Applications Open for PALCUS 2026 Heritage Portugal Program
A two-week immersion strengthening identity, culture, and community for Portuguese-American youth
PALCUS (Portuguese-American Leadership Council of the United States) has announced that applications are now officially open for the 2026 Heritage Portugal Program, a unique two-week cultural immersion designed for Portuguese-Americans between the ages of 18 and 35. Taking place from May 18 to May 30, 2026, the program offers far more than travel—it is an intentional journey into history, culture, and belonging.
PALCUS emphasizes that Heritage Portugal is not a vacation, but a carefully curated experience created to deepen participants’ connection to their Portuguese roots through sustained engagement with culture, education, and community life. Each day is thoughtfully planned, combining visits to significant cultural sites with conversations with leaders in Portuguese heritage, innovation, and civic life, while fostering lasting bonds among participants.
One of the most striking aspects of the program is its accessibility. Participants are responsible for only a $500 non-refundable deposit, which covers their participation. Included in the program at no additional cost are round-trip airfare from Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) to Portugal, all lodging, meals, and group activities during scheduled program events. Participants are responsible only for personal expenses, meals during free time, and travel to and from Newark prior to the group departure.
According to PALCUS, the goal of Heritage Portugal is not simply exposure, but transformation: to strengthen participants’ sense of identity, encourage a deeper understanding of Portuguese culture and history, and inspire future leadership and engagement within Portuguese-American communities. The program is especially geared toward young adults seeking meaningful personal and professional growth while connecting with peers who share a common heritage.
Applications must be submitted by Friday, January 31, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. PT. Interested candidates are encouraged to apply early and to learn more about the program by visiting palcus.org/pages/heritage.
For many young Portuguese-Americans, Heritage Portugal represents a rare opportunity: not only to walk the landscapes of their ancestors, but to situate themselves within a living, evolving cultural continuum—one rooted in memory, community, and the promise of future leadership.
From Press Release
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