Scholarship Program Details

Our project has always considered education a top priority. For several years we tried to find a suitable way to help young people to go to school. They could not afford the bus fare and other expenses needed to continue going to school after grade six. In 2004, we designed a scholarship program to assist secondary and university students with the completion of their education. We started with 25 students - today, we now have almost 100 students in our scholarship program. It may be the best program we have created, and it is certainly one of the most important. Education is the bridge out of poverty and we are doing our best to provide these young people with the tools they need to succeed in the future.

We encourage you to learn about this program and to participate as sponsors. It is not your “typical” scholarship program, because we really know these students and their families. They are “our” kids. We personally work with them and nurture their dreams throughout the year. Amy Tinoco, herself an alumna of the program, serves as manager and mentor of the program and the students. She is doing a fantastic job organizing, monitoring student progress, and expanding the program.

Students must apply for scholarships and qualify based on grades and family resources. They must pay part of their expenses themselves, and thus have a serious interest in their education and their future. It isn’t a free ride. Once part of the program, they are expected to write to their sponsors and participate in community service projects, which they plan. This year, the projects include working in a garden at the elementary school, planting fruit trees, collecting trash, maintaining the local park, and raising funds by showing movies. The students love the opportunity to give back to their community at an early age and make a visible difference in their environment.

Annual sponsorship for a secondary school student (grades 7-11) costs only $350; for a university student (usually in Managua) it is only $750. We ask you to commit to a four year term, if possible. You will have numerous opportunities to travel to Nicaragua and meet your student during this time. Please join us in this program. It’s a tangible and measured way to support development in the town, with some great rewards!