Scholarship Programs
Scholarship Programs
Picture a village where there are no education opportunities beyond the 6th grade. Typically only boys will make it even this far. It is rare if young girls from this village make it past the 2nd or 3rd grade. The students have no place at home to study or do their homework. When the children do leave school, at grade 6 or earlier, they begin working with their family in the fields, home, or wherever the most help is needed. In this village, adult life begins at 12.
Now imagine selecting a small group of children each year from this same village that are given the funding, support, and resources to leave their village every day to attend a private secondary school in a nearby city. Not only are these children provided with financial support to further their education, but they are given the mentorship and encouragement necessary for success. These children become young leaders in their town, and a source of inspiration for their family and peers.
That is just a snapshot of the change that the University of Dreams Foundation has helped to effect in the village of Vuelta Grande, Guatemala. Beginning in October of 2007, the Foundation began an initiative to further the education and development of young leaders. This scholarship program not only funds tuition for the recipients for all three years of secondary school, but also covers their uniforms, shoes, supplies, materials, class trips, transportation to and from school, and any other educational needs that arise. The UOD Foundation is in close partnership with a local organization called La Union, which serves as a type of "case worker" for these children, keeping up with their progress and needs and providing extra attention around exams.
The first class of scholarship recipients was made up of 5 boys chosen through an interview process, along with teacher recommendations and consideration of academic performance. Students and parents were asked about the children's ambitions, aspirations, and how they envisioned their future both with and without the continuation of their education. Ultimately, the students chosen were ones who showed the most potential in terms of their academic and leadership qualities, as well as their willingness to serve their community.
Not only has the UOD Foundation adopted these students, but also their families, donating clothes and other basic necessities. One huge initiative was to create a study space for each scholarship recipient. By building additional bedrooms in each home, the children now have a place at home to complete daily homework assignments and get a good night's sleep.
The results have been beyond what anyone could have expected, in only one year. All five boys successfully passed onto the next grade, serving as role models for future classes and symbols of hope and progress for their families and neighbors. Their confidence and self-esteem is a noticeable contrast to the shy and hesitant nature exhibited by all of them when they first ventured out of the village for school one year ago. One student in particular, Luis Tunche, excelled as the top student and leader of the group, proving just how much progress these children can achieve when provided with the proper support and encouragement.
The future of this project can be described as hopeful and ambitious. In 2008, three more young boys were awarded scholarships, which is in addition to the continued support for the original five recipients. The UOD Foundation has also promised scholarships to two girls for 2010, provided that they complete this current school year successfully. This would be a ground-breaking event for a community that has never seen a female study past the 6th grade. It is University of Dreams Foundation's goal to be perpetually supporting 12 -15 students a year spaced throughout the three grade levels of secondary school. Provided the current scholarship recipients continue to develop as successful students and community leaders, the hope is to also support them through the next level of schooling, which is more vocationally focused. This would be the equivalent of reaching college, something rarely achieved by members of Vuelta Grande.
It is imperative that the Foundation continue to find ways to support the youth of this village financially, as well as through direct outreach on its volunteer trips.