14 to 17 Years Old: Youth Volunteer Program - ProJov

The ProJov program was created in 2018 to provide young people ages 14 to 17 with opportunities to take initiative, apply their knowledge, and connect with the Brazilian community.

Through the program, participants collaborate on projects, support cultural and educational activities both inside and outside the classroom, and help organize initiatives such as the ABRACE library and community events. More than just a volunteer program, ProJov is a space for connection, friendship, and belonging.

Here, young people socialize, exchange experiences, and discover that they can make a difference in their community. Over time, they develop leadership skills, create their own initiatives, and accumulate community service hours recognized by American schools.

How can I join this initiative?

Step 1 – Complete the enrollment forms (both forms must be completed).

Step 2 – Participate in an interview with a member of the ABRACE team.

Step 3 – Pay the registration fee.

By completing the form, the family commits to paying the program fee. However, the young person's participation in the program is not contingent upon payment of the registration fee. If the family has any difficulty meeting this financial commitment, please contact the program director at abracebrasil@gmail.com.

Within seven days, the family will receive an invoice at the email address provided on the form. Payment must be made online by credit or debit card. The system is completely secure, does not store personal information, and immediately sends a payment receipt to the same email address.

Please Note:

If the email containing the invoice is not received within seven (7) days, please check whether messages from ABRACE have been automatically moved to the trash or spam folder. If you still cannot find the invoice, please notify the accounting assistant immediately at abracebilling@gmail.com.

HIGHLIGHTS

In 2023, ProJov received the Portuguese Program of the Year award from the American Association of Portuguese Teachers. ProJov is internationally recognized as a model for engaging teenage audiences.

In the spring 2026 semester, we had 29 young people actively involved in the ABRACE mission.

Below are some examples of youth-led initiatives:

ABRACE Library: Young volunteers are responsible for running the library every other week, organizing the collection in the common room, managing book checkouts and returns, and leading storytelling sessions.

Ler é Bom Demais (Reading Is Great!): Young volunteers lead this Portuguese-language reading encouragement program, taking care of all aspects of its operation and encouraging children to develop the habit of reading and a love of books.

Globamigos: A letter exchange between ABRACE students and students at a language school in Brazil. The program broadens horizons, provides opportunities to practice writing in Portuguese, and creates meaningful connections between young people who live in different cultural contexts but share the same language.

Ser ou Não Ser (To Be or Not to Be): A series of conversations with professionals from a variety of fields. The goal is to introduce young people to different career paths, experiences, and perspectives on education and career choices, highlighting how bilingualism and multiculturalism can be important advantages for our young people's futures.

ProJov Conta: Created during the COVID-19 pandemic, this series featured our young volunteers recording storytelling videos so that children could continue connecting with the Portuguese language at home. This project reinforces youth leadership and a commitment to reading.

ProJov Brinca: Young volunteers organize recreational activities during recess and on special occasions. These activities help build friendships, promote interaction among students from different classes, and play an essential role in creating meaningful memories through the Portuguese language.

MORE INFORMATION

July 20–31 – Enrollment open to students and young people returning from the previous semester.

August 1–26 – Enrollment open to the general public (spaces are filled in the order in which registrations are received).