About the Isla Mujeres Scholarship Program
The Isla Mujeres Scholarship Program began in 2005 with a handful of high schools students and 6 sponsors. We paired Isla visitors with specific students and both sides benefitted from this personal connection. It has become a great cross-cultural exchange, with everyone enriched by the relationships that are formed.
As high school students graduated, some really wanted to go on to study at University, so it became necessary to form teams of sponsors in order to meet the increased tuition and school expenses for these students.
Sponsorships begin at $30 per month. Most sponsors are currently donating between $30 and $100/monthly. We also welcome one-time donations to keep our general fund solvent, or it can be directed to a particular student if desired. High school students receive a minimum of $75 per month, based on their financial needs and family situation. University students receive about $400 per month based on their circumstance and where they attend. At this time, the average cost to put a student through a 4 yr college is $25,000 total.
We ask that sponsors commit to one year minimum, and if for any reason they must leave the program, to give as much notice as possible. In return, we ask two things from the students – maintain a minimum C+ to B- GPA (most are much higher!) and communicate with their sponsors monthly. It has become a special treat for students and their families to meet their sponsors and share a meal when the sponsors visit Isla. If needed, Maggie can join to help translate and break the ice when she is on Isla (between Nov and April).
Jana Everett Epperson is the financial administrator, banker, and helps recruit sponsors. She keeps track of all funds and keeps it all separated by student. Jana communicates with students and team captains regarding the balance of their student’s account or if the team is sending extra money for any reason. Jana lives in Texas and has been visiting the island since 1998. She considers all of the students as her kids.
Maggie Washa is the people person. She keeps track of the list of students and their sponsors on a google spreadsheet, communicates with students and sponsors to help communicate needs and answer sponsor questions. She helps with translation when she is on the island and coordinates meetings between students and their sponsors. She also recruits new sponsors when needed. Maggie owns a home on Isla and spends much of the year there.
Jackie Conlon is a "Jack of all trades" for the program. From webmaster, recruiter, communications, super sponsor. Jackie assists with anything she can to help Maggie and Jana with some of the scholarship program duties. Jackie lives on Isla part time and is involved in many of the community programs like supporting Orphanage Casa Hogar in Rancho Viejo, Isla Mujeres Helmets for Children, Ruben's Restaurant's Three Kings Day children's gift giving event and many more. For Jackie the scholarship program is another way to "pay it forward" to the island and the people she loves.
As high school students graduated, some really wanted to go on to study at University, so it became necessary to form teams of sponsors in order to meet the increased tuition and school expenses for these students.
Sponsorships begin at $30 per month. Most sponsors are currently donating between $30 and $100/monthly. We also welcome one-time donations to keep our general fund solvent, or it can be directed to a particular student if desired. High school students receive a minimum of $75 per month, based on their financial needs and family situation. University students receive about $400 per month based on their circumstance and where they attend. At this time, the average cost to put a student through a 4 yr college is $25,000 total.
We ask that sponsors commit to one year minimum, and if for any reason they must leave the program, to give as much notice as possible. In return, we ask two things from the students – maintain a minimum C+ to B- GPA (most are much higher!) and communicate with their sponsors monthly. It has become a special treat for students and their families to meet their sponsors and share a meal when the sponsors visit Isla. If needed, Maggie can join to help translate and break the ice when she is on Isla (between Nov and April).
Jana Everett Epperson is the financial administrator, banker, and helps recruit sponsors. She keeps track of all funds and keeps it all separated by student. Jana communicates with students and team captains regarding the balance of their student’s account or if the team is sending extra money for any reason. Jana lives in Texas and has been visiting the island since 1998. She considers all of the students as her kids.
Maggie Washa is the people person. She keeps track of the list of students and their sponsors on a google spreadsheet, communicates with students and sponsors to help communicate needs and answer sponsor questions. She helps with translation when she is on the island and coordinates meetings between students and their sponsors. She also recruits new sponsors when needed. Maggie owns a home on Isla and spends much of the year there.
Jackie Conlon is a "Jack of all trades" for the program. From webmaster, recruiter, communications, super sponsor. Jackie assists with anything she can to help Maggie and Jana with some of the scholarship program duties. Jackie lives on Isla part time and is involved in many of the community programs like supporting Orphanage Casa Hogar in Rancho Viejo, Isla Mujeres Helmets for Children, Ruben's Restaurant's Three Kings Day children's gift giving event and many more. For Jackie the scholarship program is another way to "pay it forward" to the island and the people she loves.
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