SCHOLARSHIP PROJECT

In this ongoing project, we select 12 sixth grade students each year through an application process. Potential students are recommended by their primary school’s director, and from there we choose 6 girls and 6 boys to receive a three year scholarship for 7th, 8th & 9th grade. We market year round to find groups to fund these scholarships which come to a mere $150 per year. This amount includes all tuition, books, uniform and daily meals. Sponsors will receive a yearly photo and letter from their particular student.

The beginning of this project

Our team had discovered that the Guatemalan government only provides education to its children up to a 6th grade level. Jr. High is available but at a price. At roughly $150 dollars per year, it’s almost impossible to afford. The typical Q’eqchi family makes only $25-$50 per month. Therefore, rarely does a child make it beyond 6th grade, especially a girl.

Our club started our scholarship program on our second trip in Oct. of 2007 with one student. We heard of the idea from a contact we made in Guatemala at the Coban Rotary Club. With the help of our project schools teaching staff and the resident Peace Corps worker, we identified and selected a deserving candidate.

Let me introduce you to Lydia...

Lydia		Lydia's Home

Lydia is a very bright child who aspires to one day become a doctor. Pictured above is Lydia’s home which is shared by 7 people. This is a typical home for a Q’eqchi family. Dirt floors, no electricity or running water.

I can’t express to you how grateful this family is for the opportunity of basic education. I truly believe that education is the only way to permanently change their lives.  If Lydia becomes a doctor, she will not only affect her own life, but the lives of her family and the community she will serve. Mayan’s are treated secondary and left uneducated by their own country, especially the women. Can you imagine the impact Lydia would have as a role model to the other girls in the village? 

As of this 2009, our first class of 12 scholarship students began their education. We celebrated with a banquet where we were able to meet the children and their parents. We also gave each student a backpack filled with school supplies and small gifts.
We plan to continue this event annually.

Our first full scholarship class, March of 2009

A special "Thank You" to the Student Council at Stevenson School's Carmel, CA Campus for donating the school supplies for our scholarship classes of 2009 and 2010!

If you are interested in possibly sponsoring your own child, please open and complete this form for a sponsorship application, or contact us for more details.