Written by: Jennifer Grace, Silver & Gold Area Team, National Council Communications Committee Member
Behind every FLEX, CBYX, and YES Abroad student is a network of volunteers and federally-backed workers who help ensure these powerful, impactful programs exist. The pool of Sponsored Programs students is shared across multiple exchange programs. AFS strives to be the leading organization for these students who compete and work very hard to earn the distinction of being a Sponsored Program AFS student.
AFS’s Sponsored Programs Advisory Group (SPAG) provides input and guidance to the Sponsored Programs Department, promotes Sponsored Programs priorities within the AFS community, and serves as a resource to the volunteer network to help ensure compliance and strengthen the AFS staff and volunteer partnership. Co-chaired by Gabriela Islas and Sylvia Pertzborn, the group brings together staff and volunteers from across the country to strengthen advocacy, training, and communication around these programs. Here’s a closer look at what Sponsored Programs are, why the advisory group exists, and its goals, achievements, and ongoing efforts to support AFS this year.
Watch a short video about this advisory group here.
Please note: This video contains AI-generated visuals and/or audio.
What Are Sponsored Programs?
Sponsored Programs are AFS-USA exchange opportunities connected to the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) — programs like FLEX and CBYX for hosted students, and outbound opportunities for CBYX for sending students. They’ve become an integral part of AFS-USA, serving as a model of best practices across all programs: by prioritizing ongoing volunteer education, SPAG has helped create a model where every student, regardless of program, engages in a minimum of 25 hours of community service.
For hosted students, that means empowering host families and volunteers with a clear understanding of the unique requirements and potential of ECA program students. For sending students, it means keeping opportunities like CBYX front and center — and proactively recruiting sending-focused volunteers and CBYX and YES alumni who can speak to the experience firsthand.
Why Does AFS Need a Sponsored Programs Advisory Group?
ECA-sponsored programs come with their own funding sources, requirements, and federal partners — which means they need their own dedicated advocates within AFS. That’s SPAG’s job: connecting AFS-USA staff and the volunteer network so Sponsored Programs get the attention, understanding, and advocacy they need to thrive. In practice, that looks like:
- Mobilizing advocacy: Building the infrastructure that lets the AFS community advocate for continued ECA funding.
- Advising staff directly: Consulting with Sponsored Programs staff on matters of significance, and sharing opportunities with the broader AFS community.
- Championing shared success: Recognizing FLEX and CBYX as mutually beneficial partnerships with AFS Flagship programs, and building understanding of Sponsored Programs in line with AFS’s mission.
The group includes both AFS-USA staff and volunteers, with volunteer representation based on experience, interest, and skills — and Sponsored Program alumni or their parents are included whenever possible. SPAG is accountable to the Sponsored Programs Department.
Goals for the Year: Deepening Expertise, Driving Advocacy
This year, SPAG is focused on three key priorities:
- Deepening Volunteer Expertise: Continuing training about ECA programs and how the Sponsored Programs Department implements them, so volunteers feel confident and informed.
- Reimagining Annual Training Events: Rethinking the format and content of the group’s signature training events to better serve volunteers.
- Driving Program Awareness and Advocacy: Building support for the continued funding of ECA Programs across the AFS community.
Achievements from Last Year: Listening to Volunteers
SPAG spent last year turning volunteer feedback into real change:
- Revamped the ECA Workshop: Incorporated direct volunteer feedback to improve the format and content of the training.
- Updated the SP Up Close Training Module: Refreshed the module into a more concise, interactive format that makes it easier for volunteers to learn the essentials of Sponsored Programs.
- Grew the Advisory Group: Two new members joined SPAG.
The ECA Workshop Revamp: A Game-Changer
The biggest shift came straight from volunteers themselves. The workshop was streamlined from four days to three without losing focus on the training volunteers need, partner presentations were standardized, and small-group networking dinners were introduced to make sure every volunteer feels welcomed and valued. “We listened closely to what volunteers told us about the workshop, and every change we made — from the shorter schedule to the networking dinners — came directly from their feedback,” said Gabriela Islas, SPAG Chair.
Looking Ahead: Staying Optimistic Through Change
SPAG is navigating funding challenges for ECA programs, but the group’s outlook remains optimistic. “We are dedicated to ensuring these transformative programs not only endure but evolve to meet the needs of a new generation of global citizens,” the group shared.
Tackling Challenges: Bridging the Knowledge Gap
Sponsored Programs come with real complexity — different grants, different requirements — and closing that knowledge gap is SPAG’s biggest ongoing challenge. “Our biggest opportunity is bridging the knowledge gap. We’re committed to simplifying the requirements of different grant programs so every volunteer feels confident and informed when promoting ECA programs,” said Sylvia Pertzborn, SPAG Co-Chair.
Join the Sponsored Programs Advisory Group: Opportunities for Volunteers
SPAG is actively looking for new volunteers — enthusiastic, open-minded communicators with a passion for intercultural learning.
Members serve a three-year term, meet by phone conference at least once a month, and stay in regular email correspondence between calls, with additional or emergency meetings as needed. It’s a seat with real influence: member feedback is what reshaped the ECA Workshop and refreshed SP Up Close training this past year, and the group’s work is regularly shared with cluster coordinators and volunteers in leadership positions across AFS.
If you are a registered volunteer, have experience working with Sponsored Programs in your Area Team, have completed the ‘SP Up Close’ training, and want to share new ideas to help the Sponsored Programs Department grow, SPAG would love to meet you.