing their own reunions and recurring gatherings post their experience and helping us shape future programs. Long-term, we hope to build a Philippine Living Heritage network with our participants, their families, heritage workers, advocates and supporters globally. After all, our heritage belongs to all of us, and its future is in the hands of our young people.